Oman

Oman as a tourist destination is only gaining popularity. It is famous for its beautiful nature and ancient traditions, which civilization has not exterminated. At the same time, this Muslim state welcomes tourists and acquaints them with its unique culture and beauty of its spaces. In a word, Oman is worth it to see it.

Where is Oman?

Oman as a tourist destination is only gaining popularity. It is famous for its beautiful nature and ancient traditions, which civilization has not exterminated. At the same time, this Muslim state welcomes tourists and acquaints them with its unique culture and beauty of its spaces. In a word, Oman is worth it to see it.

Where is Oman?

The country is located in the Middle East, in the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is adjacent to the UAE , Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The world map shows that Oman is washed by the waters of the Gulf of the same name and the Arabian Sea, which belongs to the Indian Ocean.

The area of ​​Oman is 309 501 square meters. km - on this indicator the state is on 70 place in the world.

Form of government and state symbols

Oman is a sultanate, and in form of government - an absolute monarchy. Power in the country is inherited. The Sultan of Oman has enormous power, being concurrently the prime minister of the state and the head of several ministries at once.

The flag of Oman is three horizontal stripes (white symbolizes the world, red symbolizes the fight against the invaders, and the green one is fertility) and one vertical, red color and wider. Here, on the flag, in its upper left corner, is the coat of arms of Oman - two crossed swords, on top of which is depicted a traditional Omani curved dagger, hanjar.

The climate and nature of Oman

The main thing about the famous country of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula is beaches and fjords , waterfalls and mountains , desert sands and famous wadi , palm groves, tropical oases and savannah expanses. The nature here is so diverse and magnificent that even in the photo you can see how much Oman is amazing and unlike any state.

As for the climatic conditions, the summer is hot in the country, and the winter is warm. The dry tropical climate extends to most of the territory, and the capital in general has a reputation for being the hottest city in the world. In June, an average of 34 ° C, and in January - 26 ° C. In the summer, sandstorms are common, and in the spring from the Rub-al-Khali desert winds blow from which the thermometer can rise to + 50 ° C! But in the desert, the night temperature sometimes reaches zero. Precipitation in Oman is quite rare: in Oman falls from 25 (in desert areas) to 500 (on the coast) mm per year.

Cities and resorts

The capital of Oman is Muscat . This is the largest city and, in fact, the only metropolis of the country, quite modern and at the same time very colorful. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, in the rocky Hajar mountains. It is especially beautiful here in the spring, when all artificial plantations with which the capital is rich blossom. In Muscat all major cultural and historical sights are concentrated (except for forts that are scattered all over the country).

Among other cities, resorts and popular tourist places of Oman are:

Population, language and religion

In 2016, the population of Oman was 4.425 million people. Most of them are Arabs, which are divided into 2 groups - "purebred" (Arab-ariba) and "mixed" (Musta-ariba). There are many mulattoes and representatives of the Negroid race, as well as foreigners (according to some sources, up to 1 million). Among the latter, Indians, Persians, Baluchis predominate.

The official language is Arabic, and the languages ​​of national minorities are also common. However, at the same time, Oman is a very hospitable country, and many know English. In particular, this applies to the staff of most hotels , waiters in restaurants and taxi drivers.

Oman is a Muslim state, 85.9% of whose population is Muslim. At the same time travelers will not encounter any aggression - the population here is peaceful. Omanis only want the tourists to respect the laws and traditions of Oman, including those relating to religion.

Customs and traditions

The basis of the culture of Oman is Islam. In the country till now it is possible to see the traditional way of life preserved despite the arrival of civilization. Then the special direction of Islam ibadism spread, and all Muslim religious holidays are celebrated.

Traditional clothing in Oman is very popular among locals, which you will not find in European suits (they are worn by the service staff in hotels). Men both in cities and in the countryside wear long white shirts (Dishdashi), and women go in colored dresses and black masks (burkas) that cover the whole face, except the eyes.

Economy and currency

The level of economic development of Oman is estimated as average. Export of oil is the main revenue item in the state budget. However, in comparison with other "oil" countries, Oman chose a more flexible policy - its economy is gradually diversifying, developing new directions - in particular, metallurgy and gas production. Not the last place is in Oman and tourism .

The flow of foreign visitors began to grow relatively recently, although Oman was opened to tourists back in 1987. The local resorts are positioned as expensive and fashionable, although if desired in the country you can relax and quite budget. The currency of Oman is the Omani rial, equal to 1,000 bytes. A feature of banknotes is that, on the one hand, information about the nominal is given in Arabic, and on the other - in English.

