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Getting
There
Seeb International Airport, located in Muscat, is served by many international
airlines such as British Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Swiss Air and
Emirates. The national carrier is Oman Air which flies to the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, and Sri Lanka as
well as performing domestic flights to Salalah, Masirah Island and Musandam.
Entry
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all except
the following:
(a) nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE holding national
identity cards;
(b) holders of Macau (SAR) Travel Permit.
Visa Procedure
Visa regulations and procedures have recently been streamlined. Full
details are available at Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.
Or you may contact the Royal Oman Police through their website, www.rop.gov.om
or email them at ropnet@omantel.net.om
Citizens of most countries can benefit from these new procedures and
can obtain tourist visas for $13.00 (15 Euro). The visa can be obtained
on arrival at Seeb International Airport, at sea ports and land borders.
Tourism Office
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY,
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF TOURISM
P.O. Box 550, Muscat, Postal Code 113, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: (00968) 771-7085 / 774-331 / 774-329
Fax (00968) 771-4213 / 771-4436
Email:dgt@mocioman.gov.om
Getting Around
There are many Travel Agencies and Tourist Guides who will arrange sightseeing
tours around the cities, visits to historical sites and activities like
wadi-bashing and diving. These agencies can arrange for car rentals,
bus tours for large parties and overnight trips into the interior. The
Directorate General of Tourism has appointed special guides to help
ensure the visitor's every interest is catered for.
Taxis or cars can be hired at the airport, or hotels will arrange for
transport.
Rental Agencies
Avis
Offices at Al Falaj Hotel (tel 702311); Al Bustan Palace Hotel (799666
ext 487); Muscat InterContenetal Hotel (600500 ext 8399); Salalah (291145);
Seeb International Airport (519176); Sheraton Oman Hotel (799899)
Budget Rent-A-Car
Offices at Ruwi Novotel (794721); Salalah Holiday Inn (235160); Seeb
International Airport (510816 - 24hrs)
Europcar
Offices at mutrah Buisiness District (700190); Muscat Holiday inn (697123
ext 563)
Toyota Rant-A-Car
Offices at Gulf Hotel (560100 ext 820); Seeb International Airport (510224)
Road Services
Well maintained highways link every major city in Oman. Information
relating to Car Rental facilities (International Driving License required)
and Bus Tours is available at Travel Agencies and through Tourist Guides.
General Information
Electricity
220 Volts - 240 Volts at 50 cycles
Communication
International direct telephone dialling, telex and fax facilities are
available in all major cities in Oman. Telephone booths (phone cards)
are available in abundance for international and local calls. Internet
access is provided at hotels and various cyber cafes in the main cities.
Health and Medical Facilities
Hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics are available throughout Oman.
Modern hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment can contend with any
emergency.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club
are widely accepted in shopping areas.
Climate
Oman is a relatively small but has a surprisingly diverse climate -
and therefore, a varied natural landscape - as you move from the North
of the country to the South. The Omani summer runs from April to September
and, for the most part is hot (averaging 40 C). and very humid in certain
areas. From July to September the Dhofar region in the South enjoys
rain and cooler temperatures.
Local Time
GMT + 4 hours. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. German
and French are spoken by hotel staff.
Religion
The official religion of Oman is Islam. Mosques are found almost everywhere
for Muslims with the accompanied facilities. Other worshippers can perform
their religions in several churches and temples mainly in Muscat.
Entertainment
Nightclubs and discotheques are found in the larger hotels, and alcoholic
beverages are served in licensed hotels and restaurants only.
Attire
For most of the year, light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton,
are best suited to Oman's climate. To comply with Omani traditions,
it is advised not to wear revealing dresses or swimsuits in residential
areas. From December to March a light wrap or jacket may be required
in the evening.
Restaurants
International restaurants are found all over Oman, from fast-food outlets
to fusion cooking, haute cuisine dining to hamburgers. Prices range,
and a three course meal can be found to suit any budget. Most hotels
will have a number of international restaurants providing food from
the likes of Mexico, France, Thailand, Japan and Indonesia.
Traditional Omani Food is fairly simple, but by using various marinades
and impregnating meat with spices, the result is a mouth-watering concoction
which stimulates the tastebuds.
Chicken, fish and mutton are regularly used in dishes. A favourite drink
is laban, a salty buttermilk. Yoghurt drinks, flavoured with cardamom
and pistachio nuts are also very popular. Alcohol may be purchased in
the hotel bars and restaurants and certain independent restaurants.
Official Hours
* Ministries and government establishments: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm (Sat-Wed,
week-end is Thr. and Fri )
* Private sector companies: 8:00am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm to 7:00pm (SAt-Wed)
8:00am to 1:00pm on Thursdays.
* Markets: 8:00am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm to 9:00pm except Mutrah souq which
closes at 7:30pm.
* Banks: 8:00 am to 12 noon.
* Museums: 7:30 am to 2:00pm except Thr/Fr and official holidays.
Things to do in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts, It is paradise
for scuba divers, enchanting to the eye for photo enthusiasts and film
buffs, and its diverse natural beauty makes it an ideal place for camping
and rock climbing.
