Visa
The meeting organizers will assist in issuing visas to all the participants. Citizens from GCC countries do not need to apply for visas. Participants from countries requiring a visa should check their eligibility; for more information, please visit the Royal Oman Police website: https://www.rop.gov.om/english/

Travelling
Before travelling to the Sultanate of Oman please visit Oman Airports rules/regulation for recent updates at: https://www.omanairports.co.om/news/en/update-on-travel-restrictions-related-to-covid-19/

Currency
Omani Rial is the currency of Oman. The currency code for the Rial is OMR. It has a fixed exchange rate of $2.59 per 1 OMR. Foreign currency can be exchanged at airport, banks or at currency exchange counters. For further information please visit the currency converter page at: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=OMR

Transport
Sultan Qaboos University is located approximately 25 km from the Muscat International Airport (MCT). A limited pick and drop service will be provided upon agreement with the organizing secretariat, moreover, buses and taxi are available 24 hours. Please visit the Oman Transport Site for more information are available at: https://mwasalat.om/home

Language
Arabic is the official language of Oman. Street names and generally most of the road and transport signs are in Arabic and English. Most restaurants have menus in both Arabic and English. But if there is something you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask as most of the people near to you are kind and will be happy to help you.

Time Zone
Muscat is in Gulf Time UTC+04:00

Weather
May is a good time to visit Oman because the weather is generally sunny, moderately hot and dry. Please visit this weather website for updates https://www.accuweather.com/en/om/muscat/258638/weather-forecast/258638

People
Omani people are warm and welcoming. It’s not unusual to be invited into a local’s home after a day touring the mountains or walking through the local souk. It’s considered polite to take a small gift for your host.
When entering an Omani home, you’ll likely be greeted with the scents of frankincense and cardamom, and treated to Omani coffee, dates, and halwa –a local dessert made with saffron, dates, and rosewater. Coffee is served in small cups, which are refilled until the guest gives them a gentle shake to signal they’ve had enough

TOURISM
Oman has some of the most diverse environments in the Middle East with various tourist attractions and is particularly well known for cultural tourism. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sunshine, to explore stunning mountain and desert landscapes or to savour a rich culture and long heritage, Oman can offer you an experience to remember. The capital of Oman is Muscat that represents a unique blend of old and new, being one of the greatest examples of harmonisation of Arab traditions and modernisation. Only a short distance from the city centre, crystal clear waters and scenic, unspoilt, sandy beaches stretch out against a backdrop of the dramatic western Al Hajar Mountains that dominate the landscape of the capital. Attractions in Muscat include historic forts and castles, traditional souqs (markets), various museums (including the prestigious National Museum), the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House. Nizwa, Al-Hamra, Sur, Sohar, and Salaalah are the major Omani cities and they worth a visit.
You can find out more about visiting Oman at this link https://www.experienceoman.om