Pics, maps and more!

Due to popular demand (and the general fact that most don't know much about Oman) I have tracked down some pictures and info. Oman looks like to be a beautiful city right on the Gulf. The country is mix of deserts and lush green vegetation. Despite the heat that reaches a fever pitch in the summer, Oman boasts a variety of outdoor activities. We will be hiking, rock climbing, camping, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching and who knows what else!

The people are known to be friendly and inviting in this surprisingly western and developed city. (It even has a Fuddruckers!?!) It is a very safe place to live.

Below I have an assortment of photos. I must admit there are more water ones than desert, I really like the water. For a better representation of the diversity of the land I found a guy who was there last month and catalogued his pictures into a travelogue. To see it click here: (click meeee!)

For a more detailed description of life in Oman you can read the following.

Thanks!
~Katie


Preface
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:24 AM

The Sultanate of Oman, a land steeped in the rich traditions of its past, is also a country with a dynamic present and a promising future. Building on foundations laid long ago by adventurous seafarers and proud Bedouin nomads, the Omani people are still outward looking and independent. Oman is a sportsman's paradise, especially during the cooler part of the year from November to March. You can enjoy everything from tennis to turtle-watching in the shade of Oman's majestic mountains or on the fine white sand of its unspoiled beaches. Oman has many of the comforts of home, including modern highways, supermarkets, and communications, while still preserving the charm of its own unique heritage.


Area, Geography, and Climate
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:26 AM

Oman occupies the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered on the north by the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), on the northwest by Saudi Arabia, on the southwest by the Republic of Yemen, and on the southeast by the Gulf of Oman. Oman compares in size to Kansas, about 80,000 square miles.

Oman has three distinct topographical regions. The first consists of two flat, relatively fertile coastal strips up to 20 miles wide: one in the north stretching from the Muscat capital area to the border with the U.A.E., and one surrounding the southern city of Salalah. The second feature includes two mountainous regions: one in the north with elevations ranging from several hundred feet to the craggy peaks of Jebel Akhdar at 10,000 feet, and the other bordering the Salalah Plain in the south. Both are deeply scarred throughout by dry streambeds called "wadis." The third feature is sandy wasteland, mainly in the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) along the border with Saudi Arabia. Oman's climate is one of the hottest in the world.

Temperatures reach 130F in the summer from April to October and rarely drop below 65F in the cooler season from November to March. Average annual rainfall measures only 4 or 5 inches and occurs during December into April. Despite limited rainfall, however, humidity averages 65% to 80%. Summer monsoons create a tropical climate in the south.


Population
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:26 AM

Oman's population is about 2.4 million, of whom 1.8 million are Omanis. Arabs predominate, but the long history of trading along the coast and colonization in Africa and the Indian subcontinent have produced considerable ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity in the population.Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language. Hindi, Urdu, Swahili, Loti, and local dialects are also used. Several non-Arabic related languages survive in the mountains of the southwestern Dhofar Region. Many Omani Government officials and most merchants dealing with the expatriate community speak English.

Oman is the only Islamic country with most of its population adhering to the Ibadhi sect of Islam. A significant minority of Sunni Muslims (primarily of the Shafa'ei school) is concentrated in the south. The expatriate community numbers more than 600,000 and is primarily south Asian, including Muslims, Christians, and Hindus. Many Omanis live in areas where fishing or subsistence farming offers the only employment. Oman has a young and rapidly growing population. Literacy is about 80% among men and 60% among women. Omanis are reserved but friendly. They regularly share coffee, tea, dates, or halwa (a sweet, honey-colored dessert) upon meeting a visitor in an office or a remote village. Many Omanis observe prohibitions against alcohol but are seldom offended by its offer.


Arts, Science, and Education
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:29 AM

The Omanis are known for their craftsmanship in silver- and gold- smithing and boatbuilding. Oman is perhaps most famous for its national symbol, the "khanjar," an ornate, curved dagger embossed in silver commonly worn by men in the interior, and elsewhere on special occasions. Other handicrafts include weaving and pottery. The famous Omani dhow is still being handmade in Sur.

Traditional art forms such as singing and dancing are seen mostly in the interior. Western culture has made inroads (mostly in the capital area) but Islamic and Omani culture and customs still prevail.

Oman has stressed the importance of scientific and technical progress since 1970. In 1986, Sultan Qaboos University opened its doors to both men and women students. It boasts modern facilities and ahighly qualified staff, including American and European professors. A number of colleges also exist, as well as hundreds of public primary and secondary schools. Many Omanis also go abroad each year to further their education, often to the U.K. or U.S.Oman has stressed the importance of scientific and technical progress since 1970. In 1986, Sultan Qaboos University opened its doors to both men and women students. It boasts modern facilities and a highly qualified staff, including American and European professors. A number of colleges also exist, as well as hundreds of public primary and secondary schools. Many Omanis also go abroad each year to further their education, often to the U.K. or U.S.

