General
Information
The Sultanate of Oman is a fascinating and beautiful
country situated at the far eastern edge of the
exotic Arabian Peninsula.
 The diving in Oman is the best
in the Gulf, with intact coral and plenty of big
fish. Dolphins can be seen in the hundreds following
tuna and you can also see whales and whale sharks
depending on the season. There are many wrecks and
opportunities for drift and other specialised dives.
Oman is nothing like Egypt's Red Sea resorts of
Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada as you will not find
throngs of tourists.
The diving in Oman is not spoiled the by thousands
of divers, the corals are intact and fresh. Underwater
you will see turtles and big morays, depending on
the dive site, Black tip reef sharks and other types
can be seen. There are some nice big devil rays
at 8ft (2.5m) and there is a full range of small
fish like groupers, lion fish, golden cardinals
and if you are observant you can spot frog fish
and sea horses. There are even occasional sightings
of whale sharks.
Oman has just recently opened its doors to tourism.
Good roads stretch for thousands of kilometers and
are very well maintained, the hospitals and schools
and food outlets are very clean and safe. The government
has a strong hold over environmental marine issues
for industry and enforces them. More new marine
and land reserves are to be formed to protect turtles
and birds. The first thing you will think about
Oman is how clean, how calm and friendly the people
are.
Climate Muscat 66-100F 19-38C Interior areas can
reach 130F 54C
Water Temps Average 80F 26C
Visibility 65+ ft 20+ m
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
Getting
There
Seeb International Airport, located in Muscat, is
served by many international airlines such as British
Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Swiss Air and Emirates.
The national carrier is Oman Air which flies to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Pakistan, Qatar,
Egypt, and Sri Lanka as well as performing domestic
flights to Salalah, Masirah Island and Musandam.
Entry
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months required
by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE
holding national identity cards;
(b) holders of Macau (SAR) Travel Permit.
Visa Procedure
Visa regulations and procedures have recently been
streamlined. Full details are available at Embassies
and Consulates throughout the world. Or you may contact
the Royal Oman Police through their website, www.rop.gov.om
or email them at ropnet@omantel.net.om
Citizens of most countries can benefit from these
new procedures and can obtain tourist visas for $13.00
(15 Euro). The visa can be obtained on arrival at
Seeb International Airport, at sea ports and land
borders.
Tourism Office
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY,
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF TOURISM
P.O. Box 550, Muscat, Postal Code 113, Sultanate of
Oman
Tel: (00968) 771-7085 / 774-331 / 774-329
Fax (00968) 771-4213 / 771-4436
Email:dgt@mocioman.gov.om
Travel Tips
Getting Around
There are many Travel Agencies and Tourist Guides
who will arrange sightseeing tours around the cities,
visits to historical sites and activities like wadi-bashing
and diving. These agencies can arrange for car rentals,
bus tours for large parties and overnight trips into
the interior. The Directorate General of Tourism has
appointed special guides to help ensure the visitor's
every interest is catered for.
Taxis or cars can be hired at the airport, or hotels
will arrange for transport.
Rental Agencies
Avis
Offices at Al Falaj Hotel (tel 702311); Al Bustan
Palace Hotel (799666 ext 487); Muscat InterContenetal
Hotel (600500 ext 8399); Salalah (291145); Seeb International
Airport (519176); Sheraton Oman Hotel (799899)
Budget Rent-A-Car
Offices at Ruwi Novotel (794721); Salalah Holiday
Inn (235160); Seeb International Airport (510816 -
24hrs)
Europcar
Offices at mutrah Buisiness District (700190); Muscat
Holiday inn (697123 ext 563)
Toyota Rant-A-Car
Offices at Gulf Hotel (560100 ext 820); Seeb International
Airport (510224)
Road Services
Well maintained highways link every major city in
Oman. Information relating to Car Rental facilities
(International Driving License required) and Bus Tours
is available at Travel Agencies and through Tourist
Guides.
