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Region: Middle East
Full Name: Sultanate of Oman
Capital City: Muscat
Language Spoken: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
21 00 N, 57 00 E
lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m
total: 1,374 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km
summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas
arable land: 0.12% permanent crops: 0.14% other: 99.74% (2005)
rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited natural fresh water resources
The months between May and August are particularly hot. The climate is best from September through to April. Rainfall varies according to the region. During the period June to September there is a light monsoon rain in Salalah. Required clothing Lightweights are worn throughout the year, with a warm wrap for cooler winter evenings. Light rainwear is advisable.
time difference: UTC+4
3,102,229 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 42.7% (male 675,423/female 648,963) 15-64 years: 54.7% (male 1,001,917/female 695,578) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 44,300/female 36,048) (2006 est.)
total: 19 years male: 21.7 years female: 16.5 years (2006 est.)
3.28% (2006 est.)
36.24 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
3.81 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.44 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.23 male(s)/female total population: 1.25 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 73.37 years male: 71.14 years female: 75.72 years (2006 est.)
5.77 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Men should wear suits and ties for business and formal occasions. English is usually spoken in business circles, but a few words or phrases of Arabic will be useful and welcome. In terms of business customs, while most leading businessmen are accustomed to Western business practices, some still operate along more traditional Arab lines. Visiting cards are widely used. A visit to the office of an Omani businessman may involve some of the following elements. Appointments will sometimes not be made until after the foreign businessman arrives in Oman. Upon arriving for an appointment, he may discover that others have appointments at the same time or have arrived without one. However, a visitor should be on time, particularly for government appointments. Once the meeting begins, it may be interrupted by telephone calls. Coffee, tea, or soft drinks will probably be offered (except during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan) and should be accepted. Politeness is highly valued; blunt statements should be recast into constructive, balanced terms. Visitors should also be sensitive to hosts who break off a discussion for prayer at noon and at sunset, which falls during business hours. Devout Muslims pray five times each day. In dealing with one of the many Omani executives educated in the U.K. or the United States, there is little other than the "dishdasha" national dress worn by the Omani that the visiting western business person will find different from home. Certain business documents, such as company registration papers, must be in Arabic. There have been moves to require that all correspondence with the Omani government be in Arabic; as of late 1998 this is not enforced across the board, though putting documents in Arabic will assist in speeding processing. Office hours are generally 0800-1300 and 1600-1900 Saturday to Wednesday and 0800-1300 Thursday. Government office hours are 0730-1430 Saturday to Wednesday. All offices are closed Friday. Office hours are shorter during Ramadan.
The incidence of street crime is low in Oman, and violent crimes are very rare. Nevertheless, travelers to Oman should take normal precautions, such as avoiding travel in deserted areas after dark and avoiding travel alone after dark. Furthermore, travelers should also take normal precautions to protect their personal property from theft. In particular, valuables and currency should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms. Common sense and caution are always the best crime prevention.
The major hotels patronized by western business visitors and tourists in the Muscat area are as follows: the, the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat Intercontinental, Sheraton, Muscat Holiday Inn, Gulf Hotel, the Seeb (airport), the Ruwi Novotels, and the renovated Mercure-Al Falaj in Ruwi. In Salalah, the Holiday Inn is favored by foreign visitors as the only hotel with a liquor license; other hotels include the Hamdan and the Haffa House. In the summer 1999, a Hilton Hotel opened in Salalah, in close proximity to Port Raysut.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 968 and the outgoing international code is 00. The General Telecommunications Organization (GTO) operates a modern and efficient telephone system. Virtually all businesses have fax machines. GSM cellular phones are widely used; roving arrangements already cover the GCC, the UK, and some other countries. International telephone access cards cannot be used in Oman, nor can collect calls be made or received. International rates are very high -- $1.30 per minute peak rate to Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Since early 1997, GTO has provided the region's most economical Internet service.
is a 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,G
Numerous restaurants have opened in recent years, but many people retain the habit of dining at hotels. There is a wide variety of cuisine on offer, including Arabic, Indian, Oriental, European and other international dishes. Coffee houses are popular. Things to know: Waiter service is usual. Muslim law forbids alcohol, but most hotel bars and restaurants serve alcohol. Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed hotels and restaurants. To buy alcohol for home consumption, Western nationals must obtain a license from their Embassy.
National specialties:
? Shuwa (meat cooked slowly (up to two days) in underground clay ovens with herbs and spices).
? Mashuai (spit-roasted kingfish served with lemon rice).
? Maqbous (rice dish with saffron cooked over spicy red or white meat).
? Halwa (sticky, sweet, gelatinous substance made from brown sugar, eggs, honey and spices).
? Lokhemat (balls of flour and yeast flavored with cardamom and deep fried, served with sweet lime and cardamom syrup). National drinks:
? Kahwa (coffee; a strong, bitter drink flavored with cardamom, served with Halwa and Lokemat). Tipping : Becoming more common and 10 per cent should be given.
Nightlife
There are a few nightclubs and bars in Muscat, mostly in the hotels. There are three air conditioned cinemas in Ruwi and an open-air cinema at the al-Falaj Hotel showing Arab, Indian and English films.
Passport valid for at least six months required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (Gulf Cooperation Council States) holding national identity cards;
(b) holders of Macau (SAR) Travel Permit.
Required by all except nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council States.
