OMAN

Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is an Arab country in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The country also contains Madha, an exclave enclosed by the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam, an enclave also separated by Emirati territory. Oman has an area of 309,500 km2 and a population of 2,577,000 in 2006. Islam makes up 99% Of total population.

Location

The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, on the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the southwest. A 1700 km coastal plain at the southeast tip of Arabian peninusula laying on the Arabian sea and Gulf of Oman.

Geography

A vast gravel desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north (al Jebel al Akhdar) and southeast coast, where the country's main cities are also located: the capital city Muscat, Matrah and Sur in the north, and Salalah in the south.

Capital

Muscat

Climate

Annual rainfall in Muscat averages 10 cm, falling mostly in January. Dhofar is subject to the southwest monsoon, and rainfall up to 64 cm has been recorded in the rainy season from late June to October. While the mountain areas receive more plentiful rainfall, some parts of the coast, particularly near the island of Masirah, sometimes receive no rain at all within the course of a year. The climate generally is very hot, with temperatures reaching 54°C in the hot season, from May to October.

Language

Arabic (Official language), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urudu, Indian dialects.

Monetary Unit

Oman Rial (OMR)

Largest Cities

Muscat, Matrah, Bawshar, Falaj al Qabail, Nizwa, Ibri, Salalah, As-sib, Suhar

Places to Visit

Oman is known for its popular tourist attractions. Wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains are areas which make Oman unique to its neighboring GCC nations. Jebel Shams is Oman's tallest mountain, highest point, and is a popular destination for camping. Most of the major malls are located in Muscat, the capital. The largest mall in the country is the Muscat City Centre which was built by Majid hFuttaim, an Emirati business man. Other popular tourist activities include sand skiing in the desert, mountain climbing, camel racing, and camping.

The Muscat Festival is usually held at the beginning of every year. During this event, traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks open, and concerts take place. Another popular event is the Khareef Festival, which is similar to Muscat Festival; however it is held in August in Salalah, Dhofar. During this latter event, mountains are packed as a result of the cool breeze weather during that period of time which rarely occurs in Muscat.

Air Ports

The main airport in Oman is Seeb International Airport (MCT) in Muscat and the Salalah (SLL) Airport. Oman Air is the National Carrier.

The domestic airports are Butabbul, Burami, Dibba, Fahuel, Qam Alam, Haima, Ibra, Ibri, Jarf North, Lekshbwair,
Marma, Mukhaiza oil field, Nizwa, Rustaq, Saiqu, Sohar, Sur, Yihal.