GENERAL INFORMATION

Location: Situated on the eastern edge of the Arabian peninsula,the Sultanate of Oman is bordered by the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west, and the Republic of Yemen to the south. The United Arab Emirate lies on the north west, and to the east lies the Arabia sea and the Gulf of Oman.The land area is 309,500 sq. kms.

Capital: Muscat (population over 400,000)

Language:Arabic is the officail language, but English is widely spoken German and French are spoken by hotel staff.  

Religion: Islam

Currency: Rial Omani = US 2.58 (RO 0.387 = US 1)

Local Time: GMT +4 hrs.

Climate: Summer is between April to September and the weather is hot and humid. Winter begins around October and continues till April and the weather is cool and pleasant. Also there is Al Khareef season in Dhofar Governorate Salalah which is characterised by its lovely climate and incessant rains throughout the year. This season usually starts from 15 July up to end September.

Population: 2,018,074.

Credit Cards: Credit Cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diner’s Club are available through global network branches and accepted in shoppping areas.  

Electricity: 220 Volts

National Day: 18th and 19th November

Road Services: Well maintained highways link every major city in Oman. The Sultanate is connected with UAE by highways. Information relating to car rental facilities (International driving license required). Bus tours, 4X4 trips and sea voyages can be arranged at Travel Agencies, Tourist Information Centres and Tourist Guides.

Air Services: International & Local: Muscat is just 6 hours away from the major European Cities. And 7 hours away from East towns. Most major airlines serve Muscat. Oman Air maintains regular flight connection to the major towns in Oman.

Shopping: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm. You can enjoy shopping in old markets like Souq Althalan in Muttrah or old souqs in the wilayats of the Sultanate like Nizwa and Sinaw souqs where silver crafts, handicrafts, gifts and local products are available. Muscat has also an active businness and commercial centres in Ruwi and Qurum for modern shopping.

How do you wander easily: There are many travel agencies and tourists guides who can organize trips in towns and visits to the historical sites as well as different activities such as travelling to wadis by specially equipped vehicles.

These agencies provide cars for rent, arganize trips by buses for tourist groups and conduct evening and night journeys to different areas.

GUIDANCE INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS AND VISITORS

Beaches:

a. Collecting sea-shells molluscas, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is prohibited.

b. It is allowed to fish by fishing rod only. Using spears for fishing is prohibited.

c. In the Dhofar Governorate, it is allowed to fish in the area between Al Mughsail and Taqa only.

Wild Life:

It is prohibited to hunt or catch or disturb wild animals, reptiles and birds.

Boats:

It is advised to use boats equipped with safely features and sailing means such as:

     a. rescue jackets, manual distinguishes, relief equipment.

     b. availabilit of drinking water and food.

     c. adherence to the limited number of persons in the boat.

Travel:

Before visiting the desert and wadis, it is advisable to read the safety booklets available in Book  shops, Kiosks and petrol filling stations.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Driving cars is allowed for those who have international driving licenses and for those who have driving licenses issued from GCC Countries.

2.  It is prohibited to drive under the effect of alcoholic drink.

3.  It is prohibited to wander away from beaches or in the villages while wearing a sea dress.

4.  It is prohibited to wander away from beaches or in the villages while wearing a sea dress.

5. It is prohibited to take photographs of restricted areas.

6.  It is preferable to have permission from persons while taking photos of them.

7. Adherence to the customs and traditions of Omani sociely should be observed. It is essential to wear conservative dresses when visiting Suqs, villages, residential areas and the different areas of the sultanate.

8. While approaching rural population, it is preferable to have permission and not be driving fast in the areas. and wearing conservative dresses suitable with Omani customs and traditions.