Flag of Oman
Oman is known for its popular tourist attractions. Wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains are areas which make Oman unique to its neighboring GCC nations (Wadis in particular). Jebel Shams is Oman's tallest mountain, highest point, and is a popular destination for camping. Most of the major malls are located in Muscat, the capital. The largest mall in the country is the Muscat City Centre which was built by Majid hFuttaim, an Emirati business man. Other popular tourist activities include sand skiing in the desert, mountain-climbing, camel racing, and camping.
The Muscat Festival is usually held at the beginning of every year. During this event, traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks open, and concerts take place. Another popular event is the Khareef Festival, which is similar to Muscat Festival; however it is held in August in Salalah, Dhofar. During this latter event, mountains are packed as a result of the cool breeze weather during that period of time which rarely occurs in Muscat
The Muscat Festival is usually held at the beginning of every year. During this event, traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks open, and concerts take place. Another popular event is the Khareef Festival, which is similar to Muscat Festival; however it is held in August in Salalah, Dhofar. During this latter event, mountains are packed as a result of the cool breeze weather during that period of time which rarely occurs in Muscat
History
The Omani civilization dates back many thousands of years. In biblical times the country was the hub of the rich frankincense trade. Long famed for their seafaring tradition, from the 16th to 19th centuries the Sultans of Oman ruled over a wealthy trading empire that stretched from the coast of East Africa, via trading colonies like Zanzibar, to the tip of the Indian subcontinent. The wealth this trade attracted soon caught the attention of European powers, particularly the Portuguese, who invaded the country in the 16th century to protect their own eastern trade routes. Two centuries later the expanding British Empire pushed the Portuguese out of their many footholds around the Indian Ocean, establishing a treaty of friendship with Oman which survives to the present day.
culture
YOUR HOSTS: Omani nationals all wear national dress. For the men this comprises a long white garment called a dishdasha and a wrapped turban or decorated peakless cap. Women where a variety of long garments, some plain black and others highly decorated. Some women are veiled depending upon tribal custom. Unlike some other Arab countries Omani women take a full part in national life. They are permitted to drive cars and pursue careers in the government and commercial sector on a par with their male colleagues.ETIQUETTE: Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in Oman. When visiting the country it is important that women dress modestly; i.e. mid-length skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be avoided as they may cause offense. Shorts should never be worn in public by men or women and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except on the beach.
Geography
The Sultanate of Oman occupies the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman is bounded by sea on two sides, the Gulf of Oman to the northeast and the Indian Ocean to the southeast, resulting in a coastline of 1700 kms. The Sultanate's land ward borders are with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and the Republic of Yemen to the south, while the United Arab Emirates border Oman to the north. The country is predominantly open desert consisting of gravel plains and areas of sand dunes.
الأحد، 23 مارس 2008
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