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Oman General
Information
Fact Sheet
Middle East, southeastern tip of Arabian
Peninsula.
Area
309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles).
Population
3.2 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density
10.3 per sq km.
Capital
Muscat. Population: 620,000 (census 2003).
Government
Sultanate since 1744.
The Sultanate of Oman occupies the eastern edge
of the Arabian Peninsula with almost 1,700km
(1,062 miles) of coastline stretching along the
Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. It is
bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the
west and the Republic of Yemen to the south. The
United Arab Emirates lies to the northwest of
Oman and to the east lies the Arabian Sea and
the Gulf of Oman.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is
widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by Omani
descendents from East Africa. German and French
are spoken by some hotel staff while Urdu,
Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog are widely spoken by
Oman’s large expatriate workforce.
Religion
Predominantly Muslim, including Shi’ite Muslim,
Sunni Muslim and facilities for the worship of
other religions.
Time
GMT + 4.
Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A
small gift, either promoting your company or
country, is well received. As far as dress is
concerned, it is important that women dress
modestly beyond the hotel grounds, ie long
skirts or dresses (below the knee) with covered
shoulders; men should wear trousers and shirts
with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be
restricted to hotel restaurants to avoid giving
offence although this is not strictly followed
by some Westerners. Shorts should not be worn in
public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere
except the beach. Collecting seashells, abalone,
corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also
prohibited. Dumping litter is forbidden. It is
polite not to smoke in public, but generally
no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate.
Homosexual behaviour is illegal.
Photography: Visitors should ask
permission before attempting to photograph
people or their property. ‘No Photography’ signs
exist in certain places and must be observed.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Head of State
Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id since 1970.
Recent History
The current Sultan and his partially publicly
elected government have been responsible for
overseeing the country’s dramatic modernisation
programme. When he came to power in 1970, Sultan
Qaboos inherited a country that boasted only
10km of sealed road, two American-run missionary
hospitals and no secondary schools. Today, good
roads link nearly every town in the country,
every region has modern healthcare facilities,
and all Omani citizens are given free primary
and secondary education. Oman has gained an
international reputation for being a peaceful,
settled nation, loyal to Arab neighbours whilst
maintaining close, friendly ties with Western
countries, particularly the UK.
Shopping Hours:
Shopping establishments are open from 9am to 1
pm and 4pm to 9 pm. Department stores,
supermarkets and shopping complexes are open
throughout the day during Ramadân from 9am to 10
pm, with a short lunch break all through the
week, except Fridays. These timings could vary
with different shops.
A brief history of Oman
Oman’s unique story reveals examples of
great moral strength, courage, heroism, maritime
skills, scholarship and hard work that have
together moulded the Sultanate into its present
form. By drawing our attention to the noble
efforts of distinguished Omanis, historians have
provided us with a deeper understanding of the
great wealth of human experience that is at the
foundation of modern Oman.
 Wall inscriptions inside a cave in DhufarAn
understanding of Oman’s place at the heart of
the Middle East and its relationship with
neighbouring countries is central to
understanding the international position of Oman
today as well as its internal dynamics.
Oman occupies the far south-eastern corner of
the Arabian Peninsula, its geographical
boundaries clearly defined by nature from
earliest times.
The earliest Stone Age settlement discovered in
Oman is in the Wattaya district and dates back
more than 10,000 years.
Babylon and Assyria were among the first empires
to control the Asian land trade from the Arabian
Gulf to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean.
Later the Persian Empire expanded to gain
influence over a vast area and control the
region’s trade.
The rule of the Imams in Oman began in the
eighth century C.E. Ibn Masoud was elected as
the The old renowned Port of Sur in glorious
daysfirst imam in 751 and his reign lasted for
four centuries until 1154. The Oman of the Imams
was in the Nabhan period between the thirteenth
and fifteenth centuries AD; attempts to revive
the Imamate in Oman were renewed in the
fifteenth century but these attempts failed.
Between 1498 to 1507, after Portugal had
occupied the trading ports of East Africa along
with Aden, the Portuguese stranglehold, which
lasted for more than a century and a half, was
to fail because of Oman’s spirited resistance
and the election of Imam Nasir bin Murshid to
the Imamate in 1624 AD.
The Portuguese possessions in India suffered
tremendously from the Omani strikes. Portuguese
and Omanis engaged in bloody battles for the
control of East Africa, until the entire East
African shore from Mombassa to Kilwa fell under
Omani control. In 1698 AD the Omanis conquered
Mombassa and then entered Pemba, Zanzibar and
Patta, Mozambique was the only country that
resisted the Omani Arab fleet, and it stayed
under Portuguese control until the twentieth
centuryOman history is the gateway to its
Modernity.
