Key facts
Oman’s rich cultural history features traditional forts and souqs scattered across the Sultanate‚ while our natural environment offers incredible flora and fauna. Along with year-round sunshine and unsurpassed warmth and hospitality of the local people‚ it is easy to see why Oman is emerging as a globally competitive tourism destination. The country is ruled by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said‚ who recognises the importance of the tourism
industry and is committed to supporting growth of the sector. The Government has a long-term plan for economic diversity‚ aiming for the contribution to the economy by tourism related activities to grow from 6.7% of GDP in 2010 to 9.2% of GDP by 2020. This is set out in Vision Oman 2020‚ the blue print for the country’s economic success.
| Official name: | Sultanate of Oman |
| Head of State: | His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said |
| Area: | 309‚500 Km2 |
| Capital: | City of Muscat |
| Other main cities: | Sohar‚ Nizwa‚ Sur‚ Salalah‚ Buraimi‚ and Khasab |
| Local Time: | GMT +4 hours |
| Currency: | Omani Rial |
| Climate: | The best time to visit Oman is between November and mid-March when daytime temperatures average 25°C. Average rainfall per year is 10 cm (4in) which falls mainly in January |
