GENERAL FACTS about the Sultanate of Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is located on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and has a population of approximately 2.5 million. The country has a long and distinguished history and a rich traditional cultural heritage, yet is one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East. Oman is a land shrouded in the mists of time, and is perhaps most famous for its frankincense, the aromatic resin that is still burnt in almost every home on a daily basis and which was once more precious than gold. The legendary Queen of Sheba reputedly travelled to Oman in search of frankincense to give to King Solomon.

Oman is characterized by the generosity and hospitality of its people and its incredible geography; majestic mountains meet the golden beaches and crystal clear waters of its coast, its deserts are famous for their beauty and its many oases, watered by ancient aflaj (canals), for their lush date plantations. Omanis were renowned for their seafaring prowess, extending Oman’s commercial boundaries far around the world in their quest for trade.

Today Oman takes pride in its place in the modern world, with rapid progress and a bright future due to its increasing economic and industrial diversity. Visitors to Muscat can enjoy ancient traditions which sit comfortably beside modern amenities.

USEFUL INFORMATION

SEEB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
You will arrive at Seeb International Airport, which is located north-west of the city. On arrival you will need to purchase a tourist visa (RO 6 or Euro 11), which is a simple and fairly quick process, before proceeding through Immigration. You might therefore have to exchange some currency at the adjacent “Bureau de Change”.

After Immigration please proceed to the luggage claim area and then on to Customs, where all items will be X-rayed and may be hand checked. Please note that books, magazines, DVD and music CD covers depicting nudity or violence are frowned on and may be confiscated.

Once through Customs, proceed to the arrival hall.

Please refer to figure 6 and 7

DRESS AND BEHAVIOR CODE
The people of Oman welcome visitors with genuine traditional hospitality, and are extremely tolerant of the myriad of cultures and religions to which they play host. Travellers should be aware, however, of some basic conventions that should be followed and will be highly appreciated by the local people. Perhaps the most important aspect of visiting Oman is the dress code.

The Sultanate is an Islamic country and modest dress codes should be observed. This means that in public areas men should wear trousers, not shorts, and women should wear clothes that come below their knees and tops with sleeves (short sleeves are fine).

During the Holy Month of Ramadhan, non-Muslims are expected to refrain from drinking and eating in public.

If visiting the Grand Mosque (opening hours: 9-11 am, Saturday to Wednesday), which should be on everyone’s wish list, women must be fully covered with long sleaves and long trousers that cover the anchels and wear a scarf that covers their hair. Shorts, tops and beachwear should only be worn in hotels or on beaches that Westerners frequent never in villages and small towns.

CLIMATE
Average temperatures during the winter months are a very pleasant between 25º and 35°C during the day and 18º C at night, so bring something warm so you can enjoy cool evenings outside. During the summertime it is always very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 48°C during the day and averaging about 32°C at night.

LANGUAGE
The official language in Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in the main towns. Some Omanis speak as well Swahili, Balushi or Farsi. German and French are also spoken by many people involved in the tourism and hospitality industries. Omanis are always delighted if you try to greet them in Arabic, and appreciate the effort to communicate, even at the most basic level, in their own language.

Simple phrases that you might find useful:

As-salaam alaykum – (literally “peace be with you”.) always used as a first greeting
Wa alaykum as-salaam - (literally “and with you peace”) the reply, also always used
Kayf haalak How are you?
Al humdoolilah – (the reply) Thanks be to God
Marhaba – hello
Shukraan – thank you
Afwan – (the reply) You’re welcome
Ma’a salaama – Goodbye
Maa afham – I don’t understand
Tattakalam ingleezi? – Do you speak English?
Funduq – hotel
Min fathlak – please
In sh’Allah – God willing (you’ll hear this frequently. It covers every eventuality)

FORMS OF GREETINGS
The normal form of greeting is to shake hands, but women should be aware that some men will not want to greet them in this way. They should not take offence as this is purely a religious preference. Men should also be aware that some Omani women might not wish to shake hands with them.

TELECOMMUNICATION
Oman has excellent telecommunication systems. Mobile phones will work on local networks and wireless internet/email facilities are available in the better hotels. There are many internet cafes around the town.

CURRENCY
The Omani Rial (approximately 2 Euros) is made up of 1000 baisa. Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and shops, but small outlets still only accept cash. ATMs accept most credit cards (Visa, American Express, Mastercard, etc.) and bank cards so that you can withdraw cash easily.

ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Oman is 220 volts. Most plugs are the English square three-pin variety. Adaptors suitable for all plugs are readily available – if you need one, just ask at the hotel Reception Desk.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Some people are still sensitive about being photographed, so it is polite to ask them before taking their picture. Don’t be offended if they say no; remember some aspects of Omani society are still very traditional. Please observe ‘No Photography’ signs diligently.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is freely available in some hotel bars, such as in the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Chedi Hotel and in the many better restaurants and pubs in Muscat.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Oman is almost totally crime free, which makes it one of the safest places in the world to visit, but please exercise common sense.

The Sultanate has condemned terrorism in all forms and cooperates with the international campaign against it but warns of the dangers of extending it indiscriminately without solid evidence. Oman’s foreign policy espouses ‘… a peaceful coexistence between nations and understanding between civilisations and the eradication of the causes of hatred which breeds in the minds of those who suffer from injustice and inequality.’

TIME
GMT + 4 hours

WORKING HOURS
Some business still close for a long afternoon break. Standard “Split Shift” hours are from 09:00 untill 13:00 and then from 16:00 to 20:00. However, most private sector offices will work straight shift, usually 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. OGTech’s working hours are from 08:00 to 17:00.

DRIVING LICENSE
As mentioned earlier you can drive rental cars with the driving license of your home country.

MIDAN HOTEL SUITES
Midan Hotel Suites offers spacious 37 suites; ranging from studio suites through to a three bedroom penthouse suite. Suites have a well equipped kitchen, and are comfortably furnished in a contemporary style. Wireless Internet is available.

Contact persons:
Valeria Thomson, GSM: +968 99105589, Email: Valeria.Thomson@gmail.com or
Mac Thomson, GSM: +968 99105595, Email: Mac.Thomson@gmail.com
www.midanoman.com

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

• OGTech Office, Tel.: +00968 24493051

• Dr. Barbara Staeuble, Academic Director at OGTech,

• Email: Barbara.Stauble@ogtech.edu.om

• Manuela Gutberlet, Public Relations Executive at OGTech,

• Email: Manuela@ogtech.edu.om

• Sousann Al Heureithi, Marketing Executive,

• Email: Sousann@ogtech.edu.om

• Hello Taxi: +968 24607011

• Airport Muscat Flight Information: +968 24519223

• Emergency: 9999

• MARK Car Rental +968 24782727, contact Sameer, GSM: +968 99358949

MAPS
 

Figure 6

Figure 7

For further questions or sightseeing recommendations feel free to contact us!

Your OGTech Team

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