|
GENERAL INFORMATION ON OMAN
Population: 2 million
Area: 312,500 sq.km
International Airport: Seeb International Airport, 40 kms from Muscat city. Departure Tax OMR 5.000 per Pax normally included in ticket.
Muscat is just 7.5 hours away from the major European cities. Most major airlines serve Muscat.
Domestic Airports: Salalah, Sur, Khasab, Diba.
Language: Arabic, English and Urudu/Hindi widely spoken and understood.
Religion: Islam. Oman is very tolerant of other religions. There are six Christian Churches in the Capital. There are two temples.
Local Currency: Omani Rails. 1 Omani Rail = 1000 Biases. Currency notes are available in denominations of R.O 50,20, 10, 5 and 1. (1USD = 0.388 biases)
Weekly Holidays: Government offices are closed on Thursday and Fridays. Private Offices are closed partially on Thursday afternoons and completely on Fridays for weekend. The weekday starts on Saturday. Other public holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Adha (three to four days each) varies every year based on Islamic calendar.
Ramadhan: A month of fasting for Muslims and Non-Muslims are required to respect them by avoiding eating, drinking or smoking in public places during fasting time, that is until sunset. No alcohol is served and bars are closed completely during this month.
Social Customs: Omanis are known for their hospitality and refreshments are always offered to the visitor, it is polite to accept. You will find that traditional Arab greeting is widely observed and it is good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting Omanis.
Photography & Filming: In general there are no restriction on photography and video filming, with the exception of military or restricted areas such as airports, borders. You may take permission before taking pictures of individuals especially women.
Road Network: Oman has an excellent network of international-grade highways and secondary roads linking all major towns and regional capitals. ONTC operate daily luxury coach services linking Muscat with Salalah and Dubai and other destinations. Orange and White colored taxis are available throughout the country.
Clothing: Light clothes are best for the summer months though slightly warmer clothes may be required in winter. If visiting interior of Oman, it is advisable to take woolens as temperature may drop considerably at night in the desert areas and the mountain regions. Beachwear or swimwear is only suitable at the beach or swimming pool areas.
Food and Drink: Muscat's restaurants offer a wide variety of international cuisine including authentic Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Japanese and Omani dishes. Apart from hotel bars there are restaurants licensed to serve alcohol. During the month of Ramadan alcohol is not served at all. It is illegal to 'drink and drive' and to carry alcohol in your car.
Distance from Muscat (Approximate)
| Bahla |
210 Kms. |
| Buraimi |
345 Kms. |
| Dubai |
400 Kms. |
| Nizwa |
175 Kms. |
| Salalah |
1025 Kms. |
| Sohar |
230 Kms. |
| Sur |
335 Kms. |
| Wahiba Sands |
250 Kms. |
Climatic Conditions
Oman has a moderate desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. From October to March the average daytime temperature is around a pleasant 34 degree Celsius and at night about 10 degrees Celsius. The region of Dhofar, located in the southern region of the country enjoys a regular monsoon between June and October
Average Daytime Temperature in Degree Celsius
| Month/City |
Muscat |
Salalah |
| January |
25 |
29 |
| February |
27 |
28 |
| March |
30 |
30 |
| April |
33 |
32 |
| May |
39 |
33 |
| June |
41 |
33 |
| July |
39 |
29 |
| August |
37 |
29 |
| September |
36 |
29 |
| October |
35 |
31 |
| November |
30 |
33 |
| December |
26 |
29 |
|
