Location: The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the eastern edge
of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered on the East by the Arabian Sea and
the Gulf of Oman, to the west lies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the North-
West the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) and to the south lies the Yemen
Republic.
The Sultanate is the second largest country in the region
and covers an area of 300,000 square kilometers with a coastline stretching
for 1700 kilometers.
The Sultanate of Oman has been one of the oldest cradles of civilization in the Arabian Peninsula and its history can be traced back to about 12,000 B.C. Some light has been shed on the fact that the country was known to the Sumerians around the 3rd millennium B.C. Around this time Magan (Said to be Oman) was famous for its trade of copper and frankincence throughout the Arabian world. By the year 630 A.D, Islam was embraced in Oman. The Persians and the Portuguese also had contact with Oman during later time.
The summer months between April and september are hot and humid. Winter is cool and pleasent. The best time to visit is between October & April. Salalah in the Southern region lying on the edge of the monsoon belt greatly benefits from seasonal showers during the months of June to September and hence lush greenery abounds.
Average Temperature in Oman
(in Degree Celcius)
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Religion
Islam
Population
Approximatley 2 million
Language
Official language is Arabic. Othe languages spoken include Swahili
and
Baluchi. English is also widely spoken and along with Arabic is the common
business language.
Culture
Like all the arab countries, Arab Islamic Culture dominates the life
style
in the Sultanate. However, being an international market people of various
other nationalities are also present. See the Section on
"Heritage" for more information.
Currency
One Omani Riyal = 1000 Baizas
Notes : 100 Baiza, 200 Baiza, 250
Baiza
(1/4 Riyal), 500 Baiza (1/2 Riyal), 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Rials.
Coins:
05, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 Baizas.
Banking & Money Exchange
Most banks are open from 0800 to 1200 hours saturday to wednesday
and
0800 to 1130 on thursday and closed on fridays and holidays. Money exchangers
can be found around main shopping areas in Ruwi, Muttrah and in Salalah city
area. Major international credit cards are accepted at most major hotels,
restaurants and shopping centres in the city. Reccognised credit cards include
Diners club, Visa, American express and Master Card.
See the "Exchange Rates" under the Oman Business section.
Business / Office Hours
Most Government and ministry offices are open from 0730-1430 hrs,
satyrday
to wednesday. Most private companies and offices are open from 0800-1300
and 1600-1900 hrs. saturday to thursday. Restaurants and other eateries are
closed during morning hours during the Holly Ramzan period.
Shopping hours
Generally shopping establishments are open from 0900 to 1300 hrs and 1600-2100
hrs.
Oman has an excellent network of international grade highways and
secondary
roads linking all major cities, towns and regional capitals.
Oman
National Transport Company operates regular and scheduled bus/coach services
all around the Muscat Area to the Batinah Coast, Interior regions, Salah
and Dubai (U.A.E). Taxies are available in all the main cities and towns.
Prices are to be negotiated before getting into the taxis.
Oman Aviation Services and Oman Air link major towns and the southern capital - Salalh - with regular flights.
Local Time
GMT + 4 hours
