Oman

A time and nature journey

Oman is a country of contrasts because the harshness of nature and the richness of the cultural heritage collide with intensive modern development. This country is an amazing place with stunning nature, an interesting history and colorful customs. It is not such a unique experience. Oman is the oasis where you could enjoy yourself either as an adventurous traveler, history enthusiast or a person who likes to explore new places.

For an in-depth travel guide, visit the Official tourism guide for Oman 

In case you want to find more information regarding this country, such as its flag, language, area, currency, and population, you can produce and download free  this information by visit in our Random Country Generator tool. 

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Geographical Location

The country of Oman lies on the south east coast of the Arabian Peninsula, sharing borders with United Arab Emirates on the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west and Yemen on the southwest. It also borders the Arabian Sea on the southeast and Gulf of Oman on the north. Oman has a land mass slightly bigger than 309 500 kilometers square which to some extent make it one of the biggest countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Oman, located in the Middle East, is a gateway between the east and the west courtesy of its good location.

Discover Oman wikipedia World Heritage Sites, such as the Sundarbans, at World Heritage Sites in Oman

Nature and Geography

Oman is a country with multiple geography consisting of beautiful mountains, deserts, and coastlines. The Northern part is dominated by Hajar Mountains that have highlands beyond 3,000 meters above sea level. The Central part of the country is covered by the famous Wahiba Sands, a huge desert of the golden dunes, which gives a special experience in the desert. The country also offers beautiful beaches along the coast and special mention of the Dhofar region that has a great deal of wildlife with reference to the lush sceneries and the frankincense trees. Oman offers a lot of natural beauty anchored in areas such as the Al Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary.

Old and Middle Ages

Oman is one of the oldest nations in the world, dating back to thousands of years ago when there are traces of the early settlement of human presence (most predominantly in the coastal regions). Magan, which was an ancient civilization and was labeled because of its trading prowess in copper, is one of the earliest cultures in the Arabian Peninsula. The strategic position of Oman became a hub of trade and shipping business and Omani businesspersons were instrumental in opening trade routes with ancient communities such as Mesopotamia, Persian and Indus Valley. Several empires affected the country throughout the centuries among which was the Achaemenid Persian Empire and the Umayyad Caliphate.

Colonial Period and Freedom

The strategic location of Oman introduced it to attacks by foreign powers during the colonial epoch. British presence in Oman was strong during the 19th century though the country was never colonized by the British. Throughout this time Oman was able to harbor its sovereignty and loved a special identity. In 1970 Sultan Qaboos bin Said came to power and embarked on a program of reforms that made Oman a modern state. The leadership of Sultan Qaboos assisted Oman to become completely free and steady.

Contemporary History and Development

During the reign of Sultan Qaboos, Oman was experiencing a rapid modernization. The nation spent on infrastructure, health, education and tourism, taking a long way towards raising its general living standards. The Oman Vision 2040 plan is to explore and expand the economy, lessen the dependency on oil and increase the stature of Oman in the world. Oman has been developing in terms of tourism, education, as well as the industry ever since, and at the same time, the country preserves the traditional values and cultural heritage.

Religious and Ethnic Diversity

The ethnic mix at Oman is diverse although the majority of the population is composed of Omanis, there are some other groups of Arabs, Baluchis and the other pieces of South Asians. Most people of Oman belong to the Ibadhi religion, which is a distinctive type of Islam that focuses on moderate opinions. The religious tolerance in Oman is reflected in the fact that different religions coexist peacefully as smaller communities of Christians, Hindu and other religions coexist in the country. In the city, you will find the common language to be English although Arabic is the official language.

Cultural Practice and Traditions

Cultural heritage of Oman is a mixture of cultures and practice of its old culture with the Islam cultures which are very much depicted in its daily lives. Falconry, camel racing, and weaving are some age-old customs of the Omanis, which they have preserved for generations. Oman tries to express its interest in music, dancing and art through its festivals (Eid al-Fitr, Muscat Festival etc.). Khanjar (Omani dagger-making) is a cultural symbol in the country and a sign of the traditional craft making in the country.

Religious Festivals

The country Oman also celebrates the important Islamic festivals: Eid al-Fitr, signifying the completion of the fasting month Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the readiness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience with God. Both the festivals are celebrated by prayers, feasting and social get-together. Ramadan is a holy month of reflections, alms and fasting, as well as a greatest celebration at Eid.

