About Oman

Located on the South Eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman has been protected by rugged mountain ranges and allowed to grow and develop its own history and character. Oman is a true luxury holiday destination with its own natural charm and has a magnificent 1,700 km of pristine beaches fringed by unspoilt coral reefs. Encircled by three oceans, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean, the coastline was designed by nature for every type of water sport. Oman's history dates back thousands of years and was known as a great seafaring nation who extended their influence throughout East Africa and Zanzibar and right across the Indian Ocean into India. In the mid sixteenth century Oman was invaded by the Portuguese who ruled the country for some fifteen hundred years and whose influence can still be seen today through the many forts and watch towers spread across the country. In the nineteenth century the Portuguese were pushed out by the British who established a treaty of friendship with Oman which is still in place today.

The Omani nationals are a polite and friendly people who are proud of their country and its history, heritage and unique culture and are only to willing to help visitors to their country with assistance and information.

Arabic is the official tongue, but English is widely spoken.

GMT + 4 hours.

220/240 AC, with three-pin British style plugs.

The rial (OR). Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, shopping malls and many stores and restaurants. Use cash in the souk, which can be obtained from most ATM's.

Lightweight cottons are suitable year round, with jackets sweaters and pashminas for cooler winter evenings. Swimwear and shorts are acceptable by the pool, but in public, respect for local tradition should be shown by wearing less revealing clothing.

UK, Irish and European Union citizens can obtain:
• one-month visas on arrival costing OR6 (approx. £10).
• A multiple entry visa, valid for one year, allowing unlimited visits, costing OR10 (approx £14).

Avoid taking pictures of Muslim women and military installations. Otherwise, it's a courtesy to ask permission before clicking the shutter.

Lying in the tropics, Oman is subject to seasonal changes. The hottest months are June to August. Mild weather dominates the mountains and Salalah region all year round. Winter which extends from November to March is a lovely time to visit the country. However, in our opinion it is worth a visit at anytime of the year as the country is so diverse and offers visitors so much.

Average Temperatures	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Oman	78	86	90	100	104	105	108	104	100	96	95	84
London	40	41	47	56	60	67	70	70	63	58	46	42

Apart from the magnificent beaches and mountains there is lots to do in Oman. There are wonderful excursions into the mountains following Wadis (dry river beds) as they wind their way through the mountain regions, historical and heritage tours taking in many of the forts and watch towers spread throughout Oman with some dating back two thousand years.

Shopping is a must in Oman which has everything from modern shopping centres to the more traditional souqs (Arab market). Muscat, the capital of Oman, has some of the best souqs in the region full of traditional crafts, silver and gold jewellery, hand-woven textiles, carpets and baskets as well as many antiques.