Scuba Diving
Oman boasts a wild and varied coastline. There is a wealth of scenery,
wildlife an pleasure awaiting the underwater explorer. The Oman Dive
Center (ODC), located on one of Oman most beautiful and rich sites of
natural heritage, offers a complete range of diving courses. Diving
equipment is available on dive excursions, which include overnight diving
and camping trips. Also, Bandar Al-Rawdah Marina, Diving Centers, OmanDiving.com,
Scuba Diving in Oman.
Photography and Filming
Oman provides tremendous opportunities for serious and casual photographers.
Graded tracks wind along picturesque mountains, together with serene
sandy beaches and lush green plains. An occasional burst of wildlife
can be seen in the form of a white onyx, or even a mountain fox racing
across the horizon against a breathtaking sunset.
Rock Climbing
To the avid rock climber Oman is seeming paradise. Rugged mountains,
rising at their highest point to 3,000 meters, stretch for over 300
km. In among the peaks is a maze of spurs and wadis, deep canyons and
towering cliffs. Getting into the mountain in four wheel drive is easy
enough; getting up them is another matter. Also, Caving & Climbing,
Rock Climbing
Camping
Oman is a fascinating place to explore with its diverse and beautiful
landscape. Overnight camping in wadis or on sandy beaches and desert
safaris are very popular among outdoor enthusiasts craving for adventure.
Many specialized tour operators provide complete camping facilities
from vehicles to drivers, guides, logistical equipment, and packed meals.
Camel Racing
Camel racing is an extraordinary sport, with large numbers of camels
and their owners congregating at the race track. Camels are carefully
bred for the track and reared on highly nutritious diet. Juvenile jockeys
astride oddly loping mounts generate tremendous excitement on these
occasions, which are held mainly during National Day celebrations, and
other public holidays. Seeb is the center for this unique sport, which
can also be seen in Samail, Salalah, the Interior and Batinah region.
Bull Fighting
Bull fighting is yet another popular sport where two Brahim bulls of
the same size are pitted against each other without a drop of blood
being spilled. The first to run always is declared the loser, but not
before a cheering and enthusiastic audience. The fight lasts just for
a few minutes and the bulls suffer little or no injury, except for a
few scratches and a bruised ego on the part of both the losing bull
and its owner.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in exotic Muscat is a unique experience. Half and full-day
city tours offered by most tour operators include visits to the old
walled city of Muscat, the Qurm museum and other picturesque sea front
Mutrah neighborhood with its old white buildings and labyrinthine souq
where visitors can buy the most exquisite silver jewelry. A permit from
the Department of Castles and Forts at the ministry of National Heritage
and Culture is needed to visit archeological sites and old forts. (
Tel 602555)
Shopping
Oman is unquestionably a great place for shopping. Local craftsmen excel
in arts and handicrafts such as silver-smithing and weaving. Visitors
can buy intricately carved handmade daggers, coffee pots, rose-water
sprinklers, incense burners, rugs, saddles, bags, camel straps, and
fragrant frankincense. Women's jewelry is perhaps the finest expression
of the silversmiths' art, ranging from small silver boxes designed to
hold kohl, to bracelets, earrings and rings, heavy anklets, and huge
belts and necklaces.
Sports
Well, you can not avoid the heat in the summer time. You may do some
shopping in the many commercial malls that spread all over Muscat. Another
thing is go skating at Al Khuwair Skating Center or you may visit Shatti
Al Qurm to enjoy the ocean breeze. Sport indoor facilities can be found
in club and sport complexes as well.
Other Activities
Bowling
Al Muhit Recreation Center - Salalah, 211243
Seeb Novotel - 510300 ext. 186
Sheraton Oman Bowling Center - 799899 ext. 5026
Cricket
Oman Cricket Association - alimy@omantel.net.om Tel 968-79 66 55 / 968-79 87 86 Fax 968-70 63 72 / 968-68
38 66]
British Cricket Club - 600909
Darts
Oman Darts Club 618426
Golf
Al Maha Golf Club - 513706
Flamingo Park Golf Club - 467058
Ghala Wentworth 591248
Ice-Skating
Al Khuwair Center Ice Rink - 696492
Motor Sports
Oman Automobile Association (OAA) - 510239
Oman Automobile Club - 677750
Muscat Bikers (HD) - 561749
Rugby
Muscat Rugby Football Club - 604890, clubhouse.
Running
Muscat Hash House Harriers - 614556
Jebel Hash House Harriers - 516370
Muscat Road Runners - 678918
Salalah Hash House Harriers - 235423
Wudam Hash House Harriers 616320
Sailing, Surfing, and Boating
Capital Area Yatch Club (CAYC) - 737712
Civil Aviation Yatch and Beach Club - 519424
Oman Laser Association - 675148
Shooting
RAFO Salalah Shooting Society - 235205
Softball
Muscat Softball League - 602961
Squash
Muscat Squash League - 701998
Salalah Squash Ladder - 235242
Tennis
Muscat Tennis League - 675210 |