Oman

Muscat, the capital city of Oman lays in the middle of a maze of brown pleated mountains reaching down to the Arabian Sea. Described as "Arabia's jewel”, this city is a blend of the old and the new.

Muscat defies being classified as part of a desert country, as its roads are lined with well-manicured green lawns and trees. The city has steadfastly retained its old-world character. Old Muscat has a quaint charm about it with many forts, castles, mosques and towers doting the landscape. Of particular note are Jalali and Mirani forts flanking Al Alam Palace. The Corniche, with its promenade and souqs (markets) is one of the highlights of the city.

Greater Muscat boasts high-rise business properties, world-class highways, upscale suburbs rooted in traditional Islamic architecture, elegant mosques, large green parks, archaeological sites, museums and world-class hotels.

Understanding the Geography

The Sultanate of Oman is a country in the southwestern part of Asia, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea in the south and east, and the Gulf of Oman in the northeast. The country also has an exclave in the United Arab Emirates.

A vast desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north (Jebel Akhdar) and southeast coast, where the country's main cities are also located.

Oman is considered to be one of the fifteen states that make up the so-called "Cradle of Humanity".

The peninsula of Musandam, which has a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz, is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates and is thus an exclave.

Oman has one other exclave, this time inside UAE territory, known as Wadi-e-Madhah. It is located halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the rest of Oman The exclave is on the Dubai-Hatta road in the Emirate of Sharjah. Belonging to Musandam governorate, it covers approximately 75 square kilometres (29 sq mi). The boundary was settled in 1969. The north-east corner of Madha is closest to the Khorfakkan-Fujairah road, barely 10 metres (30 ft) away. Within the exclave is an UAE enclave called Nahwa, belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah. It is about 8 kilometres (5 mi) on a dirt track west of the town of New Madha. It consists of about 40 houses with its own clinic and telephone exchange

The Cities of Oman

• Muscat
• Falaj al Qabail
• Ibra
• Nizwa
• Salalah
• Sohar

Climate Conditions

Oman's climate is hot and dry in the interior and humid along the coast. During past millennia Oman was covered by ocean. Fossilized shells exist in great numbers in areas of the desert up to 50 miles from the modern coastline.

Understanding the Culture

The usual rules of respect when travelling in a Muslim country should be followed in Oman, even when locals appear to be a little less "uptight" than their neighbours.

Arabic is the most common language, however most Oman’s will speak good to excellent English, particularly in major tourist areas. In the southern Dhofar region, Swahili is sometimes spoken, and the historical presence of Indian traders has meant that Hindi is understood in urban areas. An English-speaking traveller should have no difficulties seeing most of the country unless he or she really travels "off the beaten track".

Be aware, however, that in some situations an enthusiastic willingness to use English does not always equate to communicating accurately. Even in five-star hotels, there will probably be moments where what is being said does not match reality.

Things to See and Do

With 1700 Km of coastline, and clean, unpolluted waters, Oman is one of the best-kept secrets in the diving world. There are a number of dive agents who will arrange trips to the numerous coral reefs surrounding the Sultanate. The diving available in Oman provides adventure and enjoyment with dramatic wall drop-offs to scenic coral lined fjords, ranging in depth from 6–40 meters.

Dolphins are popular in Oman's coastal water and whales are occasionally seen. Fahal Island is a good site to spot Dolphins in hundreds roaming around or following the tuna. Spinner, Common and some Bottlenose dolphins are the main types. Orcas playing round the island have been reported as well as whales.