Despite repeated attempts from 1737-1744 AD, the
Persian invasions were not to achieve their
objective of subduing Oman because of the
valiant resistance put up by the Omanis. Oman’s
heroic resistance staved off the Persian
invasion in that period and their ultimate
victory is owing to the leadership of Ahmed bin
Said Al-Busaidi who succeeded in ousting the
Persians from Oman and was elected Imam in 1744
AD,
In 1970 His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the
Crowning Glory of Oman, inaugurated the
renaissance and modern age of Oman
Geography of Oman
Oman is a country situated in Southwest Asia,
bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and
Persian Gulf, between Yemen and United Arab
Emirates (UAE).
 The
Sultanate of Oman occupies the south-eastern tip
of the Arabian Peninsula and lies between
latitudes 16° 40' and 26° 20' north, and
longitudes 51° 50' and 59° 40' east.
The total area is approximately 309,500 km2 and
it is the third largest country in the Arabian
Peninsula.
Oman’s coastline extends 3,165 km from the
Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of
the Republic of Yemen in the south and shares
its coast with three seas: the Arabian Gulf, the
Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It also
comprises a number of islands off the coast,
among them the islands of Masirah, Halanyat and
Salama.
The Sultanate borders the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in
the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the
southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and
the Arabian Sea in the east. The Musandam
Peninsula forms the country's northern tip. It
is the only coast the Sultanate has on the
Arabian Gulf and is just over 50 km south of the
Islamic Republic of Iran across the Strait of
Hormuz.
Regions
The Sultanate of Oman is administratively
divided into four Governorates and five Regions:
| Governorates |
Regions |
|
|
-
Al Batinah Region
-
Al Dakhiliyah Region
-
Al Sharqiyah Region
-
Al Dhahira Region
-
Al Wusta Region
|
Each Governorate/Region is formed of Wilayats (totalling
61) which are further divided into Niyabats.
Additionally, each Region has one or more
Regional Centres totalling 12 overall.
Culture & Heritages
Culture
If you are someone who has an understanding and appreciation of history, arts,
architecture and the structure of traditional societies and government, Oman is
the place for you. You can experience Oman's sense of timelessness in the
ancient interior city of Nizwa, the towns along the coast, the Capital itself
and the southern city of Salalah. All are steeped in history and tradition.
The
mosque of Asma'a Bint Abi-BakrThe Sultanate enjoys an unspoiled culture and
traditional lifestyle in almost every aspect. Even in its modernity, Oman is
distinctly Arab and offers the visitor a glimpse of many unique old-world
wonders.
 The Omani culture has its roots firmly in the Islamic religion. Oman developed
its own particular form of Islam, called Ibadhism, after its founder, Abdullah
ibn Ibadh who lived during the 7th century AD. Not all Omanis are Ibadhis
however; there are also Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Omanis are not only tolerant of
the beliefs of different Muslim sects, they are also tolerant towards believers
of other faiths, who are allowed to practise their religion in churches and
temples.
Muslims are required to pray five times each day after the call to prayer by the
Imam. Beautiful, ornate mosques are found throughout the Sultanate, but they are
not open to non-Muslim visitors. The holy month of Ramadhan is a time of fasting
and prayer. For around 29 to 30 days each Islamic year, Muslims refrain from
smoking, eating and drinking during the hours of fasting (from sunrise to
sunset). Ramadhan advances 10 to 11 days each year as it is governed by the
lunar calendar. Out of respect, non-Muslim residents and visitors to the
Sultanate are expected to observe the same principles in public.
Heritages
The legacy that has been passed from generation to generation, the art, the
culture, the folklore and the craftsmanship have to be seen.An ancient
sea-faring manuscript But there is much more in the heart of Oman to explore:
the sense of respect for time, for people, and for nature. Come and sample a
part of Oman's rich heritage, kept alive and unchanged for generations. It may
help you understand tomorrow a little better.
For its size, Oman boasts an unprecedented number of UNESCO-classified World
Heritage Sites including Bat-with its tombs dating back 3,000 years, the Fort of
Bahla, and the fascinating Frankincense Route which commences from Dhofar and
includes Al-Blaid, site of the ancient city of Zafar, Khawr Rawri, Shisr and
Wadi Dukah.
Oman's heritage features a great sea-faring tradition, as one would expect from
a country with 3,165 km of coastline.
Many museums and galleries around the secluded and historic harbours of Muscat
and Muttrah illuminate the importance of the sea and, indeed, of water
generally, throughout Oman's 5,000 year-old history.
Dress Code for Visitors:
The dress code is fairly liberal in Muscat, although decency is still expected.
Women should wear, for example, tops with sleeves, and skirts covering the knees
or trousers. Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Swimwear
should be restricted to the beach or pools.
