Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Oman Business Profile

Oman Business Profile

Economy: Oman was acutely underdeveloped until the discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 1970s; this now accounts for over 40 per cent of GDP and 80 per cent of the country’s export earnings. Agriculture, owing to Oman’s desert land, is confined to the coastal plain and a few irrigated areas in the interior. Dates, limes and alfalfa are the main products; some livestock is also bred. There are mineral deposits of copper, chromite, marble, gypsum and limestone, manganese ore and coal. The Government has used some of its oil revenues to develop indigenous industries such as construction, agriculture and tourism, and to build up the country’s infrastructure; these projects are incorporated in the Vision 2020 economic development programme. In the late 1990s, Oman started to privatise major government-owned parts of the economy and introduce a legislative framework to encourage foreign investment. The economy has been growing at around 4 per cent annually and enjoys low inflation and unemployment. Oman is a member of various pan-Arab political and economic organisations. However, it is not a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – although its pricing policy tends to follow that of OPEC fairly closely. Oman’s principal trading partners are Japan, Korea (Rep), Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Business: Men should wear suits and ties for business and formal occasions. English is usually spoken in business circles, but a few words or phrases of Arabic will be useful and welcome. Appointments are essential and punctuality is gradually becoming more important in business circles. Visiting cards are widely used. Office hours: Sat-Wed 0800-1300 and 1600-1900, Thurs 0800-1300. Government office hours: Sat-Wed 0730-1430, and sometimes half-day Thursday. All offices are closed Friday. Office hours are shorter during Ramadan.

Oman Social Profile

Oman Social Profile

Food & Drink: Numerous restaurants have opened in recent years, but many people retain the habit of dining at hotels. There is a wide variety of cuisine on offer, including Arabic, Indian, Oriental, European and other international dishes. Coffee houses are popular. Waiter service is usual. Muslim law forbids alcohol, but most hotel bars and restaurants serve alcohol. Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed hotels and restaurants. To buy alcohol for home consumption, Western nationals must obtain a licence from their embassy.

Nightlife: There are a few nightclubs and bars in Muscat, mostly in the hotels. There are three air conditioned cinemas in Ruwi and an open-air cinema at the al-Falaj Hotel showing Arab, Indian and English films.

Shopping: The modern shops are mostly in Ruwi and Qurum. The two main souks (markets) are located in Matrah and Nizwa. Traditional crafts include silver and gold jewellery, khanjars (Omani daggers), coffeepots, saddles, frankincense, handwoven textiles, carpets, baskets and camel straps. Antique khanjars (over 50 years old) may not be exported. It is wise to check with the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for the necessary documentation before purchasing.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1300 and 1600-2000. Souks open 0800-1100 and 1600-1900. Many shops close on Friday. Opening hours are one hour later during Ramadan.

Special Events: Events celebrated in Oman are generally Muslim festivals and feasts. For further information on events in Oman, contact the Directorate General of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).

Social Conventions: Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A small gift, either promoting your company or country, is well received. As far as dress is concerned, it is important that women dress modestly, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes must be avoided and although this is not strictly followed by Westerners, it is far better to adopt this practice and avoid causing offence. Shorts should never be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting sea shells, abalone, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also prohibited. Dumping litter is forbidden. It is polite not to smoke in public, but generally no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate. Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography’ signs exist in certain places and must be observed. Tipping: Becoming more common and 10 per cent should be given.

Oman Sports and Activities

Oman Sports and Activities

Watersports: There are many sandy beaches offering good bathing, diving and sailing facilities. Many hotels have pools. There are also three private sports clubs with water-skiing and fishing facilities. The Bander al-Rowdha Marina has a purpose-built watersports complex, with landscaped beach area, swimming pool and restaurants. The Dubai to Muscat President’s Cup Regatta takes place annually. The waters of the Gulf of Oman and the North Indian Ocean are populated by black marlin, swordfish, tuna and sailfish making them ideal for game fishing. A fishing permit is required from the Directorate General of Fisheries, and spearfishing is strictly prohibited. In the southern region, fishing is restricted to between Mughsayl and Taqah. Hunting is completely forbidden.

Caving: This is also popular in Oman. Majlis al-Jhinn is the world’s second-largest cave; its long passages, crystal-clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend throughout its 4 million cubic metre expanse.

Other: There are many sports clubs based in Muscat offering facilities for tennis, squash and karting. Hockey, football, volleyball and basketball are popular spectator sports and matches are staged at the Wattayah Stadium. Owing to the nature of the terrain and climate, golf is not a prominent sport in Oman, although there are a number of sand courses operated by local clubs, as well as plans to build a course at A’Suwadi. Horseraces and the more popular camel races are held on Fridays and public holidays at a variety of locations.

Oman Climate

Oman Climate

Climate: The months between May and August are particularly hot. The climate is best from September through to April. Rainfall varies according to the region. During the period June to September there is a light monsoon rain in Salalah.

