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SULTANATE OF OMAN OMAN HOTELS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION | TOURS(coming soon)
Useful information about Oman. Area 212,500 sq km. 82,046 sq miles Natural Resources Petroleum - Copper - Asbestos - Some marble - Limestone - Chromium - Gypsum - Natural gas Population 3,204,897 Climate Oman's climate varies from region to region. In the coastal areas it is hot and humid in summer. In the Interior it is hot and dry, with the exception of some higher locations, where it is temperate all year round. In the southern region, the climate is more benign. The country's rainfall is generally low and irregular, although heavy local rains are sometimes experienced, with the exception of the southern region, where heavy monsoon rains regularly occur between June and September. Languages Arabic, English & Swahili Religion Muslim (54%), Hindu (28%), Christian (15%), others (3%) When To Go The best time to visit Oman is between November and mid-March, when the cooler air brings the mountain scenery sharply into focus and daytime temperatures average 25°C (77°F). During this time, you can reduce your costs by sharing local tours with other visitors. For the rest of the year, much of Oman is oppressively hot and hazy, particularly between May and August. What to see Muscat: This old walled town is dominated by two well-preserved 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani. The town consists of old houses, narrow streets and three beautifully carved original gates. The Ali Mosque, the New Mosque and the Sultan's Palace are well worth visiting. Salalah is the capital of the southern region. It is a city set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, sprawled along sandy beaches that run the length of its plain. The lush vegetation makes Salalah seem almost tropical. Sur is situated in the northeastern province of Sharqiya. It is a seafaring town, a fishing village and a trading port all rolled into one. Famous for its traditional ship building, Sur started trading along the African coast as early as the 6th century. It is an old town with winding streets, carved wooden doors and old arabesque buildings. Sohar: There is a very large and functional souk (market) here full of tailors, fruit-sellers and fishermen. An imposing four-storey fort with six towers overlooks the bay. Matrah-Muscat: Archaeological excavation of the tumuli at the site of Souks Bausharios is fascinating. Nizwa is the main town in the interior province. It was the capital in the 6th and 7th centuries. The town's immense palm oasis stretches for 13km (8 miles) along the course of two wadis. It is famous for its fort and its gold and silver handicrafts. Jabrin: The 17th-century fortified palace situated here is notable for its painted wooden ceilings and the splendid view across the desert to the mountains. Bahla: This ancient town, known for its pottery, has a good souk and nearby is the picturesque village of Al Hamra. Jebel Akhdar: Literally 'The Green Mountain', noted for its picturesque terraced villages. Al Hazm: On the northern slopes of the Jebel Akhdar is the fortress of Al Hazm Fort, built in 1708, and the oasis town of Rostaq. Qurum: Encapsulates Oman's archaeology, history and culture. The National Museum has a collection of silver, jewellery, weapons and ancient stone artefacts. From here dhows cruise along the palm-fringed coast and there are excellent fishing grounds and beaches. Forts and Citadels : Forts, citadels, towers and numerous historical sites serve as magnificent reminders of the rich heritage of Oman. The remote past of Oman dates back to several thousand years when man first appeared. When he settled and looked after his land and animals, he started building forts and citadels for his protection. Most of the forts, towers and fences were built in flourishing cities and urban areas for protection against intruders and as symbols of mightiness. Forts and citadels in Oman have a unique architectural designs and artistic patterns. The following are some of the most important and largest forts and citadels of Oman. Jalali Fort : One of the two forts constructed by the Portuguese to defend the Muscat port in 1587, it was first named as Sao Joa. It is in the eastern side of the port. Merani Fort : his western fort was completed in 1586 and was originally called Fort Capitan. The building of the two forts remain virtually unchanged, though restoration works were carried out in later times. Nizwa Fort : Built by Imam Sultan Seif Al Yarubi in 1641 AD is one of the largest monuments of Oman's historical and cultural legacy. It lies in the city of Nizwa, 175 km south of Muscat. Jabrain Castle : Built in 1688 AD