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Government
Sultanate since 1744. Head of State and Government: Sultan Qabus bin Sa'id since 1970. The administrative system of the State under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said consists of the Diwan of Royal Court, the Ministry of Palace Office, the Cabinet of Ministers and Secretariat of the Cabinet, the Specialised Councils, the Governorate of Muscat, the Governorate of Dhofar and the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman).
Culture
Omani's are friendly, open and helpful. Oman has a large expatriate population including businessmen and professionals. The city offers an excellent social and cultural environment. There are places of worship like mosques, temples and churches. There are many avenues for recreation with a large number of clubs, bars, multi-cuisine restaurants, malls, parks and entertainment centres.
Infrastructure
Sultanate of Oman is one of the most progressive and modern nations in the Middle East. The country offers excellent living standards with all amenities and modern infrastructure.
Communications
IDD is available. Mobile telephone - GSM 900 network. The Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) is the local operator (www.omantel.net.om). Omantel offer fax services and telegram services in the Central Telegraph Office, Muscat. Internet cafes in Muscat and Nizwa.
Currency
The Omani currency is the Rial Omani (RO). The Rial Omani is linked to the US $ at a conversion rate of $2.58: RO 1.000. Rate against the Sterling fluctuates with the market.
Business Hours
Government Office Hours are Saturday to Wednesday 7.30am to 2.30pm with private sector hours, Saturday to Thursday 8.00am to 1.00pm and 3.30pm to 6.30pm.
Airport
Two main airports, Seeb and Salalah, with international flights daily.
Tax Free Shopping
Muscat Duty Free has outlets in both the arrivals and departure areas of Seeb International Airport.
Transport
Driving in Oman is easy as the roads are in very good condition. Motorways link the capital Muscat with all major cities and towns in Oman. Many car rental companies are available. Taxis are orange and white. They are not metered so it is advisable to negotiate a fair before the start of a journey. Oman National Transport Corporation runs a regular bus service between most cities.
Accommodation
Oman offers a variety accommodation from five star deluxe down to simple rooms, studios and apartment suites.
Amenities
Medical facilities in the Sultanate are excellent with both public and private hospitals and clinics in most regions.
Statistics
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Location: |
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. Oman is divided into 5 regions and 3 governorates. |
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Time Zone: |
GMT + 4 |
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Weather: |
Hot and humid in summer (June 31-48 Centigrade), Pleasantly cool in winter (January 20-25'C) |
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Population: |
3,311640 (official estimate 2008) |
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Languages: |
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. |
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Religions: |
Predominantly Ibadi Muslim, with Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Hindu minorities |
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Country Dialing Code: |
978 |
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Internet Country Code: |
.OM |
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Electricity: |
220 or 240 volts AC, 50Hz |
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Currency: |
Rial Omani (RO) |
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Exchange Rates: |
US $2.58 : RO 1.000 |
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Useful Links
| Government of Dubai |
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Oman Chamber of Commerce |
Ministry of Education |
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Ministry of Information |
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| Airport |
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Doha International Airport |
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| Newspaper (English) |
(Arabic) |
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Oman Daily Observer |
Oman Daily |
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Times of Oman Daily |
Al Watan Daily |
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| Telecommunications |
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Omantel |
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| Bank |
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Bank of Dhofar Al Omani Al Fransi |
Bank Muscat |
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National Bank of Oman |
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| Organisations |
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Oman News Agency |
Oman Tourism |
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| Airlines |
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Oman Air |
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| City Guide |
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Oman City Guide |
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