Required clothing: Lightweights are worn throughout the year, with a warm wrap for cooler winter evenings. Light rainwear is advisable.

Oman Accommodation

Oman Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: There is a good selection of hotels to suit all budgets. Smaller hotels are cheaper but facilities are more limited. There are very few hotels in provincial areas but a large hotel-building programme has been initiated. The Shangri-la luxury hotel chain will open the country's first 6-star resort in 2005. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended. All rates are subject to a 10 per cent service charge. Visit www.oxfordtravels.com/middleeast/oman/index.html for complete list of Hotels in Oman.

Oman Travel International

AIR: The national airlines of Oman are Gulf Air (GF) (website: www.gulfairco.com), which it jointly owns with the governments of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar; and Oman Air (WY) (website: www.oman-air.com). Other airlines serving Oman include British Airways, Emirates, KLM and Lufthansa.

Approximate flight times: From Muscat to London is eight hours 10 minutes, to Singapore six hours 30 minutes and to Sydney 16 hours.

International airports: Muscat (MCT) (Seeb International), 40km (25 miles) west of the city (travel time – 15 to 30 minutes). Airport facilities include bank/bureau de change, duty-free shops, bar and light refreshments, restaurants and tourist information as well as post office and car hire (Avis, Budget and Hertz). Taxis and buses to the city are available.

Departure tax: 5OR for all departures (this has usually already been collected at ticket issuance). Children under two years old are exempt.

SEA: The main ports are Mina Raysut and Sultan Qaboos. Traffic is mainly commercial.

ROAD: Travel into Oman by land is only possible with prior government permission. The best route is the north–south road from Muscat to Salalah, a journey of some 10 to 12 hours. Road travel through Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is extremely limited. There is no access from Yemen.

Oman Travel Internal

Travel Internal

AIR: Oman Air (WY) runs domestic flights to Salalah and Khasab from Seeb airport; the approximate flight time to Salalah is 90 minutes.

ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Principal routes run from east to west, connecting Muscat to Sohor, and from north to south.

Bus: The state-owned Oman National Transport Company has been developing a network of services in Muscat and north Oman using modern vehicles. There is competition from taxis and pick-up trucks converted for passenger service.

Taxi: Prices are high and fares should be agreed in advance. Shared taxis are also available.

Car hire: Available from Avis and Budget which have offices at hotels throughout the country.

Regulations: Heavy penalties are imposed for drinking and driving. It is also forbidden to drive on the beaches.

Documentation: A local licence must be obtained from the police by presenting a national driving licence or International Driving Permit. Police passes may be required if travelling via the United Arab Emirates.

Oman History and Government

Oman History and Government

History: Archaeological excavations have recently shown that much of the civilisation in Oman predates the Arab period. The region embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the sultans of Muscat were often powerful figures in Arabia and East Africa, who often came into conflict with the colonial powers in the region, particularly the Portuguese, who first settled in the 16th century, in an attempt to protect their eastern trade routes. Close ties have been maintained with Britain since 1798, when a treaty of friendship was concluded. The country was known as Muscat and Oman until 1970.

British influence remains strong but the number of British advisers occupying key positions in Omani government departments – substantial during the early days of the present regime, headed by the hereditary ruler, Sultan Qaboos – has steadily declined and is now limited to a handful of advisers in key posts. During the early years of his reign, which began in 1970, Sultan Qaboos’ overriding priority was to deal with an insurgency in the western part of his kingdom, conducted by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO) with the backing of the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen; since unified with North Yemen).

The defeat of the insurgents served to increase both domestic and foreign pressure on Qaboos to introduce democratic reforms. A series of incremental measures have been introduced to modernise and liberalise this previously autocratic regime. Two consultative assemblies, the Majlis as-Shura (which evolved from the old Consultative Assembly) and the more recently formed Majlis al-Dawlah, were originally groomed to assume the functions of a bicameral parliament at the turn of the millennium. This has not happened, nor is it likely to do so for the foreseeable future. The two Majlis have some influence over domestic affairs – and the franchise that elects them has been steadily expanded to include all men and women over the age of 21 – but no say in foreign and defence matters. The most recent poll for the Majlis as-Shura in November 2003 registered little change in its make-up: no formal political parties are allowed but supporters of the Sultan are in the majority.

Relations with Oman’s immediate neighbours have been cordial, especially with Yemen, since the end of the PFLO insurgency and the unification of Yemen itself. In recent years, Omani concerns have been focused further afield. In 1981, Oman was a founder member of the Gulf Co-operation Council and has played a leading role in promoting its increasing involvement in regional security issues. The country’s strategic importance to the West has been underlined throughout the last two decades as it has been used as a staging post for Anglo-American military, naval and air operations during the Iran-Iraq War, the counter-invasion of Kuwait and, in more recent times, both the assaults on Afghanistan and Iraq.

In 1994, Oman was the first Gulf state to establish official relations with Israel. Since 1998, it has also developed good relations with Iran, now extending as far as mutual security co-operation in the Gulf.

