OMAN - GENERAL INFORMATION
The
Sultanate of Oman has one of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula,
stretching back thousands of years with notable periods of greatness in the
ancient world and in medieval times.Like other great civilizations, Oman faded
from prominence - until the recent resurgence due to the discovery of oil. But
all along, the country was active in many ways and has an interesting history
that is still relevant today and has left many tangible traces in prominent
landmarks and a highly developed culture.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
GREETINGS
The people of Oman offer a very warm welcome to guests in their country. You
will find that traditional Arab greetings are still widely observed and it is
good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting Omanis. These
courtesies should be observed both in commercial dealings (e.g. shopping in the
souq) and on a personal level.
DRESS
Oman is a Moslem country and it is important that, as guests of the country,
everyone should respect the local customs. Women and teenage girls should not
wear strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts or low necked dresses in public
places (e.g. offices, markets, town and shopping areas). The most suitable wear
in public is shoulders covered and below knee length skirts with a top that is
appropriately long (below the hip) is also acceptable.
Men should wear
short or long sleeved shirts and long trousers. Shorts or beach wear should not
be worn except at the beach or pool area.
ALCOHOL
Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use or abuse of alcohol. In
particular, alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed
premises, such as hotels & restaurants. It is illegal to carry liquor in
your car. In addition, the police take a serious view of traffic offences in
which alcohol is involved and heavy fines may be imposed.
RAMADAN
During the holy month of Ramadan all moslems fast from sunrise until sunset
daily. The fixed hours of prayer are observed and during daylight no moslem will
eat, drink or smoke. The fast is strictly observed. All non-moslems, during this
period, are requested to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the presence or
sight of a moslem. Eating, drinking or smoking in public places during the hours
of daylight is forbidden. Hotel’s coffee shop remain open during this time,
but will not serve alcohol. Alcohol though can be served through room service
only after sunset.
WEATHER
AND CLIMATE
May
through August are usually very hot and humid with September through April being
cooler. Temperatures in the interior regions are both higher and lower than the
averages reported for the coastal areas. Average monthly temperatures are
roughly as follows (Muscat = Mct, Salalah = Sll):
|
Temperature (Degree
Celsius): Average day time
|
|
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Mct
|
25
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
39
|
41
|
39
|
37
|
36
|
35
|
30
|
26
|
|
Sll
|
29
|
28
|
30
|
32
|
33
|
33
|
29
|
29
|
29
|
31
|
33
|
29
|
|
Temperature (Degree
Farenheit): Average day time
|
|
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Mct
|
77
|
81
|
86
|
91
|
106
|
107
|
106
|
99
|
97
|
95
|
86
|
79
|
|
Sll
|
84
|
82
|
86
|
90
|
91
|
91
|
84
|
84
|
84
|
88
|
91
|
84
|
Note: Minimum
9 -10 hrs of sunshine per day throughout the year in Muscat.
BASIC
COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC INFORMATION
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is Omani Rial (RO 1 = US$ 2.63) which is divided into 1000
Baiza. Notes are available in denominations of RO 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 Rial,
250, 200 and 100 Baiza. Coins are also in use for units under one (1) Rial.
BUSINESS HOURS
|
|
SAT
- WED |
THURSDAY
|
FRIDAY
|
|
Gov’t
|
7.30
AM -
2.30 PM |
CLOSED
|
CLOSED
|
|
Banks
|
8.00
AM -12.00 PM |
8.00
AM -11.30 AM |
CLOSED
|
|
Shops
AM |
9.00
AM -1.00 PM |
9.00
AM -1.00 PM |
9.30
AM -11.00
AM
|
|
Shops
PM |
4.30
PM -
8.00 PM |
4.30
PM -
8.00 PM |
4.30
PM -
8.00 PM
|
|
FRIDAY
is the weekly holiday.
|
ELECTRICITY
is
220-240 Volts at 50 cycles AC.
TIME
Greenwich
Mean Time (GMT) is plus 4 hours in summer and plus 3 hours in winter.
TELEPHONE
There are local and international direct dialing facilities available from
public call booths, hotels and from the General Telecommunications Organization
(GTO). Telephone cards are easily available in Super Markets and Hotel outlets.
INTE
RNET EMAIL
This facility is available in most hotels. A Cyber Café is located in the Qurm
shopping area.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Fire
999
Royal
Oman Police
701099
Khoula
Hospital
563625
Royal
Hospital
590491
OUTDOOR
EXPLORING
GENERAL
The
interior of Oman has some spectacular mountain scenery and colourful village
environs to offer the outdoor explorer. The beaches have excellent quality sand
grains. The countryside is dotted with large forts dating from the 17th and 18th
centuries. Tarmac road networks link the remotest areas. Motels in the interior
offer comfortable overnight lodging for those desiring a base. In short, there
is a great variety of exploring possibilities both, for the day tripper and for
the overnight camper.
We
cannot, however, overemphasize the need to respect local villagers and their
customs in our sightseeing adventures. The ability to explore freely is a
privilege that must not be misused. Some principles of etiquette are outlined
below. Please follow them carefully so that no one causes offences and we can
all continue to enjoy the impressive countryside.
WATER / SWIMMING
The
river or falaj is usually a vital source of water for nearby villages. Do not
foul, block or damage falaj walls or dams. Do not swim or allow your children to
play in water immediately above a village, as it may be the villages drinking
water. Away from populated areas one can take the opportunity to swim in wadi
pools or at beaches. Ladies should keep a wrap handy in case a villager appears
on the scene. Driving on beaches is prohibited.
VILLAGE ETIQUETTE
Drive
slowly through villages to avoid raising too much dust. Watch out for children
& animals. Be courteous to villagers - a few words of greetings or a smile
is only polite. Do not go into a home without being invited. Remember certain
areas of the village may be restricted to women only. this may be restricted to
women only. This must be strictly observed.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Do
not take photographs of individuals without their permission. Women in
particular, do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of
military facilities, borders and airports. Observe ‘NO PHOTOGRAPHY’ signs.
LITTER
Remove all your litter when leaving a picnic or camp site.
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