Brief History of Oman
Little is known about Oman's pre-Islamic past, although it appears that the country was a source of copper around 2,000 BC.
In about 630 AD, Amr Ibn al-As arrived in Oman with a letter from the Prophet Mohammed to Abd and Jaifar, the two sons of al-Julanda, who at that time ruled Oman jointly. It is said that their embracing of Islam helped them defeat the Persians.
With the arrival of the maritime trade, the Omanis helped to spread the word of Islam deep into Asia.
The Portuguese occupied Masqat in the 16th Century, but after they were expelled in 1650, only the Persians would try to settle in Oman again.
Imam Ahmed bin Said, founder of the present dynasty, expelled the Iranians in 1741, and made Masqat the capital of newly independent Masqat and Oman.
After 1861 the ruler took the title of sultan, and close ties were established with Great Britain.
Imams challenged the rule of the sultan, in the early 20th century, but the backing from Egypt and Saudi Arabia was not enough for them to overthrow him; especially when he had the support of British forces.
In house rivalry, in 1970, resulted in Qabus bin Said toppling his father, Said bin Taimur, and claiming the throne.
The new sultan changed the name of the country from Muscat and Oman to Oman, and then set about unifying the country by liberalising politics and increasing spending on development.
The prosperity that oil brought to Oman also enabled Qabus to build himself a fancy waterfront palace; in the capital, Masqat
Friday, June 4, 2010
Eating Out in Oman
Eating Out in Oman
The Grand Hyatt's Tuscany Italian restaurant offers an unusual combination of excellent service, food and ambience; there's even a small Romeo and Juliet style balcony for dining.
Al Bustan's Al Marjan Restaurant is a French restaurant, where the food and ambience is outstanding. It’s possibly the only restaurant in Oman that insists on men wearing a tie.
For a taste of Oman try the Al Bustan's Seblat Al Bustan (on Wednesdays). The live Omani entertainment makes it a very memorable night out.
Restaurants, apart from in the major hotels, tend to offer a standard range of Indian sub-continent food.
Some recommendations include the Golden Oryx with its Mongolian and Chinese cuisine; the Mumtaz Mahal for excellent north Indian food and one of the best views in Oman.
The Pavo Real is Muscat's favourite Mexican themed diner and the do it yourself entertainment, on some nights, can help break down business barriers.
The Curry House offers simple Indian dining with superb food.
The Oasis' Shatti Al Qurm beach location adds to the enjoyment of the freshly prepared food.
If you need a snack, many of the small coffee shops will do a chicken or omelette sandwich in Lebanese bread. Some of them also offer freshly squeezed fruit juices.
Nightlife Centres Around The Hotels
The Bars in the Intercontinental and Radisson SAS are very popular but the best entertainment is usually in the Grand Hyatt’s ‘Safari’ club.
The music may not be the latest sounds from Europe, and the alcohol is expensive, but the crowds are usually good natured and fun.
The Grand Hyatt's Tuscany Italian restaurant offers an unusual combination of excellent service, food and ambience; there's even a small Romeo and Juliet style balcony for dining.
Al Bustan's Al Marjan Restaurant is a French restaurant, where the food and ambience is outstanding. It’s possibly the only restaurant in Oman that insists on men wearing a tie.
For a taste of Oman try the Al Bustan's Seblat Al Bustan (on Wednesdays). The live Omani entertainment makes it a very memorable night out.
Restaurants, apart from in the major hotels, tend to offer a standard range of Indian sub-continent food.
Some recommendations include the Golden Oryx with its Mongolian and Chinese cuisine; the Mumtaz Mahal for excellent north Indian food and one of the best views in Oman.
The Pavo Real is Muscat's favourite Mexican themed diner and the do it yourself entertainment, on some nights, can help break down business barriers.
The Curry House offers simple Indian dining with superb food.
The Oasis' Shatti Al Qurm beach location adds to the enjoyment of the freshly prepared food.
If you need a snack, many of the small coffee shops will do a chicken or omelette sandwich in Lebanese bread. Some of them also offer freshly squeezed fruit juices.
Nightlife Centres Around The Hotels
The Bars in the Intercontinental and Radisson SAS are very popular but the best entertainment is usually in the Grand Hyatt’s ‘Safari’ club.
The music may not be the latest sounds from Europe, and the alcohol is expensive, but the crowds are usually good natured and fun.
Omani Travel Tips
Omani Travel Tips
Clothing
Visitors to Oman will find themselves in a country where Omani men still wear the traditional white Dishdasha gown and the beautiful Kashmir Mussar turban on their head. But it's the exquisite silver dagger, the Khunjar, that is the most distinctive part of a man's attire.
Omani women clothes are colourful. In the main towns the style, while still very Arabic, is more cosmopolitan than in the interior of the country; where women still wear trousers with fine silver embroidery around the ankle and the equally dramatic knee length tunic.
In the desert edges the women wear that most practical facemask, the Birka, that behind its often golden sheen protect the face from sand blasting and immense heat.
Dressing modestly in this very traditional country, apart from protecting you against the harsh weather, means that you will receive a more positive reception from any Omani you meet.
