Land of Legend

WELCOME

 

The Sultanate of Oman has excited the imagination of intrepid travelers throughout the ages. Steeped in legend and mystery until the early seventies, it is perhaps one of the last genuinely unspoiled tourist destinations. A country the size of UK and Ireland, with an ancient 12,000 years-old civilization and a modern history, Oman is in essence all of 20 years olds. A nation renowned for its traditional hospitality and unique for its geographic diversity. A land of myriad contrasts, where the old and the new jostle each other, where man and nature interact as they have done for millennia. This is Oman. A warm welcome awaits you.






HERITAGE AND CULTURE

The crosscurrents of history and civilization have endowed the Sultanate with a proud and enviable heritage. Over 500 forts dot all over the country, some dating back to 14th century A.D. Some of these engineering marvels of a bygone era have been recognized by UNESCO as landmarks of the world's architectural heritage.







 

Thanks to Oman's rich seafaring tradition, boat building is an ancient craft practiced to this day. Omanis also produce handiwork of the finest caliber in weaving, pottery, home utensils, small weapons, jewelry and wood carving, to mention only a few.


ADVENTUROUS OMAN

With a superb all-year-round climate and spectacular scenic beauty. Oman is a natural choice for the nature lover.From the shadows that bounce off the Hajar mountain ranges in the East to the lush green landscape of the Dhofar region during Monsoon (June to September), it's little wonder that Oman has been dubbed the Magic Kingdom.





There's an abundance of wadis (oasis) and falajes (ingenious irrigation systems) to be explored. Or you could catch rare glimpses of the last of the Arabian Oryx or turtles nesting in sandy coves. The Wahiba sand dunes evoke a timelessness quit unlike anything else in the world.


LEISURE AND RECREATION

The Sultanate's long coastline and clean beaches afford an extensive range of water sport: water-skiing, sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing Dhow (traditional boat) trips are a special attraction.



Thanks to its relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere, there's no dearth of dining or entertainment opportunities - both in the leading international hotels as well as in independent restaurants. Muscat is a popular stop for international entertainers. Besides, there are also discos, British-style pubs and nightclubs featuring Arabic and Western singers and dancers.





Spectator sports such as football, tennis, squash, show-jumping, etc., are popular. Camping, trekking and bird-watching are the other attractions that Oman offers.




OMAN KALEIDOSCOPE

The Sultanate of Oman has a well developed tourism infrastructure which is being constantly upgraded to meet the ever - growing demands of discerning travelers.



 

For more detailed information on hotels and tours available, please contact the nearest Omani Embassy listed in (http://www.omanet.com) or check with leading travel agents in your country.


 

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

POPULATION: 2 million

LOCATION: The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the eastern part of Arabian Peninsula.

AREA: 300,000 Sq. Km

CAPITAL: Muscat

RULING BODY: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and government ministries.

LANGUAGES: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. German and French is spoken by Hotel staff and tour guides.

RELIGION: Islam.

TIME: G.M.T +4 hours.

CURRANCY: Omani Riyal (R.O.  0.385 = $ 1.00)

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(C) 1997 Abdulkarim K. Sonya AL-Zadjali karim@omantel.co.om