Oman flag

Oman

History

Magan supplied copper to Mesopotamia from the mountains of the interior.
Azd tribes migrated from Yemen and settled the Omani interior.
Imamate was established, giving Oman a new political framework.
The Nabhani dynasty ruled the interior for some four centuries.
Portuguese rule placed the territory under outside administration.
The Ya'ruba imams drove out the Portuguese and rebuilt Omani sea power.
Oman took Zanzibar and built an empire along the East African coast.
Ahmad bin Said founded the Al Bu Said dynasty, which still reigns.
Asia thumbnailPart ofAsiaMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalMuscat
Population5.3M
Area309,500 km2
CurrencyOmani rial

Short facts

RegionWestern Asia / Middle East / Arabian Peninsula
LanguageArabic
Time zoneGST (UTC+4)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Mutrah Souq: One of the oldest souqs in the Arab world, in a beautiful Muscat harbour setting.
  • Wahiba Sands: Dramatic orange desert of dunes stretching to the Arabian Sea.
  • Wadi Shab: Turquoise pools and waterfalls in a dramatic limestone gorge accessible by boat.

Find a city in Oman

Showing all cities

Muscat thumbnailMuscatCity

Planning questions

What is Oman known for?Mutrah Souq, Wahiba Sands, Wadi Shab.
What is the capital?Muscat.
Which language is useful?Arabic.
When is the national day?18 November.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Use Muscat as the first planning anchor for Oman, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Kebab thumbnailKebabSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Mutrah SouqWahiba SandsWadi ShabMuscatKebabCoffee
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Asia thumbnailCoasts and islandsMarine calendars, islands, reefs and coastal travel timing.