What is Oman and what makes it special? Let’s explore the beautiful Sultanate of Oman in the article below.
Discovering the Country of Oman
What is Oman?
Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman covers an area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 3 million people.
Muscat is the capital of Oman.
Politics
Oman is an absolute monarchy.
Language
The official language in Oman is Arabic.
Religion
75% of Oman’s population practices Islam. Consequently, beautiful mosques adorned with intricate patterns can be found throughout the country.
Time Zone
Oman’s time zone is UTC+4. Vietnam is 3 hours ahead of Oman.
Climate
The weather in Oman is hot year-round, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and very little rainfall. In the high mountainous regions, temperatures are lower.
Interesting Facts about Oman
The capital of Oman is Muscat, which is also the largest city in the country, often described as a jewel of Arabia. The city harmoniously blends the ancient with the modern, featuring numerous forts, castles, mosques, and towers set against a backdrop of magnificent natural scenery, creating an enchanting allure for travelers from around the world. When visiting Muscat, most tourists are captivated by the ports next to the ancient city of Matrouh Souq in the evening light. The narrow alleys lined with lush green grass and the friendliness of the honest spice vendors contribute to its vibrant charm.
Oman has a long history, with a civilization that dates back approximately 5000 years.
Oman boasts abundant oil reserves located amidst the desert, making the petroleum and gas industries the primary sources of income for the nation.
Zighy Bay: Located in the north, Zighy Bay is in the unique Musandam peninsula, the most geographically distinct area in the Gulf region. For centuries, access was only possible by boat due to its oceanic surroundings. However, to encourage tourism, the Omani government has constructed a road along the rugged cliffs, making it easier for visitors to access this beautiful bay. Zighy, located in a relatively remote area, offers captivating natural beauty. Every night, visitors can witness giant fireflies twinkling in the darkness, created by torches placed along the beach.
Zighy Bay offers captivating natural beauty.
The Royal Opera House: Muscat is the only city in the Arabian Peninsula with its own opera house. The Royal Opera House Muscat opened in 2011 and accommodates up to 1,000 guests, primarily hosting concerts, ballets, and theatrical performances. The building features traditional Omani architectural styles, yet is equipped with modern facilities and international-standard sound technology. It has hosted international shows such as Placido Domingo and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Wahiba Sands: Camping in the desert and stargazing is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Oman. The vast Wahiba Sands is the ideal location for this activity.
Shuwa Specialty: This is a delicacy of this beautiful land. Shuwa consists of delicious marinated lamb, served with rice. The main ingredients in its preparation include coriander, black pepper, dill, and cardamom. After marinating, the lamb is slow-cooked in a traditional oven buried under thick sand and heated by charcoal. Preparing Shuwa takes about a day, making it a dish often served on special occasions or lavish banquets.
Sea Cruising: Centuries ago, Omanis were renowned for their seafaring skills and dominated the Indian Ocean. The maritime talent of Omani sailors is likened to the legendary sailor Sinbad from stories. They used their wooden ships to expand the southern region of this Gulf kingdom. The Omani government hopes that the maritime cultural heritage they have left will attract global tourists. This includes a small, narrow bay with stunning white sandy beaches adjacent to islands teeming with diverse marine life… It would be a missed opportunity not to explore this “heritage” beauty on boats, drifting along the azure waters when visiting the picturesque country of Oman.
Omanis are famous for their seafaring skills, having once dominated the Indian Ocean.
Oud (Agarwood): In Oman, oud is highly valued. It grows only in the wild, making conservation efforts challenging. It is said that within the next 15 years, oud production could decrease by half. Widely used in religious ceremonies and the perfume industry, oud is not only a precious raw material but also embodies Oman’s culture, history, and society.
The life of Omanis is quite distinctive.
Oman is one of the rare countries with a market exclusively for women, held every Wednesday in the city of Ibra. This market sells everything from spices to jewelry, textiles, and household items.
Unlike many countries worldwide, Omanis require a police-issued permit to purchase alcohol. The value of the permit is determined by an individual’s income, which is typically 10% of their basic salary.
Omanis are renowned as the best breeders of Arabian horses. Arabian horses are famous for their stamina, speed, agility, and strong bones. They are also known for their good nature, quick learning ability, and willingness to please their owners, as long as they are treated with respect and care.