Both sexes should not wear shorts or revealing tops and women, in particular, should wear a loose long skirt or trousers.
Shopping
A stroll around the souqs is a must. Life in the markets is always interesting, and some of the khunjars -- Omani daggers -- are truly exquisite.
The shopkeepers in the souqs have an old world courtesy and if you feel like bargaining you’ll find it's always done with a smile.
Look for souvenirs like Frankincense, the gum of a tree, Omani silver crafts (always check to make certain it is Omani as there are many Indian versions of women’s jewellery), Kashmiri head wear and even men’s or women’s traditional clothing.
If you're interested in Arabic music, Salim Al Araimi is the latest Omani star.
Food and Drink
Within Oman, alcohol is available in the major hotels and restaurants and the standards of food hygiene is as good as can be found in developed nations.
Omanis eat with their hands -- the right hand only -- and are not allowed alcohol; although visitors to Oman may drink in most hotel bars and restaurants. If you're meeting an Omani here, don't offer them a beer.
Tap water is potable and mineral water is also widely available; even in the most remote village.
Changing Money in Oman
Use money changers rather than banks or hotels as the rates are far better and the opening hours are way longer than banks.
Clothing
Visitors to Oman will find themselves in a country where Omani men still wear the traditional white Dishdasha gown and the beautiful Kashmir Mussar turban on their head. But it's the exquisite silver dagger, the Khunjar, that is the most distinctive part of a man's attire.
Omani women clothes are colourful. In the main towns the style, while still very Arabic, is more cosmopolitan than in the interior of the country; where women still wear trousers with fine silver embroidery around the ankle and the equally dramatic knee length tunic.
In the desert edges the women wear that most practical facemask, the Birka, that behind its often golden sheen protect the face from sand blasting and immense heat.
Dressing modestly in this very traditional country, apart from protecting you against the harsh weather, means that you will receive a more positive reception from any Omani you meet.
Both sexes should not wear shorts or revealing tops and women, in particular, should wear a loose long skirt or trousers.
Shopping
A stroll around the souqs is a must. Life in the markets is always interesting, and some of the khunjars -- Omani daggers -- are truly exquisite.
The shopkeepers in the souqs have an old world courtesy and if you feel like bargaining you’ll find it's always done with a smile.
Look for souvenirs like Frankincense, the gum of a tree, Omani silver crafts (always check to make certain it is Omani as there are many Indian versions of women’s jewellery), Kashmiri head wear and even men’s or women’s traditional clothing.
If you're interested in Arabic music, Salim Al Araimi is the latest Omani star.
Food and Drink
Within Oman, alcohol is available in the major hotels and restaurants and the standards of food hygiene is as good as can be found in developed nations.
Omanis eat with their hands -- the right hand only -- and are not allowed alcohol; although visitors to Oman may drink in most hotel bars and restaurants. If you're meeting an Omani here, don't offer them a beer.
Tap water is potable and mineral water is also widely available; even in the most remote village.
Changing Money in Oman
Use money changers rather than banks or hotels as the rates are far better and the opening hours are way longer than banks.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Oman Duty Free
Oman Duty Free
The following items may be imported per family into Oman without incurring customs duty:
• Up to 2l of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only).
• A reasonable quantity of tobacco products.
• 227ml perfume.
• Eight video tapes or DVDs for personal use.
Restricted items: Meat products officially require an Islamic slaughter certificate.
Prohibited Imports
Narcotics, non-canned food products (including vegetables, fruit and non-alcoholic beverages), bees (unless clearance is given), dates (including shoots of palm date, coconut and ornamental palm trees), firearms (including toys and replicas) and obscene films/literature. Videos may be subject to censorship.
The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty. ‘Soft' drugs are treated as seriously as ‘hard' drugs. The possession of small quantities of cannabis can lead to a 12-month prison sentence and deportation.
The following items may be imported per family into Oman without incurring customs duty:
• Up to 2l of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only).
• A reasonable quantity of tobacco products.
• 227ml perfume.
• Eight video tapes or DVDs for personal use.
Restricted items: Meat products officially require an Islamic slaughter certificate.
Prohibited Imports
Narcotics, non-canned food products (including vegetables, fruit and non-alcoholic beverages), bees (unless clearance is given), dates (including shoots of palm date, coconut and ornamental palm trees), firearms (including toys and replicas) and obscene films/literature. Videos may be subject to censorship.
The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty. ‘Soft' drugs are treated as seriously as ‘hard' drugs. The possession of small quantities of cannabis can lead to a 12-month prison sentence and deportation.
Oman Money and Exchange Rate
Oman Money and Exchange Rate
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR) = 1,000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OMR50, 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 and ATMs
All major credit cards are accepted here, including to a lesser extent American Express. ATMs are widely available throughout the county.
Traveller's Cheques
Easily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Sat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
Exchange Rate Indicators
1.00 GBP = 0.56 OMR
1.00 USD = 0.38 OMR
1.00 EUR = 0.47 OMR
Currency conversion rates as of 4 June 2010
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR) = 1,000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OMR50, 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 and ATMs
All major credit cards are accepted here, including to a lesser extent American Express. ATMs are widely available throughout the county.
