Study in Oman - Living in Oman

TRANSPORTATION   |   SOCIAL SCENE

ACCOMMODATION   |   OMAN GOVERNMENT PORTAL

Transportation

Oman Air has daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, and regular services to Sur, Khasab, Dibba and Massirah Island. Intercity buses serve most main provincial towns daily. Renting a car in the Sultanate is easy but not cheap. You're more likely to take advantage of Oman's extraordinarily comprehensive system of service taxis and microbuses. Drivers will depart when they have a few passengers, expecting to pick up and drop off other passengers along the way; it's a very cheap way to get around providing you're in no particular hurry. You can also take a taxi or microbus 'engaged' (ie, privately) by paying for all of the seats in it. Only Muscat has a local bus system. Muscat Airport is 40km (25 miles) west of the city. There are car rental agencies at the airport and taxis and buses are available.

Cars
For visiting most of Oman's natural and historic landmarks, one has to go offroad. Therefore, 4 wheelers are highly recommended. A 4 wheeler will serve the purpose of crossing rocks, boulders and waterbodies and carrying all the load, as shown here.

Taxis
Many visitors, if not hiring cars, tend to use taxis, which are reasonably priced. There are a number of metered cab firms now. Agree the price first if using an orange and white taxi. Mini-buses travel all over the commercial areas, stopping and picking-up on request. This form of transport is particularly cheap.

The Oman National Transport Company is the state-run bus service which has a network of routes throughout the Sultanate. Long distance coach trips leave Ruwi bus station to the likes of Salalah for RO 16 return, making this a comfortable and cheap form of transport. The national carrier, Oman Air, flies to Salalah, Khasab and Masirah Island and is the only airline to make domestic flights within the Sultanate. Masirah Island has a regular ferry service to and from the mainland, but all other boat services are provided through tour operators. There are no trains in Oman.

Buses
Baiza Buses! Just flag them down and pay a few hundred baizas to go pretty much anywhere in the country, mind you if you really want to explore oman a car is the best way.

Motorbikes
Motorbikes are not very popular due to the climate. There is also the safety factor. Large bikes such as Harley Davidsons are fairly cheap, and there is an active Harley Owner’s club as well as the Muscat Motorcycle Club.

Oman is a surprisingly green country, particularly in Dhofar, due to its location on the monsoon paths. Landscaping and beautification are priorities of the municipalities, and gardens, parks and grassy knolls line the main highway. The countryside is varied, from rugged mountain ranges to desert sands, to green, lush wadis (riverbeds).

The climate in Muscat is markedly different to that in Dhofar: during the winter, Muscat enjoys temperatures of, average, 300C, dropping to around 180 C at night. However, in the summer, Muscat bakes in 45-480 C, while Dhofar cools down in the light monsoon rain.

The Omani people are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Although Arabic is their main language, English is spoken frequently and is often used as the lingua franca. Despite their relaxed air, the Omanis are quite conservative people and respect for their privacy and, in particular, their religion, should always be observed. Modesty is the keyword in how to dress. Women should wear loose, long garments, ensuring that their shoulders and knees are covered. Men should wear long trousers and tops with sleeves. Swimming costumes are fine for the beach or the pool. During the holy month of Ramadhan, all Muslims fast during the hours of daylight. Visitors to the country should remember that eating, drinking and smoking is not allowed in public at this time.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said is Oman's ruler. He acceded to the throne in 1970 and in the space of 32 years has transformed his country into one which boasts modern and innovative healthcare, education, telecommunications networks and a stable economy. Although the Sultan has ultimate power in governing his country, the daily administration of the land is performed by various Ministries. The Sultan is a well-respected leader, both at home and in the international arenas. In recognition of his role in Middle East peace keeping, he was presented with the International Peace Award in 1988 by the National Council on US-Arab Relations.

A visit to the Sultanate is sure to surprise and delight. Holidays can be as adventurous and energetic, or relaxed and uncomplicated as you choose.

International restaurants are found all over Oman, from fast-food outlets to fusion cooking, haute cuisine dining to hamburgers. Prices range, and a three course meal can be found to suit any budget. Most hotels will have a number of international restaurants providing food from the likes of Mexico, France, Thailand, Japan and Indonesia.

Traditional Omani Food is fairly simple, but by using various marinades and impregnating meat with spices, the result is a mouth-watering concoction which stimulates the tastebuds. Chicken, fish and mutton are regularly used in dishes. A favourite drink is laban, a salty buttermilk. Yoghurt drinks, flavoured with cardamom and pistachio nuts are also very popular.

Alcohol may be purchased in the hotel bars and restaurants and certain independent restaurants.

Oman has a surprisingly varied wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Strict laws have been established to ban hunting as a number of indigenous animals have now become endangered, such as the Arabian leopard and the Arabian Oryx. Nature reserves have been set up throughout the Sultanate to protect the natural habitats of mammals such as the leopard, oryx, gazelle, taher, ibex, desert foxes and wild cats.

The warm waters are home to 22 species of whale and dolphin. Oman is a member of the International Whaling Commission and follows the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) guidelines in preventing the trade of endangered animals. Turtles are attracted to Oman's shores and turtle breeding reserves are located at Ras al-Jinz and the Dimaaniyat Islands. Oman has a profusion of exotic marine life and some of the best dive sites in the world. In particular, the Hallaniyat Islands and the Dimaaniyat Islands offer chances to see beautifully coloured tropical fish and unusual hard and soft corals.

Institution Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation varies from US$60.00 (single) to US$150 (double) inclusive breakfast and tax. Institution could help in arranging for accommodation with a reasonable rate. However, participants may contact the hotel directly for reservations and payment.

Hotel Listing in Oman

Oman Government Portal