The Sultanate of Oman is the 3rd largest country located in the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula. It spans between latitudes 16° 40' and 26° 20' north, and longitudes 51° 50' and 59° 40' east. The Sultanate is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east. Oman has a land area of approximately 3,09,500 Km2 and a 3,165 Kms long coastline extending from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south. Oman’s coast spans the three seas: the Arabian Gulf, the Oman sea and the Arabian Sea. A number of islands also are part of Oman including the famous the islands of Masirah and Halaniyat (Kuria Muria). The country’s northern most part, the Musandam peninsula is Oman’s only coast on the Arabian Gulf and it is located across the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
His Majesty, the SultanThe Sultanate of Oman is ruled by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik since his accession on the 11 January 2020 . He is the Chief of State, head of government, and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. For further information about him,
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Official Speeches GovernmentOman lead by its visionary leader His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is moving forward towards development, well being and prosperity. Through five-year plans and socio-economic programs the rule of his majesty has improved the standard of life of its people vastly.
The government functions under the guidance of the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman), State Council (Majlis A'Dawla) and the Consultation /Shura Council (Majlis A'Shura). His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is Head of State, its highest and final authority and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Government
HistoryOman has a great history from the past dating over 5,000 years ago and currently stands poised for strong growth potential in the future. In this section, you can find the pride of Oman from the pages of history spanning maritime glory, art and culture, intellectual legacy in Islamic and Arabic literature, etc.
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HistoryCulture and HeritageOman’s cultural legacy is impressive as portrayed in its bustling souks, imposing forts various ethnic arts, royal fragrances, opulent architecture, traditional fashion and jewellery, literary genres, folk arts and performances. Omani people take pride in their cultural heritage and endeavour to preserve this wealth constantly.
The Sultanate has received worldwide recognition for its cultural activities and the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and the Public Authority for Craft Industrires oversee the upholding of this fabulous heritage and tradition in its best form. In 2006, Muscat was the designated Cultural Capital of the Arab World showcasing its legacy through events hosted throughout that year. Visitors can learn about local cultural festivals and the history of the famed frankincense here.
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Overview
Oman Culture in focus
National Day: Falls on November 18th every year (two day holiday later in the same month).
Official holidays: The days vary according to the Hijrah year: Prophet's birthday - Al Isra'a Wal mira'ag - Eid Al Fitr - Eid Al Adha and the New Hijrah year.
Official Workng Hours:
Saturday to Wednesday : 7:30 am to 2:30 pm with exception to Ramadhan during which work starts at (9 am to 2 pm)
Private sector`s official working hours from Saturday to Thursday ( according to company system ) (with exception to the Banking sector, some companies and Capital Market).
Islamic Side
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman and Omani people were the first people to embrace Islam voluntarily in around 630AD. Here you can find information about the grandeur of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and about the location and the significance of several other mosques in Oman.
Religion (Arabic Only)
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Economical and Cultural Side
MINISTRY of NATIONAL ECONOMY (MONE) is considered as the authorized body, based on the Royal Decree No. 4/1999, to propose the development strategy and future trends for the national economy. Furthermore, preparing the country's development plans and investment programs with their implementation priorities as per the approved development objectives. In addition, MONE is responsible to conduct studies on the regional and international trends and their impact on the national economical policy of the Sultanate while working on strengthening the country's public relations in the economical area between the Sultanate and other countries .
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Ministry of National Economy
CULTURE
Cultural activities sponsored or promoted by the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture are various and numerous in encouragement of the creative abilities of the Omani people and their great heritage. Several
Cultural events have been held inside and outside Oman, with a view to ensuring continuity and interaction between the global and local cultural environments.
Political Side
Oman’s foreign policy is based on four principles:
• The development and maintenance of good relations with all Oman’s neighbors
• An outward looking and internationalist outlook, as befits Oman’s geographic
• location and longstanding maritime traditions
• A pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, emphasizing underlying geostrategic realities rather than temporary ideological positions.
• The search for security and stability through cooperation and peace, rather than conflict.
These principles have been consistently applied and have proved both valuable and durable. Oman’s adherence to these principles has allowed foreign policy to be flexible and to meet the challenges of the new international environment with confidence.
These principles are derived from Islamic and Omani values of tolerance, compassion, consultation and moderation, and Oman actively seeks to promote, through discussion, dialogue and cultural exchange, the fullest possible understanding and mutual respect between the diverse cultural traditions of the world.
In the application of these four principles, economic considerations play an increasingly important role, and, in keeping with the Basic Statute of the State, Oman conducts its economic relations with other countries on the basis of free market principles. Oman encourages free trade, the participation of the private sector in all aspects of social and economic activity, and supports international agreements on intellectual property and foreign investment. Oman adopts a multilateral approach to the global economy, in recognition of the way in which globalization links all economies with one another.
Oman is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a member of the Arab League and the United Nations, as well as being a founder member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation. In its participation in all these regional and global bodies – and in many others – Oman seeks to encourage cooperative solutions to global and regional problems, and to uphold International Law, internationally agreed principles, conventions and legal frameworks.
Oman has consistently and actively supported moves towards a comprehensive Arab–Israeli peace settlement, in accordance with the principle of land for peace, and in conformity with United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The right of self determination and respect for national sovereignty remain key values shaping Oman’s approach to international relations, and Oman continues to work, in collaboration with its friends and allies, to ensure that these values are upheld globally.
