COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Oman
Muscat has an approximate population of around 76,344 people and you can typically expect to pay around £7.97p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Located on the Gulf of Oman, Muscat, Oman's capital sits proudly on the Gulf of Oman amidst rocky cliffs and majestic desert. With colorful history dating back to the ancient past, it blends upscale local shopping malls and high-rise buildings with majestic clifftops like the 16th century Portuguese fortresses, Al Jalali and Miran, looming above Muscat Harbor. Its modern, lustrously marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque can accommodate 20,000 visitors a day. A stone's throw from Muscat lies another jewel in the crown, the Omani pearl coast, where a wide variety of pearls is found ranging from bright white to silvery grey, black or blue.
Between these two jewels lie two other gems in the kingdom of Oman, namely the small coastal city of Taif and the royal palace of Muscat. Like Taif, Muscat is a two-hour drive from Oman but only a one-hour drive from the capital of Oman. For a week-long extended weekend, or even a weekend break that only takes two days, taking a three-day or extended weekend trip to Oman is an excellent option. Whether you opt for a one-day driving or extended weekend stay in Muscat, Oman vacations are not to be missed.
If you take a three-day or extended weekend trip to Muscat in Oman, you'll find it doesn't have to be all business and no play. Omanis welcome foreigners with open arms and with an eye to making their country a more welcoming and tolerant locale, Muscat hotels are jam-packed on most weekends and holidays. You will find a plethora of restaurants and cafes as well as sports clubs, casinos, and leisure activities for the entire family. The international airport in Oman is located just south of Muscat along the Gulf of Oman, making air travel to the Sultan's Island of Oman quite affordable, while offering the kind of convenience that you'd expect when booking your hotel accommodations right on site.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Oman are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Oman read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Oman.
Oman has a reliably warm climate and, as long as you avoid the scorching summer months between June and August, can be visited any time. The weather is at its most pleasant from October through to April.
The festival of Mushrif is one of the most important festivals in Oman. This annual celebration marks the end of the Ramadan and is celebrated by the people of Oman. Its name literally translates to the "Feast of the Breaking of Fasting." This festival is held in the middle of May and begins at the beginning of June. It is a day of joy and fun for all. People celebrate this day by waking up early and preparing special food. The kids are given gifts and sweets are exchanged as a token of love.
There are many other festivals in Oman to experience. If you're Muslim, you'll want to try the festival of Mir'aj, which takes place during the first few days of April. The festival is popular among Muslims, and is observed by approximately 70% of the population. However, the country's population is not exclusively Muslim, and other religions also celebrate the festival. For this reason, if you're a non-Muslim, you should skip the Mir'aj festival.
Those who are interested in Islam and the Omani culture will want to attend the Eid al-Adha festival. This Muslim holiday commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham's son. But instead of sacrificing his son, Ibrahim was allowed to sacrifice a ram. This festival is characterized by huge slaughters of animals, and the meat from the sacrificed animals is shared with the poor. This means that large numbers of carcasses will be piled up along the sides of the road.
Another Muslim festival in Oman is the Mir'aj. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad and is widely followed by the majority of the population. Minorities of this faith, however, are more tolerant of this festival, so alcohol is not served on the festival day. This is one of the most important festivals in Oman. For this reason, alcoholic beverages are not served during this time.
Despite its many attractions and activities, there are no official holidays in Oman. The country's New Year, however, is not observed in the country. The country does not celebrate the holiday in an official way. Its absence of a state holiday has both advantages and disadvantages. While there are no official public holidays, there are few festive events in Oman. Most venues are open and welcome tourists, and you'll be able to meet locals and learn about the traditions of the area.
There are many festivals in Oman to celebrate. The Muscat festival is one of the most important festivals, as it is held in the capital city of Muscat. During this time, people will visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and cook traditional dishes. The main theme of the Muscat festival is "Respect for the Prophet". It's a time to give thanks to all those who have helped make the country a better place to live.
If you're looking for a trip to the Middle East, you should consider visiting the Historical Sites in Oman. This country was once a maritime empire and is the oldest continuously independent country in the Arab world. The history of the country can be traced back centuries. Many of the sites are fascinating, so you can expect a rich cultural experience in this fascinating country. If you're looking for a unique experience, consider a trip to the Sultanate of Oman.
One of the most intriguing historical sites in the region is the ancient city of Qalhat. This site is located between Shab and Sur, in the central part of Oman. It consists of an ensemble of burial monuments, fortified walls, and settlement remains. These buildings were created by the ancient peoples of Oman in response to the increasing population pressure and the input of other civilizations. Today, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Bat Tombs to gain a glimpse of the life and times of the early Omanians.
The Ancient City of Qalhat is located 20 km north of Sur. It has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its mausoleum of Bibi Maryam is a highlight, and the site is 60 acres. The area once boasted fortified walls and was an important trading city in the Indian Ocean. In fact, it was considered the second capital of the Ormus. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The official currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Oman you can grab amazing Omani Rial deals via Wise.com (GBP to OMR).
Eutheria. Cape hyrax. Dugongs. Arabian humpback whales off Dhofar. Spinner dolphins in Gulf of Oman. Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin off Khasab, Musandam. Sand cat. Golden jackal. Nubian ibex.
Arabic food? Although Omani cuisine varies within different regions of Oman, most dishes across the country have a staple of curry, cooked meat, rice, and vegetables. Soups are also common and are usually made from chicken, lamb, and vegetables.
Arabic is recognized as Oman's national and official language. The Baluchi language is also widely spoken in Oman. English, Urdu, and several indigenous languages are the other primary languages used in Oman. You can learn some basic Arabic before you travel to Oman and really impress the locals!
The currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (Tipping. A tip of 10 percent is considered the norm at hotels and restaurants. It is not normal to tip custodians of museums, forts and such like.).