Location
Oman is situated on the South Eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula . Oman borders, Saudi Arabia in the West, the United Arab Emirates in the Northeast, Yemen in the South, Strait of Hormuz in the North and Arabian Sea in the East.
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The Omanis
The Sultanate's rich culture, its historical and geological artifacts, diversified natural wonders, friendly and solid foundation of Omanis lifestyle are the sources of pride for the Omanis. They are bunch of happy people as the Sultanate of Oman has been rated by the first-ever World Map of Happiness, compiled by a UK based psychologist as the 30 th on the international scale out 178 countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe and got a highly credible number two in the Gulf Region.
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The Omani Hospitality
The Omani people are famous for their hospitality and an invitation for refreshments into a typical Omani home will mean Khawa, the Omani coffee, strong, bitter, flavoured with cardamom and served from the typical metallic jug called "dallah" in tiny cups along with dates or halwa which is popular in all parts of the Sultanate.
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Landscapes
Oman possesses a rich and diverse terrain of mountains, wadis and deserts, intermingle to form a landscape ranging from rocky deepwater fjords of Musandam, to the spectacular dunes of Sharqiya Sands (Wahiba), to the lush green hills of Dhofar region in the far south.
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Climate
The varied geography of the Sultanate has resulted in a wide variety of climatic conditions. Although, lying in the tropics, the Sultanate is subject to seasonal change. The hottest months are June through August. Whilst the most pleasant months to visit Oman are mid October through May when temperature falls into the lower 30s and below during daytime.
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Population
Approximately 2.5 million. Around 1.7 million of which are Omani Nationals. The remaining are expatriates from Asian countries, Europe and U.S.A.
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Religion
Islam, predominantly Ibadhi sect.
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Language
The official language is Arabic. English is also widely spoken.
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National Dress
Men - Dishdasha (robe), Kimah (cap), Mussaar (turban)
Women - Jallabia (dress), Sirwal (trousers), Thobe (overdress cloak), Lahaf (head shawl), Abaya (black cloak).
Women generally leave their face and hands exposed while in the desert, women of Bedouin tribes wear a mask, called 'birqa'.
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Currency
Omani Riyal (OMR). Omani Riyal is divided into 1000 Baizas and is broken into denominations of 100, 200 and 500 baizas, OMR1/-, 5/-, 10/-, 20/- AND 50/-
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Time zone
GMT + 4
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Important Information
Dress Code - Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets maybe needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Good quality sunglasses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight. The Sultanate of Oman has conservative dress traditions. Swimwear should be confined to the beach and hotel pools. Men and women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered when in public, especially in souks, shops and villages.
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Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Arab women. It is also courteous to ask permission before taking photos of men. Photographs of government buildings or military installations are not allowed.
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