General Information
Electricity
220 Volts - 240 Volts at 50 cycles
Communication
International direct telephone dialling, telex and
fax facilities are available in all major cities in
Oman. Telephone booths (phone cards) are available
in abundance for international and local calls. Internet
access is provided at hotels and various cyber cafes
in the main cities.
Health and Medical Facilities
Hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics are available
throughout Oman. Modern hospitals with state-of-the-art
equipment can contend with any emergency.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard
and Diners Club are widely accepted in shopping areas.
Climate
Oman is a relatively small but has a surprisingly
diverse climate - and therefore, a varied natural
landscape - as you move from the North of the country
to the South. The Omani summer runs from April to
September and, for the most part is hot (averaging
40 C). and very humid in certain areas. From July
to September the Dhofar region in the South enjoys
rain and cooler temperatures.
Local Time
GMT + 4 hours. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely
spoken. German and French are spoken by hotel staff.
Religion
The official religion of Oman is Islam. Mosques are
found almost everywhere for Muslims with the accompanied
facilities. Other worshippers can perform their religions
in several churches and temples mainly in Muscat.
Entertainment
Nightclubs and discotheques are found in the larger
hotels, and alcoholic beverages are served in licensed
hotels and restaurants only.
Attire
For most of the year, light, loose-fitting clothes,
preferably cotton, are best suited to Oman's climate.
To comply with Omani traditions, it is advised not
to wear revealing dresses or swimsuits in residential
areas. From December to March a light wrap or jacket
may be required in the evening.
Restaurants
International restaurants are found all over Oman,
from fast-food outlets to fusion cooking, haute cuisine
dining to hamburgers. Prices range, and a three course
meal can be found to suit any budget. Most hotels
will have a number of international restaurants providing
food from the likes of Mexico, France, Thailand, Japan
and Indonesia.
Traditional Omani Food is fairly simple, but by using
various marinades and impregnating meat with spices,
the result is a mouth-watering concoction which stimulates
the tastebuds.
Chicken, fish and mutton are regularly used in dishes.
A favourite drink is laban, a salty buttermilk. Yoghurt
drinks, flavoured with cardamom and pistachio nuts
are also very popular. Alcohol may be purchased in
the hotel bars and restaurants and certain independent
restaurants.
Official Hours
* Ministries and government establishments: 7:30 am
to 2:30 pm (Sat-Wed, week-end is Thr. and Fri )
* Private sector companies: 8:00am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm
to 7:00pm (SAt-Wed) 8:00am to 1:00pm on Thursdays.
* Markets: 8:00am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm to 9:00pm except
Mutrah souq which closes at 7:30pm.
* Banks: 8:00 am to 12 noon.
* Museums: 7:30 am to 2:00pm except Thr/Fr and official
holidays.
Things to do in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts,
It is paradise for scuba divers, enchanting to the
eye for photo enthusiasts and film buffs, and its
diverse natural beauty makes it an ideal place for
camping and rock climbing.
Scuba Diving
Oman boasts a wild and varied coastline. There is
a wealth of scenery, wildlife an pleasure awaiting
the underwater explorer. The Oman Dive Center (ODC),
located on one of Oman most beautiful and rich sites
of natural heritage, offers a complete range of diving
courses. Diving equipment is available on dive excursions,
which include overnight diving and camping trips.
Also, Bandar Al-Rawdah Marina, Diving Centers, OmanDiving.com,
Scuba Diving in Oman.
Photography and Filming
Oman provides tremendous opportunities for serious
and casual photographers. Graded tracks wind along
picturesque mountains, together with serene sandy
beaches and lush green plains. An occasional burst
of wildlife can be seen in the form of a white onyx,
or even a mountain fox racing across the horizon against
a breathtaking sunset.
Rock Climbing
To the avid rock climber Oman is seeming paradise.