Medical Facilities
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:45 AM

The Embassy Health Unit is staffed by two part-time registered nurses. The State Department regional medical officer (RMO) is based in Sanaa, Yemen, and visits post quarterly. The RMO/P visits twice a year or on request and can be contacted via e-mail at any time. We also have the services of the USAF flight surgeon who is assigned to a unit deployed in Muscat. He is available once a week (visits may vary due to availability).

The Health Unit provides immunizations, evaluation, first-aid treatment of acute minor illnesses and injuries, and physicals in conjunction with the RMO's visits or with local doctors. The Health Unit staff gives referrals to local medical facilities as necessary and emergency assistance and follow-up. There are many pharmacies available with a basic supply of medicines. For emergencies in Muscat, employees and dependents should go either to Al Khoula Hospital or to the Royal Hospital. Khoula Hospital has the regional trauma center, which specializes in burns, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery. The Royal Hospital specializes in Cardiology, Pulmonary, OBGYNE, and Pediatrics. The central blood bank is located across the road.There are two private hospitals in Muscat. First is the Al Shati Hospital, which is a 30-bed facility. Although this hospital does not have all the specialties it does have a 24-hour walk-in clinic, ideal for minor casualties and primary care consultations. The second is Muscat Private Hospital, which is a 70-bed facility. It has a 24-hour emergency department staffed with Western doctors but only with limited capabilities. The hospital has most specialties, including the first private mammogram facility in Oman.

There are several private medical clinics with Western-trained physicians for minor problems. Oman has a couple of good dental facilities providing routine care and orthodontics. Periodontal services are available every few months. Periodontists come from other countries and work at the local dental clinics.

There are many opticians in Oman to prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Costs are higher than in the U.S. Community


Housing
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:50 AM

All Embassy personnel occupy furnished government-owned or -leased quarters. Most houses are detached, single-family dwellings with a patio, and very few have garden areas or grass yards. The Embassy also leases a few U.S.-style townhouses. Most U.S. personnel live in the residential areas of Madinat al-Sultan Qaboos and Shati Al-Qurum, which are about 1-5 miles from the Chancery. Housing assignments are based on the post housing profile, family size, date of arrival, and Department housing guidelines (A-171), procedures, and regulations.


Food
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 10:20 AM

Several grocery stores operate throughout the Muscat area and offer a varied assortment of predominantly imported products. Most foodstuffs are available, although seasonal variations and occasional shortages occur. The high cost of food is only partially offset by the cost-of-living allowance. A variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are available at stores and local vendors. Although stores do run out of items, substitutes can be found. Locally caught fish is excellent and is sold daily at the fish markets in Mutrah and Seeb.

Canned and frozen products are imported from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Fresh and frozen meat is imported from Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.


Clothing
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:53 AM

Cotton summer clothing can be worn year round. Cotton/polyester blends retain heat, and are uncomfortable in the hotter months. One or two outfits of warm clothing for use during the cool season are satisfactory. A light sweater or jacket is good for the winter evenings or inside the air-conditioned buildings. Limited footwear for men and women and children is available locally. Although more items are becoming available locally with the influx of new commercial enterprises, the high cost of these imports and limited selection often makes them unattractive buys for Embassy staff. There are many tailors willing to make garments at reasonable prices but it is strongly recommended that you obtain recommendations before trying one.


Men
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:53 AM

Only Omani men wear the long straight garment called a "dishdasha." It is not advisable for Westerners to wear the local dress. On ceremonial occasions, affluent Omanis wear a flowing black robe called a "bisht" over the dishdasha and wear a belt with their khanjar. The traditional male head covering in Oman is different from other Arab nations. They wear the "masar," which is a length of patterned, colorful cloth wrapped like a turban. On less formal occasions, a small-embroidered cotton cap is worn.Male staff members wear lightweight slacks with a shirt and tie. Many evening events require a suit and tie. On rare occasions, such as the Marine Ball, a tuxedo is required.

Women
Last Updated: 7/10/2003 9:54 AM

Many Omani women appear in public in the abaya, a black cape that covers them from the neck down and usually they have their heads covered by a black veil. Younger Omani females often wear just veil, which totally covers their hair, yet leaves their face visible. These head coverings are often quite colorful and match their dress.
Female staff generally wear street-length apparel suitable for the office. Longer skirts and dresses are recommended for general shopping and trips to the souk. Bare shoulders, sundresses, shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops are not recommended for public venues.