Traveller's Cheques
Easily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Sat-Wed 0800-1200, Thurs 0800-1130.
Exchange Rate Indicators
1.00 GBP = 0.56 OMR
1.00 USD = 0.38 OMR
1.00 EUR = 0.47 OMR
Currency conversion rates as of 4 June 2010
Oman Information
Oman Information
Location
Middle East, southeastern tip of Arabian Peninsula.
Time
GMT + 4.
Area
309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles).
Population
3.2 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density
10.3 per sq km.
Capital
Muscat. Population: 620,000 (census 2003).
Geography
The Sultanate of Oman occupies the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula with almost 1,700km (1,062 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
Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id since 1970.
History
The current Sultan and his partially publicly elected government have been responsible for overseeing the country's dramatic modernisation programme. When he came to power in 1970, Sultan Qaboos inherited a country that boasted only 10km of sealed road, two American-run missionary hospitals and no secondary schools. Today, good roads link nearly every town in the country, every region has modern healthcare facilities, and all Omani citizens are given free primary and secondary education. Oman has gained an international reputation for being a peaceful, settled nation, loyal to Arab neighbours whilst maintaining close, friendly ties with Western countries, particularly the UK.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by Omani descendents from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff while Urdu, Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog are widely spoken by Oman's large expatriate workforce.
Religion
Predominantly Muslim, including Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and facilities for the worship of other religions.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
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 beyond the hotel grounds, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders; men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be restricted to hotel restaurants to avoid giving offence although this is not strictly followed by some Westerners. Shorts should not be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting seashells, 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. Homosexual behaviour is illegal.
Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography' signs exist in certain places and must be observed.
Location
Middle East, southeastern tip of Arabian Peninsula.
Time
GMT + 4.
Area
309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles).
Population
3.2 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density
10.3 per sq km.
Capital
Muscat. Population: 620,000 (census 2003).
Geography
The Sultanate of Oman occupies the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula with almost 1,700km (1,062 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
Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id since 1970.
History
The current Sultan and his partially publicly elected government have been responsible for overseeing the country's dramatic modernisation programme. When he came to power in 1970, Sultan Qaboos inherited a country that boasted only 10km of sealed road, two American-run missionary hospitals and no secondary schools. Today, good roads link nearly every town in the country, every region has modern healthcare facilities, and all Omani citizens are given free primary and secondary education. Oman has gained an international reputation for being a peaceful, settled nation, loyal to Arab neighbours whilst maintaining close, friendly ties with Western countries, particularly the UK.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by Omani descendents from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff while Urdu, Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog are widely spoken by Oman's large expatriate workforce.
Religion
Predominantly Muslim, including Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and facilities for the worship of other religions.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
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 beyond the hotel grounds, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders; men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be restricted to hotel restaurants to avoid giving offence although this is not strictly followed by some Westerners. Shorts should not be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting seashells, 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. Homosexual behaviour is illegal.
Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography' signs exist in certain places and must be observed.
Oman Travel Guide
Oman Travel Guide
Mountain villages clutched against canyon walls, clusters of dates weighing heavy in the plantation oases, a ribbon of sand blown across the dunes, a lone camel padding across the limitless interior - these are the kinds of images afforded by the beautiful and enigmatic country of Oman.
In years gone by, Oman was rich with copper and frankincense, and enjoyed an extensive East African empire. Then, in the early 20th century, a deeply conservative ruler, Sultan Said, chose deliberately to isolate the country from the modern world. His son, peace-loving Sultan Qaboos, assumed the throne in 1970 and that date now marks the beginning of the widely celebrated 'Renaissance' in which the country has been returned to an age of prosperity and progression.
What makes Oman's renaissance somewhat unique in the region is that the transformation has been conducted with great sensitivity towards traditional values - there are few high-rise buildings in the capital, Muscat; the country's heritage of forts (numbering over 2,000) are meticulously restored; ancient crafts like weaving are actively supported. Moreover, traditional Arabian values, such as hospitality and practical piety, are still in evidence making Oman somewhere to experience Islamic culture at its best
Mountain villages clutched against canyon walls, clusters of dates weighing heavy in the plantation oases, a ribbon of sand blown across the dunes, a lone camel padding across the limitless interior - these are the kinds of images afforded by the beautiful and enigmatic country of Oman.
In years gone by, Oman was rich with copper and frankincense, and enjoyed an extensive East African empire. Then, in the early 20th century, a deeply conservative ruler, Sultan Said, chose deliberately to isolate the country from the modern world. His son, peace-loving Sultan Qaboos, assumed the throne in 1970 and that date now marks the beginning of the widely celebrated 'Renaissance' in which the country has been returned to an age of prosperity and progression.
What makes Oman's renaissance somewhat unique in the region is that the transformation has been conducted with great sensitivity towards traditional values - there are few high-rise buildings in the capital, Muscat; the country's heritage of forts (numbering over 2,000) are meticulously restored; ancient crafts like weaving are actively supported. Moreover, traditional Arabian values, such as hospitality and practical piety, are still in evidence making Oman somewhere to experience Islamic culture at its best
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