OMAN is a country of enormous diversity and natural beauty, which, while it has much to attract the discerning traveller, had until recent years been largely overlooked by international tourists. The government was anxious not to promote the Sultanate to tourists until it was ready to accommodate them. Now, with an enviable infrastructure securely in place, a wide range of international hotels and a wealth of things to see and do, Oman is ready to offer its traditional hospitality to visitors from around the world.. Work on developing further facilities has been constantly ongoing. Indicative of the importance the government affords this sector was the issue of Royal Decree No. 61/2004, establishing a Ministry of Tourism and appointing a woman as its minister.
Location
The Sultanate of Oman lies on the Southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. With over 2000 kilometers of coastline, the country stretches from the Strait of Hormuz in the North to the border with the Republic of Yemen in the South.
The country is bordered by three countries –the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen- and three seas – the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The Sultanate of Oman covers an area of 309.500 square kilometers and is the third biggest country in the area.
Visa and Procedures
A 30 days tourist Visa can be purchased at the airport upon arrival at the cost of approximately 15 USD. For longer a stay, the visa can be extended for 20 more days. An application must be submitted to ROP (Royal Oman Police).
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. German and French are spoken by hotel staff.
Local Time
GMT + 4 hours
Climate
The weather in summer –between April and September- is hot and humid.
The weather in winter –between October and April- is cool and pleasant.
Population
2,340,815 (2003 Census)
3,204,897 (2006 Estimate)
Currency
Omani Riyal (approx. OMR 0.387 = US$ 1.00)
Credit Cards
Credit Cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club are available through global network branches and accepted in shopping areas.
Road Services
Well maintained highways link every major city in Oman. There is a total of 32.800 km of roads in Oman. Paved: 9.840 km including 550 km of expressways, unpaved: 22,960 km (1996 estimate)
Air Services
International & Local: Muscat is just 7 hours away from the major European cities. Most major airlines serve Muscat. Oman Air maintains regular internal flight connections between the main towns of Oman.
Shopping
08:30AM – 1.00PM & 4.30PM – 10.00PM
How To Get Around
Please ask us about our car rental and tours.
Electricity
220 Volts – 240 Volts at 50 cycles.
Business Hours
Government : 07:30AM – 2:30PM
Private Sector: 08:00AM – 01:00AM and 04:00PM – 07:00PM
Health and Medical Facilities
Hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics are available throughout Oman. Modern hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment can contend with any emergency. Doctors are just a phone call away.