Handicrafts
Traditional Omani handicrafts were on the brink of extinction a few years ago
but they have made a dramatic comeback with the encouragement from the Ministry
of Culture and Heritage to preserve these skills. Traditionally handicrafts were
practiced and passed on through generations over thousands of years.
To start with, the ubiquitous palm tree has provided more than dates for the
natives- its leaves are used to make 'mukhraf'(a bag for collecting dates),
baskets and intricately designed shoulder bags called 'murbah'.
The 'mansul' is a traditional cloak made from black goats hair and embroidered
on the outside.
 Silver
jewellery has always been an important part of the traditional Omani attire.
Necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, anklets, ear pendants, bangles and hair
decorations are typical examples of this craft as well as the famous Khanjar
(curved dagger), the national symbol of Oman. Nizwa is famous for the silver
souq where you can find decorative jewellery and Khanjars.
Bahla is known as the centre for pottery where you can still find potters at
their wheels throwing clay pots, jugs, urns, incense burners, and decorative
items which are then fired in kilns. Styles consist of simple decoration with
simple glazed designs or etching on the surface.
In the desert you will find colourful camel girth straps woven by the Bedouin
women of Wahiba. These colourful straps sometimes incorporate intricate
geometric patterns and are woven from camel, goat and sheep wool as well as
(nowadays) imported fibres.
Wood carving is also popular in the coastal areas. One of the most obvious
examples of these are the elaborate wooden doors of almost any domicile. The
craft also lends itself to the design of chests, shelves, and miniature
reproductions of dhows.
Where to buy
Abu Quais Decoration and trading Co
Location: Qurum 16,near Madinat Qaboos
Tel: 699956
Fax: 602404
Timings: Sat - Wed: 9am to 1pm, 4pm - 7pm,Thur: 9am - 01pm
Silver bracelets, napkin rings, art exhibitions by local artists, Omani
handicrafts
Ajmal International Establishment
Locations:
Muscat: Al Harthy Complex, Qurm, Al Araimi Complex, Al Zakher Shopping Mall, Al
Sahu Building, GO SM Seeb
Salalah: Marhoon Building, Salam Street, and Wadi Dhofar Club
Tel: 7031047 / 788664,
Fax: 787096
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9am - 1pm, 4.30pm -10.30m, Fri evenings only
Perfumes, natural fragrances, Oudh, attars, perfume bottles, frankincense.
Capital Commercial Centre (CCC) Souq
Location: Qurum Tel: 563672
Fax: 564938
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9am -1.30pm, 4pm - 11pm,Fri evenings only
Handicrafts only
Government Handicrafts outlet
Location: Ruwi Business district, near Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Timings: Sat-Wed: 7.30 am - 2.30 pm
Traditional and modern Omani weaving, pottery and handicrafts
National Trading Co LLC
Location: Al InshirahStreet, Madinat Qaboos near British Council
Tel: 601066
Fax: 696676
Timings: Sat-Wed 8am - 1pm, 3.30pm - 6.30pm,Thurs 8am -1pm
Restored Arabian and Asian furniture, all styles of chests, traditional doors,
tables, Omani silver jewellery, weaponry, Omani tribal weaving, and mirrors.
Majlis Gallery (Division of National Trading)
Location: Villa 57,Street 44 Athaiba / Ghala
Tel: 501057
Fax: 501058
Timings: Sat-Thurs 9am - 8pm
Arabian and Colonial antiques, Omani chests, Silver jewellery, coffee tables,
frankincense candles
Omani Heritage Gallery
Location: Jawaharat Al Shati Shopping Complex, Shati Al Qurm
Tel: 696974
Fax: 696568
Timings: Sat-Thurs 9.30 is - 1pm, 4pm - 8pm
Non-profit company selling authentic Omani handicrafts, tribal weaving,
basketry, pottery, silver, embroidery, camel trappings, leather, frankincense,
clothing, accessories and other souvenirs.
Raj Relics
Location: Al Ghubra, Behind Bahar Soap Factory
Tel: 593131
,Fax: 593131
Timings: Sat - Thurs: 8am - 12pm, 1m - 6pm,Fri: 2pm - 6pm
Antique and reproduction furniture, artifacts, Indian and Omani chests, brass,
coppertware, Omani silver, antique doors, dining and coffee tables
Sabco Souq
Location: Qurum
Tel: 563943
Fax: 563539
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9am to 1pm, 4pm - 10pm
Handicrafts, weaving, jewellery, perfumes, frankincense. Bargaining a must for
best prices
Tamimah Gallery
Location: Muscat Old Town
Tel: 737683
Fax: 564837
Residence: 564837
By appointment only. Omani antiques, chests, weaponry, silver jewellery.
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