The Sultinate of Oman is situated on the South-East of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered by Yemen to the South and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to the West.

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a place where tradition meets the modern in a dramatic setting with The Al Hajar Ash Sharqi Mountains on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other. The coastline is striking and is in total contrast to that of Dubai for example.

During your stay a visit to the Grand Mosque is a must. The mosque is open for visitors from Saturday to Wednesday from 08h00 to 11h00 only. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and features some wonderful artwork, chandeliers and a one piece carpet covering the entire prayer hall a measures 4,300 sqm ( which has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of world records ) During the evening, experience the hustle and bustle of local life at the Muttrah Suoq where the smell of frankincense and sandalwood in the air are typical.

Diving in Oman is now becoming popular and often regarded as amongst the best in the world. The hundreds of coves and islets that skirt the coastline are considered to be an example of bio-diversity at its best by discerning divers, who regularly compare it to the way today’s overcrowed Red Sea dive scene was 30 years ago.

The natural beauty of this country that is steeped in culture and history has not gone unnoticed and is now attracting some of the finest hotel groups from around the world. Two of the finest examples include Intercontinental Hotel’s “Al Bustan Palace” and GHM Group’s “The Chedi”. Shangri-la Group will open their new “Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa” towards the end of 2005.

CURRENCY:	Omani Rial
TIME DIFFERENCE:	GMT+4
VISA:	Issued on arrival for a stay of 30 days - cost 6 Omani Rial ( approx US$16 )
VACCINATIONS:	No compulsory Vaccinations

Muscat Oman

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hrs	8	9	9	10	11	12	10	10	11	10	10	9
Rain mm	25	15	8	8	2	0	0	0	0	4	6	10
Temp C	22	23	26	30	33	39	39	38	34	32	28	23