Oman or Sultanate of Oman borders the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, it also includes Madha, an exclave enclosed by the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam, an exclave separated by Emirati territory. It gained independence in 1650 with the expulsion of the Portuguese.
The capital city is Muscat. Oman's attractions include a largely-untouched coastline, mountains, deserts and the burgeoning capital Muscat, with its forts, palaces and old walled city. Some of its renowned attractions include Bahla Fort, The Frankincense Trail, the Old Muttrah Souk and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Omani’s flag has three horizontal bands equal in width of white, red, and green with a broad, vertical, red band on the left hand side.
The national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band.
Oman
About Oman
National Olympic Committee
Sports
The Oman Olympic Committee played a major part in organizing the highly successful 2003 Olympic Days, which were of great benefit to the sports associations, clubs and young participants.
The Football Association took part, along with the Handball, Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Athletics, Swimming, and Tennis Associations.
In 2010 Muscat will host the 2010 Asian Beach Games for the first time.
Climate
Oman's climate is hot and dry in the interior for the most of the year with the exception of Dhofar region where there is a cool wind from the Indian Ocean and humid along the coast.
During past millennia Oman was covered by ocean.
Today fossilized shells exist in great numbers in areas of the desert.
The average summer temperature in Muscat is 33° C, but a strong wind that blows from the Rub al Khali, can raise temperatures from the towns on the Gulf of Oman by 6° C to 10° C.
Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 15° C and 23°C.
Religion
Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu) 25%
Culture
A very important part of Omani culture is hospitality. If invited into an Omani house, a visitor is likely to be greeted with a bowl of dates, qahwa and fruit.
The coffee is served fairly weak in a small cup, which should be shaken after three servings to show that you have finished. The dates are in lieu of sugar.
The Cuisine of Oman is fairly simple and often utilizes marinades and the impregnating of meats with spices.
A favourite drink is laban, a salty, buttermilk yogurt drink, flavoured with cardamom.
Oman is also famous for its khanjar knives, which are curved daggers worn during holidays as part of ceremonial dress.