Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+4
Capital City: Muscat
Population: 2.69 million
Area: 212,000357,021 square km, 131,736 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, English
Dialling Code: 968
Emergency: Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. A local licence must be obtained from the Police by presenting a National licence or International Driving Permit
Electricity: 220/240V AC 50Hz
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR 1 = 1,000 Baizas)
Notes: OMR: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50. Baizas: 100, 200, 250, 500
Coins: Baizas: 5, 10, 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0800-1200 Sat-Wed, 0800-1130 Thur
Office: 0800-1300 & 1600-1900 Sat-Wed, 0800-1300 Thur
Shops: 0800-1300 & 1600-2000 Sat-Thur, 1600-2100 Fri
Public Holidays
2011
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates shown are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Restaurants are closed during the day and smoking and drinking in public is forbidden between dawn and dusk, although discreet provisions are made for guests in most hotels. Many shops are closed for a day or two during the Eid holidays. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha last from 2-7 days depending largely on what day of the week Eid begins.
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally. Most executives speak English, a few words of Arabic would be appreciated. Muslim conventions apply. Smoking is accepted but subject to some restriction in public and Government offices. Selling of alcohol is regulated but is available in hotels and restaurants. On social occasions be punctual. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. Very strict laws against drinking and driving apply
Tipping: Around 10%
