The lands extend the Sultanate of Oman on the south-eastern shore of the Arabian Peninsula. Licked by the waters of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, Omani desert sands are adjacent to Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. With its many centuries of turbulent history, these lands, which are home to almost three and a half million people, finally united under the absolute rule of the Sultan Qaboos ibn Said As-Said at the beginning of the seventies of the twentieth century. Since the current sultan became the ruler of a nation, its reform was a step in Omani society towards a better education system, greater openness to the West and a higher quality of life.

The place of the hill is the palace of the Sultan of Muscat – the capital of the state and its largest city. The majority of the people living here can efficiently speak English, although the official language is Arabic throughout the whole state. For over a hundred years, Oman retained close ties with Britain, and also thanks to prudent policy with its closest neighbors. The appellants on its northern and southern mountains restrict the vast areas of desert, once hidden in the depths so to this day in the desert sands fossils of marine creatures can be found. The highest peak is Jabal ash-Shams – Mountain Sun in the chain of the Stone Mountains Hajjar north of the country. The flat expanse of desert places of Oman is traversed by beautiful valleys, which once flowed long ago with rivers which are now dried up. To the east of the country sands rise up to almost 200 meters by creating impressive sand dunes, behind which the daily spectacle of nature evening sun disappears revealing the incredible starry sky.

Oman is the only Muslim country where most residents are loyal to the ibadyckiemu current of Islam. Very old science ibadytów require its followers observe extremely conservative principles, so travelers should demonstrate understanding for the religious traditions of Oman. When in public places one should cover shoulders and knees, and during the holy month of Ramadan further reduce eating and drinking and smoking. Local people often don traditional dishdasha robes, adorned at the neck fringes, which are formerly perfumed. Decorative element of garments is tucked into a belthandżar – a short, very sharp curved dagger wrapped in a decorated scabbard, appearing on the coat of arms and flag of Oman.

Omani cuisine is a simple and tasty combination of fish, including shark meat, poultry and mutton, with a little more spices than for courses in other Arab countries. A special delicacy, famous throughout the peninsula, are the Omani sweets – delicious dates and semi-liquid halvah. Dates often served with mild Omani coffee, have replaced the cardamom.

Climate

In most parts of the country the climate is very dry and hot. The coast of Oman, endowed with beautiful beaches, is the exception because its where the humidity increases. Slightly cooler, but still warm air on the coast can, however, give a toll harder than the air above the sun-baked desert, just by the growth of its moisture, although the proximity of the water soothes the heat emanating from the sky. Summer in Oman begins in late April and lasts until October, while the period of the highest temperatures, often in excess of 50° C even in the shade! In winter the temperature ranges between 15 and 23° C. Precipitation in Oman is very low and appears sporadic. Though a climatically milder, the south of the country is regularly haunted by the summer monsoon, keeping streams in motion and being a blessing to the fertile lands of the region.

Currency – Omani Rial (OMR)