Special Days and National Holidays

Among the largest holidays in Oman, one must mention such a holiday as the National Day on November 18 th in memory of the accession of Sultan Qaboos to the throne in 1970. The day is characterized with parish, fireworks, as well as, festivals that characterized the independence and advancement of Oman. The other historical day of Oman is the renaissance day (July 23), marking the starting of renaissance and modernization of Oman under Sultan Qaboos.

Agricultural Sector

Traditionally, Oman’s economy and cultural background was pegged in agriculture, specifically the planting of dates, wheat, and barley. Even now the Batinah region has fertile plains and the interior oasis systems still facilitate agricultural activities. The agricultural sector in Oman also grows fruits because the local cuisine cannot exist without such things as pomegranates, lemons, and limes.

The growth and development of manufacturing and Industry

The economy of Oman has diversified to a large extent over the past few decades. The nation has progressed in terms of the development of such industries as oil and gas, petro chemicals, and producing aluminums. Freedom of trade coupled with ports has also led to industrial growth and foreign investment in Oman: e.g. Port of Sohar has been the source of certain foreign investments in Oman.

Economic Development

Vision 2040 has defined the future of the Omani laws which aim at the diversification of the economy. It is also the national aim to become less dependent on oil and diversify its non-oil economy, namely, manufacturing industry, touristic industry, and logistics. Another very important sector is that of tourism, with the natural beauty of Oman and its cultural heritage still being a destination of choice by travellers the world over.

Natural Attractions

Oman also has various natural features, which display the landscape of the country. The majestic Jebel Akhdar mountains or the Green Mountain also have a breathtaking view and provide possibilities of trekking and eco-tourism. Wahiba Sands is yet another tourist attraction that offers one to enjoy the desert and go on camel rides as well as camping in the starry night. Oman has clean beaches like those found in Salalah, good places to relax and do water activities.

Culture and Historic Sites

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a great masterpiece of architecture in Oman located in the capital city of Muscat, and the old forts namely Nizwa, Bahla and Rustaq, that narrate the history of the military forces of Oman. The archaeological site of Al-Balid is an ancient city, considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site revealing some remarkable history of the region as one of the trading points within the Arabian Sea.

Healthcare System

The healthcare sector in Oman is the most developed one in the region and the government has been spending a lot on developing healthcare infrastructure. The Ministry of Health offers free healthcare to Omani people and Oman hospitals and clinics are also endowed with advanced medical technology.

Education System

There is a lot of emphasis on education in Oman and there is a lot of focus on literacy and academic results. The nation has invested heavily on all levels of education together with the institutions of higher learning being set up which have earned renowned standards. The government has also been initiating efforts to see that the younger population is trained and equipped with vocational skills.

Transport Network

Oman has a highly developed system of transport, with its modern highways, an emerging rail system and international airport in Muscat. Through its unique position, Oman is a major hub of marine transportation, where, Port of Sohar and the Port of Sultan Qaboos are major ports of trade.

Urban Development

The capital city, Muscat has shown great levels of growth and modernization, new cities, shopping malls, culture centres among others. The government has been keen about sustainability, whereby the urban area development has been in line with the natural environment of Oman.

Best Time to Travel

Ideal Seasons

Oman should be visited during cooler months between October and April when the weather is mild and favorable in order to travel to the places of interest. It is highly advisable not to visit during the summers (May to September) when the temperature might go up to 40o C and in the interior and desert areas.

Special events and festivals

Any person who intends to experience the Omani culture should visit during the Muscat Festival or the National Day. The events demonstrate Oman culture in music, dancing and art.

Conclusion: Future of Oman

Oman is at the crossroad between maintaining its rich cultural heritage and being modern. The nation is dedicated towards economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and culture conservation, and these aspects ensure that it is poised to grow in the future as well. The domain of Oman, its history, and its traditions will always remain a special and very unique destination, noteworthy and involving the hearts of those who have ever visited it.

More often asked questions

When is the best time to go to Oman?

Oman is best visited between October to April; the weather is mild and good to travel.

What are the attractions in Oman?

Some of its most popular attractions are the Sultan Qaboos grand mosque, Wahiba Sands, Jebel Akhdar and the Nizwa and Bahla forts.

Which are the languages spoken in Oman?

The official language is Arabic although English is strongly spoken particularly in the city centers.

Which are the major industries of the Omani economy?

The main industry that fuels the economy of Oman is oil, gas, tourism, and manufacturing.

Can tourists be safe in Oman?

Yes, it is true that Oman is ranked among the safest countries as far as tourists are concerned in the region of the Middle East.

Which are the cultural festivals in Oman that I should experience?

To have a better idea of Omani culture, visit the Muscat festival, the National Day celebrations, and Eid festivals.