Oman Travel Guide

Full Name

Sultanate of Oman

Former Name

Muscat and Oman

Capital City

Muscat

Government Type

monarchy

Area Size

The total land area is around 309,500 Km2 and it is the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula.

Time Zone

GMT +4 hours

Climate

The hottest months are June through August. The summer monsoon just touches the southern coast of Dhofar during these months bringing regular light rain to Salalah and reducing the average daytime highs to 30° C. The most pleasant months to visit Oman are mid October through March when daytime temperatures fall into the lower 30s and below. Rainfall varies but in general remains sparse and irregular. In the south most of the year's rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon months. In the north the opposite occurs. Here most rain comes from occasional winter storms which descend out of the eastern Mediterranean during the months of January through March, depositing an annual average of 10 cm of rain on the capital area.

Geography

The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula and is located between Latitudes 16° 40' and 26° 20' North and Longitudes 51° 50' and 59° 40' East. The coastline extends 1,700 Km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south and overlooks three seas: the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Musandam Peninsula forms the country's northern tip, and is separated from the rest of the Sultanate by United Arab Emirates' eastern coast and includes the only coast the Sultanate has on the Arabian Gulf. Musandam is just over 50 Km (30 miles) south of the Islamic Republic of Iran across the Strait of Hormuz.

Languages

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Culture

Oman is noted for traditional craftsmanship in such areas as shipbuilding and metalworking. Omani craftspeople produce fine silver jewelry as well as handsome ornamental daggers called khanjars, which are part of the well-dressed Omani male’s wardrobe. Traditional architecture reflects Persian and Indian influences. While there is a strong tradition of popular literature and dance, the conservative Ibadi interpretation of Islam has limited musical expression. As in other Muslim countries, the two most important festivals, called Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, mark the end of Ramadan (the month of fasting) and the conclusion of the hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) on the Islamic calendar. National Day, November 18, celebrates the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The Oman Museum in Masqat has a display of Omani arts, crafts, and architecture. Also in Masqat are the Natural History Museum and, in an old fort, the sultan’s Armed Forces Museum.

History

Oman has been Islamic since the 7th century. In about 1507, the city of Muscat and its hinterland came under Portuguese control. The Portuguese maintained their control until 1650 when the Omanis revolted and extended their influence as far south as the island of Zanzibar, off the African coast. The country was under Persian control for a short time (1741-1749) and then in 1798, a treaty of friendship was signed with Great Britain though Oman retained its independence. From 1932 to 1970 Oman was controlled by Sultan Said bin Taimur, a reclusive and repressive ruler whose policies finally resulted in revolt in Dhofar in 1965. In 1970 his son, the British-educated Qaboos bin Said overthrew him and embarked upon an ambitious modernization programme. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Travel Information

Europe has good air access to Oman, with flights available on most larger carriers between Oman and European capitals and other major cities. There's a departure tax of around US$8. Entering or leaving by land means travelling between Oman and the UAE as the border with Yemen is not open to travellers. There's a daily bus service between Muscat and Dubai.

Accommodation

Oman has the full spectrum of accommodation, from ultra-luxurious hotels to extremely rustic huts in the desert constructed from date palm leaves.In recent years, Oman has been attempting to turn itself into something of a five-star destination for well-heeled travellers. This does not pose a problem to the budget-minded in Muscat, and even outside of the capital there is still a range of budget options. In some parts of the country, however, accommodation may be limited to higher-end hotels and resorts.

Visa Requirements

Single entry visit visa has been introduced by combining the tourist visa, business visa and short visit visa which now cease to exist.This visa is issued to two groups of nationals: 1st Group: Upon arrival at all land, sea and air terminals whether individually or as part of a group, regardless of their sex or age. - Fee: OMR 6 or its equivalent in other currencies and it's valid for one month. -It is issued upon arrival in all land, sea and air entry points after filling and presenting the visa application form. You can also obtain this type of visa once they apply to Oman diplomatic missions and commercial representation offices. 2nd Group: Visa is issued to them upon arrival in Oman through air entry points only either individually or as part of a group. They should have purchased a complete tourist package from specific tourist companies in their countries which are approved by Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The package to include the accommodation and the air ticket using a national airline i.e. Oman Air or Gulf Air. These visas are granted regardless of sex or age. - Fee: OMR 6 or its equivalent in other currencies and it's valid for one month. -This visa is issued on arrival in Oman through air entry points only after filling the visa application form.

Getting Around

Oman Air has daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, and regular services to Sur, Khasab, Dibba and Massirah Island. Intercity buses serve most main provincial towns daily. Renting a car in the sultanate is easy but not cheap. You're more likely to take advantage of Oman's extraordinarily comprehensive system of service taxis and microbuses. Drivers will depart when they have a few passengers, expecting to pick up and drop off other passengers along the way; it's a very cheap way to get around providing you're in no particular hurry. You can also take a taxi or microbus 'engaged' (ie privately) by paying for all of the seats in it. Only Muscat has a local bus system. Muscat Airport is 40km (25 mi) west of the city. There are car rental agencies at the airport and taxis and buses are available.

Health & Safety

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving within six days from infected areas. Typhoid may occur in rural areas. Other Risks are Hepatitis A and B, leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis all occur. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. All water outside the capital area should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is available and is advised throughout Oman. Food bought in the main supermarkets can be regarded as safe. Outside the capital area, milk may be unpasteurised and if so, should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. lad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Oman has an extensive public health service, with around 46 hospitals, 86 health centres and 65 preventative health centres. Treatment varies according to the location. Hospital emergency treatment is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash for services, and costs can be high for foreigners. Health insurance is essential. Although the incidence of crime is low in Oman, travelers to Oman should take normal precautions. Travelers should also protect personal property from theft. In particular, valuables and currency should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms. Common sense and caution are the best crime prevention. While violent crime is relatively rare in Oman, it does occur.

National Holidays

Fixed dates: 1 Jan (New Year’s Day) 20 Jan (Muharram/Islamic New Year) 31 Mar (Mouloud/Birth of the Prophet) 10/11 Aug (Leilat al-Meiraj/Ascension of the Prophet) 13 Oct (Eid al-Fitr/End of Ramadan) 18 Nov (National Day and birthday of HM Sultan Qaboos) 20 Dec (Eid al-Adha/Feast of the Sacrifice)

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Electricity

240V G

Working Hours

Government office hours are 7.30/8.00am-2.00pm Saturday through Wednesday. Thursday: 7.30/8.00am-1.00pm. Business hours are 8.00am-1.00pm and 4.00pm-7.00/7.30pm, except Friday evening. Bank opening hours are 8.00am-noon Saturday to Wednesday and 8.00am-11.00am Thursday.

Emergency Numbers

ambulance/fire/police 999