Tourists are invited to discover the country’s history at the National Museum and Bait Al Zubair, or to explore culture at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Al Alam Palace, and the Royal Opera House. Alternatively, visitors can relax and enjoy several upscale restaurants and cafes at The Wave or at one of its three main shopping malls. Shoppers can also visit the traditional Souk in Muttrah or the Gold Souk in Seeb, and adventure seekers can go dolphin-watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing or hiking in the mountains. Temperatures in April range from 76F/24C to 94F/34C on average and there are several beaches to visit to beat the heat all along the coast. According to InterNations Expat Insider Report 2019, Oman was voted No 1 for safety and security. Whatever you choose to do, you will be able to find something to do that fits your interests and your schedule. Oman Tourism
Useful Information
Oman Dress Code:
The dress code is fairly liberal in Muscat, although decency is still expected. Women should wear tops with sleeves, and long skirts or trousers. Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Swimwear should be restricted to the beach or pools.
| Currency |
Omani Rial is the currency of Oman. The currency code for Rials is OMR and the currency symbol is ﷼. It has a fixed exchange rate of $2.59 per 1 OMR. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks or ‘Money Exchange Shops‘(the opening hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm). |
| Time Zone |
Muscat is on Gulf Time Zone, UTC+04:00. |
| Language |
Arabic is the official language of Oman. Street names and generally most of the road and transport signs are in Arabic and English. All restaurants have menus in both Arabic and English. However, if there is something you do not understand, don't be afraid to ask as Omani people are kind and will be happy to help you. |
| Transport |
You will be able to get around the city and its surrounding areas by taxi and bus services. It is a good option to rent a car if you have an international driving license. The general cost can range from OMR 10 per day for a car to OMR 50 per day for a 4 wheel drive.Avis, Hertz, and National are three of several car rental (or "car hire") services available at the airport. If you are staying at a star hotel, you will likely be provided with a shuttle service to and from the airport. Within the country itself, Oman Air provides service between the different cities and Muscat for reasonable prices. More info here... |
| Tourist information points |
Oman has one of the most diverse environments in the Middle East with various tourist attractions and is particularly well known for cultural tourism. The capital of Oman, Muscat was named the second best city to visit in the world in 2012 by the travel guide publisher Lonely Planet. Muscat also was chosen as the Capital of Arab Tourism of 2012. Other than Muscat, Nizwa, Al-Hamra, Sur, Sohar and Salaalah are the major Omani cities.
More info here... |
| Climate |
Oman generally has a hot climate like other Middle Eastern nations and receives little rainfall. Annual rainfall in Muscat averages 100 mm (3.9 in), falling mostly in January. The Dhofar region has a tropical-like climate and receives seasonal rainfall (from late June to late September) because of the monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean, saturated with cool moisture and heavy fog. The mountain areas receive considerably larger rainfall with annual rainfall on the higher parts of the Al Hajar mountain range exceeding 400 mm (15.7 in) on some occasions. Low temperatures in the mountainous areas result in snow cover once every few years.
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Accommodation