- 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).
- 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- Government decides who can or cannot be a Journalist and permission can be withdrawn at any time.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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Best Time to Visit: November - March
- Coolest Months: October - April
- Hottest Months: May - September
- Peak Season: October - March
- 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.
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.