Oman Flag
Why visit Oman?
For the affluent international traveler seeking to enjoy ancient ruins, bazaars, beaches, camel treks, culture, desert sand dunes, mosques, mountains, old forts, oases, scuba diving, and stream valleys.
Muscat Harbor, Oman. Photo Credit: bhart9070/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, brass goods, copper, daggers, frankincense, pottery, silver jewelry, and weavings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Albadhinajan Mae Tawarikh (cake). Dates. Halwah (dessert). Machboos (rice dish). Sakhana (soup).
- Local Drink to Try: Khawa (flavored coffee). Laban (salty buttermilk).
Fun Facts
- Coastline boat builders craft small fishing boats by hand.
- Has a (Nizwa) giant Arabic coffee urn sculpture surrounded by silver lined cups roadside.
- Kingfish is a popular ingredient.
- Arabian Oryx Sanctuary is the first site ever to be deleted from UNESCO's World Heritage List.
- Home to rare variety of mountain goat (Arabian tahr).
- Government decides who can or cannot be a Journalist and permission can be withdrawn at any time.
- Traditional sports are bullfighting, camel racing, falconry, horse racing, and sail (dhow) racing.
- Hosts tennis tournaments annually.
- Central desert area has been an important source of meteorites for scientific analysis.
- One of the world's main producers of hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree (frankincense).
- Oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world.
- Government declared 40 days of National Mourning upon the death of Qaboos bin Said Al Said (November 18, 1940 - January 10, 2020), Founder of House of Al Said.
- Bait Al- Zubair Museum (Muscat) is privately and family-funded.
- On formal occasions a black or beige cloak (bisht) covers the dishdasha.
- Police Officers legally shoot stray dogs in effort to control the population.
- Criticism of the government is prohibitive.
- The waist dagger (khanjar) symbolizes a man's courage, manhood, and origin.
- Tea is a common hospitality drink.
- Search warrants are not required to enter properties.
- Of the nine main newspapers four are in English.
Riyam Incense Burner, Muscat, Oman. Photo Credit: Hans Schwarzkopf/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Masqat Festival, (March)
Sultan Camel Race Cup, (April) Sinbad Classic,
(July) Khareef Festival, Salalah Tourism Festival, (August) Khareef Festival, (December) Cultural Theater Program, - Holidays: New Year, Isra and Mi'raj, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, Prophet Birthday, and National Day.
Royal Opera House Muscat, Muscat, Oman. Photo Credit: Sharon Ang/Pixabay
- Relatively an untouched country.
- Workweek is Saturday - Wednesday.
- Near extinction do not buy rhino horn goods.
- Lunch is their main meal of the day.
- Hand gestures can lead to personal defamation charges.
- Men typically wear a simple, ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves (dishdasha).
- Requires proof of adequate funds and onward or return ticket.
- Has no emergency ambulance service.
- Interior tends to be hot and dry.
- Coastline is usually humid.
- Drinking is permitted in bars, homes, hotels, and some restaurants.
- Non-Muslim visitors can bring two bottles of alcohol from a duty-free shop.
- Dusty conditions will aggravate respiratory problems.
- Homosexuality is illegal and subject to 6 months to 3 years in prison.
- Vulgar language can lead to personal defamation charges.
- Traffic laws are strictly enforced and hold hefty penalties, a $1200 fine and/or 1 year in jail for running a red light.
- Do not wear halter-tops, sleeveless shirts, or shorts.
- Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
- Traffic cameras extensively monitor speeding and stop light infractions.
- Sunscreen and a hat are recommended for sun protection.
- From December - March severe storms occur.
- In the event of an automobile accident do not move your vehicle until advised by local police.
- Failure to maintain a clean car is a violation.
- U.S. bills printed before 2006 are not usually accepted.
- Insure rental cars against death, injury, and loss or damage.
- Southern region is subject to the Monsoon Season (May - September).
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $20,000USD.
Subject to flash flooding, heavy fog, high temperatures, humidity, and monsoons.
- Best Time to Visit: November - March
- Coolest Months: October - April
- Hottest Months: May - September
- Peak Season: October - March
Khor Najd, Khasab, Oman. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman, Ancient City of Qalhat, Archaeological Sites of Bat Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn, Bahla Fort, and Land of Frankincense.
Nizwa, Oman. Photo Credit: Sharon Ang/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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