The Sultanate of Oman

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.

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.

Heritage

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.

Water Activities

With 3,165 km of coastline and clean, unpolluted waters, Oman is one of the best kept secrets in the diving world.

Diving experience in OmanDiving in Oman provides adventure and enjoyment with dramatic wall drop-offs and scenic coral lined fjords, ranging in depth from 6-40 m. Oman enjoys good sea conditions with an average visibility of 20-30 m. Diving is relatively easy. During winter months, the sea temperature drops to 20-25 C° and a 5 mm wetsuit may be necessary. In summer, as the sea temperature rises, a 3 mm wetsuit will suffice. Night dives are popular and divers are often astonished by the amount of phosphorescence found in Oman's night-time waters.

There are several superb dive sites around the Capital Area, including Fahal Island, the Damaniyyat Islands and Cemetery Bay.

Corals of OmanWhatever the choice of site, underwater life is abundant; a variety of intact hard and soft corals and a spectacular range of fish can be seen. The trip to the site is often rewarded by the sight of dolphins.

A number of diving agents operate in the Sultanate, and can arrange trips to the numerous diving sites along the shores of the Sultanate.

Land Activities

Rock climbing
Rock climbing enthusiasts of all levels will find plenty to keep them busy throughout Oman, with its towering mountains, steep cliffs and rugged paths, all overlooking breathtaking natural scenery.

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.