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Bahrain
Egypt
Iran
Jordan
Kuwait
Syria
Oman
Qatar
Saudi
Lebanon
Yemen
UAE
Ajman
Fujairah
Dubai
Sharjah
Abu Dhabi
Oman
Area:
212,500sq km (82,000sq m)
Population:
2.5 million
Capital:
Muscat
Head
of State: His majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said
Currency:
Oman Riyal (approx RO 0.380=US$1)
Local
Time: GMT + 4hrs
Religion: Ibadi Muslim (73%), Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim, Hindu
Climate:
Summer is between April and September when the weather
is hot and humid. The winter (Oct -March) is much
cooler and pleasant.
Geography
The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country in
the Arabian Peninsula. It occupies the south eastern portion
of the peninsula with a coast line extending to 1,700km.
It is bordered to the west by Saudi Arabia and the UAE,
to the south by Yemen. The east coast meets with the Arabian
Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Oman's terrain has a varied
topography, consisting of plains, desert, mountain ranges
and wadis. Approx. 82% of Oman consists of desert. The
capital of Oman is Muscat and in the south of the Sultanate
is Salalah, the administrative capital of the Dhofar region.
Language
The official language of Oman is Arabic. Other minority
languages spoken include Farsi, Urdu and Baluchi. English
is widely understood and spoken and is commonly used in
business communities and to some extent in the government.
Whilst there is no official policy discouraging the use
of other languages in speech or print, the government
requires Arabic to be used in official correspondence
and public legal documents.
During
the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are shorter
with most offices closed in the afternoon. Friday is
the weekly official holiday. Public holidays are given
for all the major Muslim festivals; a 3-4 day holiday
is usually given for the occasion of Eid Al Fitr &
Eid Al Adha.
Visa
Requirements
Nationals of GCC countries may enter Oman without a visa.
All other foreign nationals wishing to enter the Sultanate
must obtain a visa from an Oman embassy or be sponsored
by an Omani national or business entity registered in
Oman. Tourist visas can be obtained from an Oman embassy,
with or without a sponsor, and are valid for 3 weeks.
Short visit visas are granted on arrival at Seeb International
Airport to nationals of specified counties and the visa
is valid for 14 days only (for a list of specified counties,
please check the Oman Royal police website at the address
given at the end of this section).
Employment
visas are granted at the request of a local sponsor
and are valid for staying in the country for 2 years.
They are renewable and valid for multiple entries. A
family joining visa is granted to the wife of a foreigner
who is resident in Oman and also to their children (under
28yrs). This is also valid for two years, renewable
and valid for multiple entries.
Visa
requirements are subject to change and should be checked
on the Royal Oman police website (www.rop.gov.om) under
the Passport and Residence section of the Services page.
Local
Laws & Customs
Oman is a Muslim state and Islamic customs, in public,
are strictly observed. In public, general modesty of
behavior
and dress is expected.
The
import of narcotics, alcohol and obscene material is
forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe
penalties for drug offences. Alcohol is available in
large hotels and restaurants, but only holders of
permits issued by the Royal Oman Police may by, alcohol
for their private consumption at home.
Regarding other religions, Oman is very tolerant and
there are a number of churches and temples for
worshippers of other faiths.
Driving
Licenses
An Omani driving license is obtained for the Royal Oman
Police, Traffic Department. An application for an Omani
driving license by a non Omani national must be completed
in Arabic, signed by the applicant's sponsor and accompanied
by a copy of their labour card and foreign driver's license.
An eye test is also required. Applicants whose driver's
licenses are not recognized by the ROP Traffic department
must undertake a driving test. A foreign tourist can use
his / her own country's driving license or an international
license for a period of 3 months
Useful
links for further information on Oman
www.lonelyplanet.com
A
short and concise overview of Oman for the first
time visitor.
www.cia.gov
The
CIA World Fact book provides in depth facts and figures
on all aspects of Oman.
www.omantel-www.yellowpages.com
Business
directory with an excellent 'General info on Oman'
section.
www.ameinfo.com
Middle
East Business Portal. Contains country profile of
Oman but information appears to be largely taken
from the CIA Fact book mentioned above.
www.zawya.com
Informative
Middle East Business Portal with links to country
specific news.
www.rop.gov.om
Official
site for the Royal Oman Police. Amongst many other
things, it provides essential up-to-date information
on visa , residence and driving licence issues.
www.timesofoman.com
English
language daily newspaper in Oman.
www.omanobserver.com
English
language daily newspaper in Oman.
www.omanet.com
An information packed site created by Oman's ministry of
information with multiple links to other helpful
resources.
www.hsbc.com
HSBC bank provides an excellent business oriented profile
on Oman for the traveler on expiate to be.
www.bbc.co.uk
The BBC provide good quality profiles on a range of
countries including Oman. Good general background
information on Oman with emphasis on media within the
country (television, Radio, Newspapers, Internet use).
Bahrain
