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Oman

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THE FACTS ABOUT OMAN

CAPITAL	Muscat

AREA	212,500 sq km

POPULATION	2.8 million

LANGUAGE	Arabic, English, Persian

CURRENCY	Omani Rial

TIME	GMT +4

TELEPHONE CODES	00 968

ELECTRICITY	220/240V



Oman

Visas: In an effort to encourage tourism, Oman relaxed its visa regulations in late 2001. Visas are still required (except for citizens of other Gulf countries) but it is now possible for many foreign nationals (including those from the EU, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand) to obtain a visa at Muscat's Seeb airport, or at border crossings. These visas are valid for two weeks. Tourist visas obtained through the sultanate's embassies abroad are valid for three weeks. Visas are still obtainable through Oman's bigger hotels and tour companies.

Public holidays: Secular holidays observed in Oman are New Year's Day (1 January); National Day (18 November); and the Sultan's Birthday (19 November). The National Day festival features all sorts of highly visible official celebrations, but the main significance of this day for visitors may be that everything closes down. The Islamic holidays of Eid Al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan); Eid Al-Adha (the pilgrimage to Mecca); the Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday are all observed in accordance with the Muslim calendar. The two Eids are marked by traditional celebrations and dancing in the streets.

Good buys: Oman is particularly known for its curved, silver-sheathed khanjar knives and silver jewellery. Also stock up on gold and frankincense.

Local dishes: There is little in the way of traditional Omani cuisine; Indian-style curry is pretty much the national dish

Good reading: Some of the action in Wilfred Thesiger's 1959 classic Arabian Sands takes place in and around Salalah.