Information
About Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman possesses a rich diverse topography ranging from rugged mountains and rocky deepwater fjords in the North, to the spectacular dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the lush green hills of the Dhofar region in the South.
The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country in the Arabian peninsula and is located between Latitudes 16° 40' and 26° 20' North and Longitudes 51° 50' and 59' 40' East.
Geography
Oman borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the West; the United Arab Emirates in the North East and the Republic of Yemen in the South. The Musandam Peninsula forms the country’s northern tip, and is separated from the rest of the Sultanate by the United Arab Emirates’ East coast. Its extensive coastline extends for 1700 Km from the Arabian Gulf, through the Straits of Hormuz in the North down through the Arabian Sea and into the Gulf of Oman. The coast is a mix of rugged mountain scenery to wide sandy and rocky beaches.
Climate
The Sultanate of Oman is generally hot and dry. Rainfall is infrequent, falls mainly in the winter and amounts to approximately 130mm a year. In the summer months of June through to September temperatures on average are in the mid 40s, peaking at around 50 degrees Celsius. In the winter minimum temperatures can fall to around 10 degrees Celsius with an average daily maximum of 24 degrees in January. Occasionally strong dust storms blow through the region, cutting visibility significantly. The Dhofar area in the south of Oman, bordering Yemen, experiences a summer monsoon from May through to September.
Currency
The currency is the Omani Riyal, each of which is divided into 1000 baisa. Banknotes come in Dh 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 Riyal denominations with coins of 25, 50 and 100 baisa.
Local Time
Oman is four hours ahead of GMT.
Opening Times
Banks, private companies and shops are generally open from 8.00 or 9.00 am through to 1.00 or 1.30pm and will often reopen in the afternoon (not the banks or post office) from 4.00pm through to 7.00 or 8.00pm; many shops and restaurants will be open through to 10.00 pm every night. Many places are closed all day Friday, although some shops will be open later on Friday, such as those in the Mutrah souk.
Holidays
Oman observes both secular and religious holidays. The former are New Year’s Day (Jan 1), National Day (Nov 18) and the Sultan’s Birthday (Nov 19). The main religious holidays are Eida Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, the Prophet’s Ascension, Prophet’s Birthday and Islamic New Year; the dates vary every year according to the Islamic calendar.
Electricity
The voltage is 220/240 volts. British style 3 pin plugs are widely used.
