Background :
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, nation occupying the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. To the west it borders Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To the east it borders the Arabian Sea and to the north the Gulf of Oman. Its northernmost extension, on the Musandam Peninsula (separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE), overlooks the Strait of Hormuz and has a few miles of Persian Gulf coastline.

The principal home of the Ibadis, a minority Islamic sect distinct from both Sunni and Shia Islam, Oman has been led by the Al Bu Said dynasty since 1749. Masqat, also known as Muscat, is the capital of Oman and the center of the country’s largest metropolitan area.

Economy :
Before the discovery and exploitation of oil and natural gas in the mid-1960s, Oman’s economy consisted mostly of agriculture, fishing, and traditional crafts such as boat making. Today, while Oman’s economy maintains a largely traditional sector based on agriculture, it also has a rapidly growing modern sector based on oil. Oil production in the mid-1990s accounted for almost half the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), which measures the total value of goods and services produced. In 2000 GDP was $19.8 billion. The government controls the oil and gas sector and therefore dominates the economy. Unemployment is just over 5 percent, but this figure is expected to grow as large numbers of young people enter the workforce. To counter unemployment, the government has encouraged job growth in the private sector and the replacement of foreign workers with Omanis. The total salaried workforce in 1993 was 670,275 and 64 percent of the workforce was non-Omani. Despite its large contribution to the economy, the oil and gas sector employs only 2 percent of the workforce. By contrast, agriculture makes up 40 percent of the workforce; government services, 24 percent; social and personal services, 18 percent; and manufacturing, construction, and other jobs, 16 percent.

Local time :
GMT +4 hours.

Language :
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. German and French are spoken by hotel staff.

Bank :
There are a number of international and local banks operating here. Services available include travellers cheques and currency exchange. It is advisable to have your passport when changing money. Many of the banks have ATM machines located on main streets and shopping centres. Bank hours : Sat - WEd : 8.00am to 12 noon and Thurs: 8.00am to 11.30am

Business Hours :
Government:
Sat - Wed: 7.30am to 2.30pm. Closed Thursday and Friday.
Private Companies:
Sat - Thurs: 8.00am to 1.00pm and 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
Some companies work half day on Thursdays. Friday is a public holiday.

Communications :

Telephone :
Oman's telecommunications system is well-developed. Public payphone and Alpha cards are available in local shops and supermarkets. They can be purchased in denominations of Omani Rial 1.5, 3 and 5. Mobile phones, GSM and pagers may be used here, but it is advisable to use Omantel approved types.

Telegraph :
Telex and Fax: available at 24 hour telegraph service and telex facilities are available in the main Post Office and major hotels.

Internet :
Internet service is available in Cyber Cafes and major hotels.

Credit Cards :
All major credit cards are accepted in banks, main hotels, larger shops, restaurants and airlines.

Currency :
Oman's unit of currency is the Omani Rial, divided into 1000 Baizas. Notes come in denominations of Rials 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 and 1/4, 200 and 100 Baiza notes are also available. One Rial is equivalent to approximately US$ 2.58.

Official Holidays :
National Day is on 18th Novemeber every year although National Day holidays are usually taken the week after. Dates vary for the rest of the official holidays as they follow the lunar year. Eid Al-Fitr ( 1st Shawal), Eid Al-Adha ( 10th Dhul-Hijja). Islamic New Year around 1st Muharram. The Prophet Mohammed's birthday ( 12th Rabi Al Awal ), Ascension Day ( 27th Rajab ). Local newspapers announce the actual dates of holidays as they occur.

Transport :

Air- International flights operate from Seeb International Airport to destinations around the world. Oman Air has domestic flights to Salalah, Musandam and Masirah Island. Fights can be booked via the offices of the airlines or through one of the many travel agents in Muscat.

Bus - Long distance luxury coaches travel daily from Muscat to Salalah in the south of Oman and to the United Arab Emirates. Buses travel throughout the country. The main bus station is in Ruwi, off Al Jama'a Street, where a timetable is posted. Muttrah fish souq is a boarding point and there are bus stops, distinctive with a gazalle across the sign, at various points on the highway.

Taxis - Taxis are plentiful; orange and white saloon cars or mini-buses with an orange light on the front. Taxi fares are reasonable and are a fixed rate. The mini-buses are shared taxis and the rate is extremely cheap. Ask for the fare before boarding.

Tour Companies - A half day tour of Muscat may cost around RO 20. A trip into the Wahiba Sands overnight can cost up to RO 100 depending on the numbers in the party. Most tour companies will plan a personal itinerary for you.

Driving - Highways within Muscat and linking major towns make driving a pleasure in Oman. Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road, so left hand drives are used. The maximum speed limit on open road is 120 km per hour. Seat belts are compulsory. Residents require a valid Omani license but visitors can use an International license. Residents of Britain may use their British license. You require insurance against accidents which an be arranged through local insurance companies, your travel agent or car hire firm. Always carry your documentation with you as all accidents have to be reported to the police.