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Introduction
The Sultanate of Oman runs from the Straits of Hormuz, which guard the entrance to the Arabian Gulf, down the eastern seaboard of the Arabian peninsula to its southern borders with the Yemen. Mountainous in the north, with extensive coastal plains, the area has considerable natural water supply. The central region of the country is gravel plain and spectacular sand dune country on the western border with Saudi Arabia in the Rub Al Khali (empty quarter) and in the south, green mountains influenced by the monsoons from the Arabian Sea.
History
Oman has been referred to as Mazoun and Magan, perhaps a direct reference to Oman's history of shipbuilding (a magan is a type of ship's chassis). Oman was renowned for its role in ocean navigation by the magnitude of its ships and also by its prolific trade in copper, stone and timber to the Mesopotamian cities. Due to its strategic position lying on some of the world's most important trade routes, the ports of Sohar and Muttrah have held great prominence among spice, edible oil and textile trading merchants. By around 300AD, Oman was considered one of the world's wealthiest countries due to its abundance of frankincense, which, at one time, was more valuable than gold.
In the 16th century AD, Oman was invaded by Portuguese troops, who were vying for control of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. 1650AD is the date which most consider to be the start of Oman's complete independence. The following Ya'aruba Dynasty brought a new-found renaissance to the country and it was during this time that many of the distinctive forts and castles were built, some of which are still standing.
In 1718AD, the Imam, Sultan bin Saif II died and civil war broke out over the election of his successor.
In 1792, Sayyid Sultan bin Ahmed assumed power until 1804 when, upon his demise, his son, Sayyid Said bin Sultan acceded to the throne. Sayyid Said nurtured his country's economy and commercial activities. He made Zanzibar Oman's second capital and established diplomatic relations with Europe and the United States. Oman thus prospered and held colonies in East Africa and across the Gulf.
During the First World War, Oman's economy and trade links declined and the country was left in relative isolation until 1970, when His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said took power.
Government
In 1971, Sultan Qaboos bin Said set out to establish strong diplomatic relationships with Arab and other leading countries. Due to his influence, Oman was quickly welcomed into the League of Arab States. Over the years, Sultan Qaboos encouraged the development of a government and by the mid-70's he had created various Ministries, whilst personally overseeing the structure and function of internal security, finance, defense and oil affairs.
By 1979, the Omani cabinet had grown from 8 members to 23 and His Majesty ordered the establishment of the National Defense Council, the Interim Planning Council and the Central Bank.
In the early 1990s, the Sultan instituted an elected advisory council, the Majlis ash-Shura, though few Omanis were eligible to vote.
Universal suffrage for those over 21 was instituted on 4 October 2003.
Local Newspapers
The two main English language dailies may be accessed on line clicking on:
www.omanobserver.com/
www.timesofoman.com/
Education
The British School - Muscat established in 1971, is one of the leading schools in the Middle East. It is a non-profit making, non-selective, co-educational, British international day school that provides a comprehensive and balanced education to children of wide ranging abilities and nationalities aged 3 - 18. The School follows an enhanced National Curriculum for England and produces excellent end of Key Stage, GCSE and A Level results. The School emphasises learning-to-learn skills, citizenship and preparation for a successful life in an inter-cultural world.
www.britishschoolmuscat.com/
The American International School of Muscat (TAISM) pursues academic excellence for students in the international community through an American-based education that develops ethical, responsible, and globally conscious life-long learners.
TAISM is a private, non-profit college preparatory, co-educational day school. The school is designed to afford expatriate children of all nationalities the best possible educational program within the context of an English language, American-based curriculum.
www.taism.com
Healthcare
The quality of health care in Oman is generally high and equal to that in western Europe and the USA, except for highly specialised treatment.
Owing to Oman’s small population and the numerous medical facilities in the private and public sectors, long waiting lists are almost unheard of. For specialised treatment, however, it’s sometimes necessary to seek medical assistance outside Oman.
American Mission Hospitals, which used to operate on a part-private (for those who could afford treatment), part-free (for those who couldn’t) basis, played an important part in the development of medical services and can still be found today, although they no longer offer free treatment. Oman now has a public health service providing free or very low cost health care for its nationals and it’s important to note that these services are also available to expatriates.
Public hospitals include the Khoula Hospital, Quriat, and Sultan Qaboos Hospital.
Private hospitals include Muscat Private Hospital and Royal Hospital.
Housing
Most expatriates live in apartment blocks or villa style housing, with some living in employer owned gated compounds. If your employer does not provide company housing, refer to the following leasing agents.
www.cluttons-oman.com
www.wjtowell.com/prospro.htm
Alternatively we recommend you refer to the accommodation section in either the local newspaper or yellow pages.
Security
The Sultanate of Oman is regarded as a very safe location, has a negligible crime rate, and whilst conservative is very tolerant of western expatriates.
Any expatriate employee or family member who respects local culture and custom and takes appropriate precautions generally has few security concerns.
Tourism & Recreation
Much of the recreational activity centres around the major hotel recreation clubs which include swimming, tennis, squash etc. Other independent clubs include:
The Muscat Rugby Club features an enlarged bar area, meeting room, kitshop, snooker room and kitchen. Outside and at the back of the club, a large covered patio and children's play area have been constructed. In addition, two "port-a-cabins" have been installed to serve as a players locker room and staff accommodation.
Bowling
Al Muhit Recreation Centre - Salalah
Seeb Novotel
Sheraton Oman Bowling Centre
Cricket
Oman Cricket Association - alimy@omantel.net.om
British Cricket Club
Darts
Oman Darts Club
Diving (check Scuba Diving above for more links)
Blu Zone Watersports
Capital Area Yacht Club
Dhofar Divers
Oman Dive Centre
Salalah Holiday Inn
Sunny Day Water Sports
Thumrait Divers
Golf
Al Maha Golf Club
Flamingo Park Golf Club
Ghala Wentworth
Ice-Skating
Al Khuwair Centre Ice Rink
Motor Sports
Oman Automobile Association (OAA)
Oman Automobile Club
Muscat Bikers (HD)
Running
Oman Index of H3
Muscat Hash House Harriers
Jebel Hash House Harriers
Muscat Road Runners
Salalah Hash House Harriers
Wudam Hash House Harriers
Sailing, Surfing, and Boating
Capital Area Yacht Club (CAYC)
Civil Aviation Yacht and Beach Club
Oman Laser Association
Shooting
RAFO Salalah Shooting Society
Softball
Muscat Softball League
Squash
Muscat Squash League
Salalah Squash Ladder
Tennis
Muscat Tennis League
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.
Rock Climbing
To the newly-arrived rock climber Oman must seem a paradise. Rugged mountains, rising at their highest point to 3,000 metres, stretch for over 300 km. In among the peaks is a maze of spurs and wadis, deep canyons and towering cliffs. Getting into the mountains in a four wheel drive is easy enough; getting up them is another matter.
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.
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 the picturesque sea front of Mutrah with its old white buildings and labyrinthine souq where visitors can buy the most exquisite silver jewelry.
Further information is available by clicking on the following:
www.destinationoman.com/
