Circuits and trips to Oman

The south-east coast of the Arabian Peninsula is home to this beautiful country, whose coastline, cities and oases are yet to be discovered. It was founded as an Imamate in 751, making it the oldest state in the Arab world. It borders the United Arab Emirates to the north-west, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the south-west. Oman is a desert country, so temperatures are warm even in winter and can reach 50ºC in summer. The port capital, Muscat, is home to the huge, contemporary Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the old seaside district of Muttrah, with a labyrinthine souk and a bustling fish market.

Programs at Oman

Useful information for traveling to Oman

Documentation

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months. It must not contain stamps from Israel or border borders proving entry into Israel.

Language

The official language is Arabic, although English is commonly spoken by its inhabitants.

Religion

Oman's culture is based on the religion of Islam. Omanis have developed their own interpretation of Islam, known as Ibadism (75% of the population), although other branches such as Sunnism and Shiism are also practiced.

Traditions

Omanis are incredibly friendly and welcoming to visitors, and it's not unusual for visitors to receive a few invitations during their stay in the country, whether it's an invitation to someone's home for a chat over qahwa and dates.

Gastronomy

Omani cuisine is generally very simple, with many spices to complete the dishes, which usually consist of chicken, fish and lamb, which vary from region to region. Dishes are accompanied by rice, a variety of soups and broths, salads, curries and fresh vegetables. In the desert, many Omanis eat a sweet called halwa, which is usually served before drinking kahwa, a very popular type of coffee and considered a symbol of hospitality. Other popular drinks are laban (a kind of salted butter) and liquid yoghurts. Special dishes are prepared for festivities, following Islamic traditions. The gastronomic diversity of these occasions is very diverse, although they are only prepared on these occasions.

Climate

Oman has a warm climate with very little rainfall. The average annual rainfall in Muscat is 100 mm, falling mainly in January. In some parts of the country's coast, it does not rain for a whole year. Temperatures in the summer months are generally very high, reaching 50 °C.

Health

No vaccinations or antimalarial treatment are required for travellers from Europe.

Currency

The rial is the official currency of the Sultanate of Oman. That is, 1 OMR is equal to 2.50 EUR.

Payment methods

Whether you choose to pay with cash, card or mobile payment, Oman offers a safe and seamless environment to manage your finances during your visit.

Electricity

220 V in new buildings and sometimes 110 V in old buildings. Sockets are type G.

Means of transport

Only in the capital is there an extensive bus network. The rest of public transport is made up of taxis, white vehicles with distinctive signs on the roof that are hard to miss and are found everywhere. Driving or hiring a guide are the best options for visitors who want to explore the more rural areas of the country.

Hour

Oman time zone (GMT+4), meaning that Oman is 3 hours ahead of Spain.