(a) Nationals of the following countries may apply for a visa (at a cost of OMR6 for single-entry visas and OMR10 for multiple-entry visas, children 17 years and younger are exempt from paying a fee) on arrival at Oman Seeb International Airport for a maximum stay of one month: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalem, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, EU nationals, (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Macedonia, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (Rep), Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Surinam, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, USA, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. (b) Travelers who have resided in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for at least one year and who hold a valid residence permit and labor card may obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet certain conditions regarding professional status. Contact Embassy/Consulate for further details. (c) For minors (under 18 years) traveling unaccompanied, a consent letter is required from one of their parents. (d) Any other visitors arriving in Oman without a tourist or a sponsored visa will be refused entry. Visitors are not allowed to enter Oman by road unless their visa states such validity and a designated point of entry. A sponsored visa is obtainable from the Royal Oman Police Immigration Department.
Cost may vary according to nationality, but generally is as follows for tourist/business/ sponsored visas: Single-entry: US$21 (generally for all European and Latin American countries, and the USA; enquire at the Embassy/Consulate for specific details as certain countries may also be/not be eligible); US$24 (other countries). Multiple-entry (see the list of countries eligible for discounted single-entry): US$34 Visitors are advised to contact the embassy. Fees may be paid by cheque if application is made in person.
Single-entry: One-month stay from date of entry for those listed (can be extended for one-month when in Oman). Multiple-entry: 12 months from date of issue, for stays up to three weeks on each visit (cannot be extended).
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information for details. Applications are referred to Muscat.
(a) Completed application form (preferably typed) and signed. (b) Valid passport with a blank page to affix the visa. (c) Fee; cash not accepted and cheques must be supported by a cheque guarantee card from bank. (d) Details of travel plans. (e) Evidence of employment or proof of sufficient funds for period of stay, eg bank statement or last two payslips. (f) Business letter, if applicable, detailing purpose of visit and requested travel date. (g) Self-addressed envelope with stamp sufficient to cover cost of posting passport and other documents if applying by post, sent by special or recorded delivery.
Note: Passengers who have a new passport, but whose visa is entered in a previous passport, should also carry their previous passport. Passports must have spare pages.
Two to five. Postal applications take longer.
Test required for anyone applying for work or residency permit
OMR5 for all departures (this has usually already been collected at ticket issuance). Children under two years old are exempt.
167 Queen?s Gate, London SW7 5HE, UK
Tel: (020) 7225 0001 or (0906) 550 8964 (recorded visa information; calls cost ?1 a minute).
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1530; 0930-1230 (visa section).
Website: http://oman.embassyhomepage.com/
2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 387 1980.
There is a high threat from terrorism. Al Qaeda continues to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
Travelers should review their security arrangements carefully and should remain vigilant, particularly in public places.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman
Omani Rial (OMR) = 1000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OMR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baiza.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. Israeli currency, however, is prohibited.
Sat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
American Express is accepted, as are other major credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. There are over 70 ATMs in Oman.
Easily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
City/Region City/Area code Followed by A Dakhliyah 25 + 6 digits Al Batinah 26 + 6 digits Dhofar 23 + 6 digits Muscat 24 + 6 digits
Good quality dental care is available in Oman
Supplies of international medications are generally available from both the hospitals and private pharmacies in Oman
There is a shortage of blood in Oman. Some of the bigger hospitals screen their blood. Blood supplies elsewhere may not be screened
Care and medicines are available in Oman. Local medical treatment varies in quality, however, and can be inadequate. While hospital emergency treatment is available, there is no ambulance service in Oman. Malaria is a concern in the interior and on the Batinah Coast. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Dust conditions aggravate respiratory ailments.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne diseases: these do not generally pose widespread hazards to the traveler. Leishmaniasis (cutaneous) - occurs Leishmaniasis (visceral) - occurs Malaria - common Tick-borne relapsing fever - occurs Typhus (including murine and tick-borne) - occurs Food-borne and water-borne illness: poses a major hazard in most areas. Brucellosis - prevalent Cholera - occurs Dracunculiasis - occurs Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs Hepatitis - common Taeniasis - occurs Typhoid fever - common Other hazards: Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although cases have rarely been reported in recent years. Influenza risk extends throughout the year. Trachoma and animal rabies may be problems. Episodes of children being infected with rabies have been reported.
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for persons newly employed by private-sector companies and upon renewal of work permits. Foreign test results are not accepted. Contact Oman's embassy for details. Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas.
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Al Bashayer Specialised Medical Center | PO Box 304 Mina Al Fahal 116 |
| Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory | Way No. 661, House 5700 Qurum (Near CCC Shopping Complex) P.O. Box 746 Jibroo 114 |
| Al Shatti Hospital | PO Box 956 Al Khuwair 133 |
| El-Maghraby Eye & Ear Center | Muscat |
| Gulf Medical Centre | Behind Sabco Cnetre P.O. Box 471 Mina Al Fahal 116 |
| Hatat House Polyclinic | PO Box 1475 Ruwi 112 |
| Muscat Private Hospital | PO Box 79 Al Khuwair 133 |
| The Royal Hospital Ministry of Health | P.O. Box 1331 Postal Code 111 |
The Government operates Oman's TV and radio stations. However, private, Omani-owned radio and TV stations are now emerging. The use of satellite dishes is permitted. A press act allows the Government to censor publications for political or cultural reasons.
Press: English-language newspapers include The Oman Daily Observer (website: www.omanobserver.com) and The Times of Oman (website: www.timesofoman.com). There are more than 20 publications, including dailies and weeklies.
TV: Oman TV is a state-run network.
Radio: Radio Oman is a state-run network in Arabic and English.
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