Government: Legislative power is held by the Sultan who is Head of State and wields executive power as Prime Minister with the aid of a Council of Ministers. There is no legislature as such. The Council of Oman functions as an advisory body and is comprised of the 82-member Majlis as-Shura (Consultative Council) and the 41-member Majlis al-Dawlah (Council of State). Members of both are appointed by the Sultan. in the case of the Majlis as-Shura, the selection is made from 700-odd candidates elected from each vilayat (district).

Oman Health

Oman Health

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving within six days from infected areas.

2: Typhoid may occur in rural areas.

3: A limited malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the whole country except at altitudes above 2000m and in desert areas. Chloroquine resistance has been reported.

Food & drink: All water outside the capital area should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is available and is advised throughout Oman. Food bought in the main supermarkets can be regarded as safe. Outside the capital area, milk may be unpasteurised and if so, should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Hepatitis A and B occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Oman has an extensive public health service (free to Omani nationals), with approximately 46 hospitals, 86 health centres and 65 preventative health centres. However, costs are high for foreigners and health insurance is essential.

Public Holidays in Oman 2007

DATE
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 01, 2007 New Year's Day
January 20, 2007 Muharram (Islamic New Year)
March 31, 2007 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
NOTE : Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.

Map of Oman

Oman Money

Oman Money

Currency: Omani Rial (OR) = 1000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baiza.

Credit & debit cards: American Express is accepted, as are other major credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Easily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Omani Rial against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 0.69 0.71 0.72 0.73
$1.00= 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39

Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. Israeli currency, however, is prohibited.

Banking hours: Sat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.

Oman Visa Information

Visa Application:
• Tourist Visa
• Visa upon Arrival


TOURIST VISA

Price: USD 60/-
Validity for stay in Oman: Valid for 21 Days stay in Oman
Processing Time: Minimum 5 working days (Thu & Fri holidays)

The above is for nationalities that are not eligible for visa on arrival in Oman. In order to process visa, OxfordTravels.com require a clear Passport copy and our application form (to be sent to you) duly filled including following information (a). Religion of the applicant (b) Applicant’s mother’s name (c) Last country visited.

Date of Arrival, flight details are to be sent at least two weeks before arrival for the groups and one week in case of individuals.

Visa fees are non refundable once the visa has been applied for. Should the Visa fee be increased OxfordTravels.com reserves the right to add the additional fees to the above rates without prior notice. The immigration authorities of Oman have the sole right to issue of refuse a visa application. OxfordTravels.com is not responsible for any refusal of Visa.


VISA UPON ARRIVAL

Currently, residents of the following countries do not require visa before arriving but are eligible for Visa on arrival. The cost of this Visa is OMANI RIYAL 6 (Approx USD 16) to be paid directly. These nationalities are: -

EUOROPEAN (East & West) COUNTRIES
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Vatican

SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, Venezuela

Other COUNTRIES
Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Seychelles, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, USA

Oman Duty Free

Oman Duty Free

The following items may be imported into Oman without incurring customs duty:
Up to 2l of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only); a reasonable quantity of tobacco products; 227ml perfume.

Prohibited items: Narcotics, non-canned food products (including vegetables, fruit and non-alcoholic beverages), firearms (including toys and replicas) and obscene films/literature. Videos are subject to censorship.

Oman General Information

Oman General Information

Area: 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles).

Population: 2,538,000 (official estimate 2002).

Population Density: 8.2 per sq km.

Capital: Muscat. Population: 685,676 (2001).

GEOGRAPHY: The Sultanate of Oman occupies the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula with almost 1700km (1062 miles) of coastline stretching along the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and the Republic of Yemen to the south. The United Arab Emirates lies to the northwest of Oman and to the east lies the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Government: Sultanate since 1744. Head of State and Government: Sultan Qabus bin Sa’id since 1970.

Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by the population from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff.

Religion: Predominantly Ibadi Muslim, with Shi’ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Hindu minorities.

Time: GMT + 4.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 968. Outgoing international code: 00.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. The Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) is the local operator (website: www.omantel.net.om).

Fax: Services are available from Omantel. There are fax facilities in most hotels and in the major cities.

Telegram: Services are available at the counter in the Central Telegraph Office, Muscat. In case of difficulty, visitors may book calls through the international operator.

Internet: There are Internet cafes in the cities of Nizwa and Muscat. ISPs include Omantel (website: www.omantel.net.om) and WebOman (website: www.weboman.com).

Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes three to four days.

Press: English-language newspapers include The Oman Daily Observer and The Times of Oman.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Oman Facts

GEOGRAPHY: The Sultanate of Oman occupies the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula with almost 1700km (1062 miles) of coastline stretching along the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and the Republic of Yemen to the south. The United Arab Emirates lies to the northwest of Oman and to the east lies the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Government: Sultanate since 1744. Head of State and Government: Sultan Qabus bin Sa’id since 1970.

Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by the population from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff.

Religion: Predominantly Ibadi Muslim, with Shi’ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Hindu minorities.