Rugged mountains, rising at their highest point to
3,000 meters, stretch for over 300 km. In among the
peaks is a maze of spurs and wadis, deep canyons and
towering cliffs. Getting into the mountain in four
wheel drive is easy enough; getting up them is another
matter. Also, Caving & Climbing, Rock Climbing
Camping
Oman is a fascinating place to explore with its diverse
and beautiful landscape. Overnight camping in wadis
or on sandy beaches and desert safaris are very popular
among outdoor enthusiasts craving for adventure. Many
specialized tour operators provide complete camping
facilities from vehicles to drivers, guides, logistical
equipment, and packed meals.
Camel Racing
Camel racing is an extraordinary sport, with large
numbers of camels and their owners congregating at
the race track. Camels are carefully bred for the
track and reared on highly nutritious diet. Juvenile
jockeys astride oddly loping mounts generate tremendous
excitement on these occasions, which are held mainly
during National Day celebrations, and other public
holidays. Seeb is the center for this unique sport,
which can also be seen in Samail, Salalah, the Interior
and Batinah region.
Bull Fighting
Bull fighting is yet another popular sport where two
Brahim bulls of the same size are pitted against each
other without a drop of blood being spilled. The first
to run always is declared the loser, but not before
a cheering and enthusiastic audience. The fight lasts
just for a few minutes and the bulls suffer little
or no injury, except for a few scratches and a bruised
ego on the part of both the losing bull and its owner.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in exotic Muscat is a unique experience.
Half and full-day city tours offered by most tour
operators include visits to the old walled city of
Muscat, the Qurm museum and other picturesque sea
front Mutrah neighborhood with its old white buildings
and labyrinthine souq where visitors can buy the most
exquisite silver jewelry. A permit from the Department
of Castles and Forts at the ministry of National Heritage
and Culture is needed to visit archeological sites
and old forts. ( Tel 602555)
Shopping
Oman is unquestionably a great place for shopping.
Local craftsmen excel in arts and handicrafts such
as silver-smithing and weaving. Visitors can buy intricately
carved handmade daggers, coffee pots, rose-water sprinklers,
incense burners, rugs, saddles, bags, camel straps,
and fragrant frankincense. Women's jewelry is perhaps
the finest expression of the silversmiths' art, ranging
from small silver boxes designed to hold kohl, to
bracelets, earrings and rings, heavy anklets, and
huge belts and necklaces.
Sports
Well, you can not avoid the heat in the summer time.
You may do some shopping in the many commercial malls
that spread all over Muscat. Another thing is go skating
at Al Khuwair Skating Center or you may visit Shatti
Al Qurm to enjoy the ocean breeze. Sport indoor facilities
can be found in club and sport complexes as well.
Other Activities
Bowling
Al Muhit Recreation Center - Salalah, 211243
Seeb Novotel - 510300 ext. 186
Sheraton Oman Bowling Center - 799899 ext. 5026
Cricket
Oman Cricket Association - alimy@omantel.net.om Tel
968-79 66 55 / 968-79 87 86 Fax 968-70 63 72 / 968-68
38 66]
British Cricket Club - 600909
Darts
Oman Darts Club 618426
Golf
Al Maha Golf Club - 513706
Flamingo Park Golf Club - 467058
Ghala Wentworth 591248
Ice-Skating
Al Khuwair Center Ice Rink - 696492
Motor Sports
Oman Automobile Association (OAA) - 510239
Oman Automobile Club - 677750
Muscat Bikers (HD) - 561749
Rugby
Muscat Rugby Football Club - 604890, clubhouse.
Running
Muscat Hash House Harriers - 614556
Jebel Hash House Harriers - 516370
Muscat Road Runners - 678918
Salalah Hash House Harriers - 235423
Wudam Hash House Harriers 616320
Sailing, Surfing, and Boating
Capital Area Yatch Club (CAYC) - 737712
Civil Aviation Yatch and Beach Club - 519424
Oman Laser Association - 675148
Shooting
RAFO Salalah Shooting Society - 235205
Softball
Muscat Softball League - 602961
Squash
Muscat Squash League - 701998
Salalah Squash Ladder - 235242
Tennis
Muscat Tennis League - 675210
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