Tourists in Oman pay for services and goods with rials. Cards are accepted in large restaurants, hotels and malls. Tipping is not necessary, but it is desirable.

Oman - attractions

The name of the capital, the head of state and the form of the territorial structure, the state language is, of course, useful information about Oman, but the main thing that future tourists want to know is what to see in the country. Below is a short list of the most interesting of its attractions:

Entertainment

In addition to sightseeing, in Oman for tourists there are many options that you can do:

  1. Diving is one of the most interesting activities in Oman. The most popular places for scuba diving are Musandam and Jahn Island, various areas of Muscat, Cape Cantab, Bandar Jissa, etc. There are shipwrecks in the water area of ​​the country, you can see whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and amazing coral beauty.
  2. Beach vacation in Oman is no less in demand. All the coast here is sandy, there are very few local beaches on the city beaches, and in general there is not much people. Umbrellas and sun loungers are provided free of charge to holidaymakers. Do not forget to take beach slippers to avoid injuring yourself with corals.
  3. Excursions in Oman are offered in the desert, picturesque wadi (dry riverbeds) and on small bays, which are called fjords.

Even travelers with a small child will be interested in Oman, because they can choose between excursions and beach-hotel pastime, active and passive leisure options.

Hotels in Oman

The global stardom standard is the norm for Oman hotels. Although their level is slightly lower than in the UAE, tourists remain quite satisfied and the breadth of choice of hotels, and the service in them. In the cities of the country you can find accommodation as expensive (4-5 and even 6 stars), and budget (1-2 stars and hostels). Popular here and resort hotels, aimed solely at a tourist holiday. Among the world's networks are the institutions of Radisson, Sheraton, InterContinental, Park Inn.

Food

The national cuisine of Oman is quite simple and satisfying. It is based on products such as rice, poultry, lamb and fish. Also participate in cooking vegetables and spices. Here bake a lot of different types of bread, and dessert is served candied dates and special Omani halva. Portions of food are always generous, and the severity is moderate.

Coffee is considered a national drink - it is served with the addition of cardamom. Tea in Oman is a "drink of hospitality", and alcohol is practically not used for religious reasons.

In Muscat, Salal, Nizwa and other touristy popular cities, you can find restaurants not only of Omani and Arabian cuisine, but others, where European, Italian, Chinese and Indian dishes are served. Many hotel guests use the buffet service, but it should be borne in mind that the all-inclusive system in Oman differs somewhat from the one adopted in Turkey or Egypt. The meal time is clearly defined, and alcohol is served only for dinner after 19:00.

Shopping Features

Souvenirs from Oman mainly reflect the oriental flavor. Tourists carry from here daggers Hanjar, silver and sandalwood products, spices and coffee, perfumes and incense, sweets and even branded clothes. Similar goods are best bought in supermarkets and specialty shops, but for cheap souvenirs it is better to go to the popular capital bazaar Matrah. Knowing how to bargain and knowing what to buy in Oman, you can well bring down the price, in addition, a tour of the shopping arcade itself promises to be an interesting adventure.

Security

Oman is one of the safest countries in Arabia. Here, extremist groups do not manipulate, and crime tends to zero. The main points in caring for safety for tourists are:

In addition, experienced tourists advise before going to Oman to arrange medical insurance, which will help save money in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Visa and customs

You can obtain a visa from Oman in two ways: either by contacting the embassy in advance or by arrival at the airport. When collecting suitcases, keep in mind that some things can be withdrawn for inspection: videos, food, plants. For potent drugs, you should have a prescription for a doctor. Crossing the border in the opposite direction, take care of the presence of checks for purchases such as antiques and traditional Omani daggers (the latter should be packed in luggage).

Transport

Tourists travel around the city mainly by taxi, and drivers need to bargain. Intercity transportation is carried out by buses and minibuses. There are no railways in the country.

As for car rental , in Oman it is one of the most popular modes of transport. It is not difficult to arrange a lease, only a credit card and international rights are required. Movement right-sided. Be careful - there are serious fines for driving under the influence, as well as for speeding and talking on the mobile phone while driving.

How to get there?

Direct flight to Oman to date, you can not fly. At least one transplant is required. The best option is to fly through Dubai . In addition, you can reach your destination through cities such as Istanbul, Abu Dhabi , Doha. There you need to make a transfer and fly to Muscat, where the main airport of Oman is located .

Also in Oman you can get land and sea. The first involves crossing the border with the UAE or Yemen, and the second - traveling on a cruise ship from Dubai, Bahrain, Mombasa , Kuwait with a call to the largest port of Oman, Muscat.