and situated in Bahla, not far from Niawa is the most beautiful and magnificent historical monuments of Oman. Rustaq (Hazim) Fort : Situated in Rustaq, 160 km north-west of Muscat was built in 1702 Nakhl Fort : This fort is built on a 200 ft. high mountain peak and it dates back to the pre-Islamic era. It lies in Nakhl which is 121 km from Muscat. Museums Several interesting museums are popular with Omani schools children and visitors to the Sultanate. The Omani Museum, established in 1974 at Medinat al-Alam, has been renovated and is now distinguished by a massive wooden entrance door in the Omani tradition. The surroundings have been improved and the layout of exhibits re-arranged and expanded. In Muscat the Omani-French Museum, which was the French Consul's residence in 1896 has been restored to its former glory. A museum in a completely different modern setting is the Children's Museum, Where children can learn, through 'hands on' experience, basic scientific principles. The historical fort at Sohar also contains a museum and there are plans to install exhibits in the Cultural Center in Salalah. One of the most visited museums, situated within the Ministry's complex, is the Natural History Museum. In 1995 a fossils exhibition was added as a National Day gift to the nation from PDO This museum, with its whale hall and displays of animals and birds, has an educational purpose as well as being of interest to tourists. Mention should also be made of two places appreciated by visitors but not part of the Ministry - the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum at Bait al-Falaj and the permanent Oil & Gas exhibition at Mina al-Fahal.
Joint Tourist Visa Facility with the Emirate of Dubai and Qatar Nationals set out in List A (including Australia)arriving from the Emirate of Dubai or from Qatar to Oman bearing a tourist entrance visa or a stamp from either country are not required to obtain a separate visa for Oman provided they travel directly from Dubai or from Doha to Oman. Air Transit Visa This visa is granted by the airport immigration authorities at the request of the airline it enables the holder thereof to enter the country once and for a maximum of 72 hours provided that he possesses the documents to continue his trip. The 24 Hour Air Transit Visa is free while the 72 Hour Air Transit visa is R.O. 5. Currency Omani Rial (OR) Electricity 220/240V 50HzHz Ramadan Month (The Holy Month) Ramadan lasts a full lunar month. All adult Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and tobacco and certain other pleasurable pursuits between sunrise and sunset. The start of the Ramadan month is not on fixed dates thus may be confusing as the Muslim year is lunar based, a new moon marks the start of each month. There may be some variance in the official announcement of the start of Ramadan by each Gulf state. This can be a great burden, especially in the summer, and working hours are shortened accordingly. The sighting of the new moon marks the end of Ramadan, which is the start of the two or three days Eid al-Ftr holidays and the beginning of the following month Shawwal. Some Muslims will say that Eid al-Fitr corresponds in importance for Muslims to the importance of Christmas for Christians. Even though most Arabs are happy to deal with matters of business at any time, it would be somewhat clumsy (but by no means impossible) to guide conversation to business during a Ramadan call. The extent of abstinence depends on how strict the individual Muslim considers himself to be. In addition to fasting, the good Muslim will also try to avoid all evil thoughts, actions, demands and wrong-doing, some of which can annul the fast. Non-Muslim women should dress modestly and should not wear short skirt or have bare arms as it is insensitive to wear such clothing during Ramadan. Naturally one should show consideration and not eat, drink or smoke in public or in the presence of a Muslim during daylight hours. It is a punishable offence to do so in public in some Arabic countries. Therefore most restaurants are closed during daylight hours during Ramadan. The fast serves to inculcate the virtues of endurance, tolerance and respect for fellow human being. Dress Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. Care should be taken not to offend by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Health No health certificates are required for entry to the Emirates, except for visitors who have been in a cholera or yellow fever infected area in the previous 14 days. However, it's always wise to check health recommendations before departure. International medical services are of a high standard and are readily available. |
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