Oman Information: Oman Facts

Having one of the most vibrant cultures in the history of humanity, the country of Oman is blessed with a very different and unique vibe, making it stand out from the rest. 

Oman has a rich history narrating stories of heroism, courage, wisdom, patriotism, love and devotion to homeland. This brings us closer to understanding the richness of the Omani cultural experience.

Oman became the oldest Arab state to have been formed in the Arabian peninsula.

Fast Oman Information   

Region: Middle East

Continent: Asia

Coastline: 3,165 km (1,967 mi)

Borders: Saudi Arabia: 676 km (420 mi), UAE: 410 km (250 mi), Yemen: 288 km (179 mi)

Population: 4 Million

Currency: Omani Rial 

Capital: Muscat

Location and Borders

Oman has a strategic location overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. It also controls the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important facilities in the region, linking the Sea of Oman with the Arabian Gulf. 

The Strait of Hormuz is a gateway to all ships coming from the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

Oman is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. 

Muscat: The Capital 

Muscat is the capital of Oman and the country’s largest city. It is situated in the northeast, on the Gulf of Oman. Muscat combines the traditional cultural heritage with the modern style. 

If you visit Muscat, you will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture. 

This allows Oman to preserve its historic character, and at the same time enjoy its contemporary spirit. Muscat is renowned as one of the cleanest Arab capitals, and has gained the honour of winning the Cleanest Arab City Contest several consecutive times.

Al Wattih in Muscat Governorate is one of the first inhabited cities. Modern archaeological discoveries suggest that humans settled in it during the Stone Age, i.e. more than 10,000 years ago.

Oman is a beautiful country in nature. If you prefer a small, friendly and welcoming country, Oman is your ideal destination, discover it through one of our Oman Tours

A Glance of History of Oman

With the spread of Islam and Mazin Bin Gadhubah joining Islam as the first person in Oman and his immigration to Medina to meet Prophet Mohammed, Peace be upon Him, the first mosque was built in Oman. 

This is Al Midhmar Mosque that still stands to this day in Wilayat Samail . These events paved the way for the two kings of Oman at that time, Jua’fer and Abd Ibni Al Jalandi, to enter Islam wholeheartedly and with utter conviction after receiving a letter from the Prophet, Peace be upon Him. 

Also stated in the sermon our Master Abu Bakr Al-Sidiq, the caliph of the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, to the people of Oman: “People of Oman you, you have entered Islam voluntarily although the Prophet has not come to your land on foot or on horse. You have not opposed him as other Arabs opposed him, and you have not called for separation or dispersion. May God unite you in benevolence.”

With the election of Ibn Masood, the first imam, in 751 AD, the Imamate era began in Oman and lasted four centuries until 1154. Several attempts were made to restore the rule of the Imamate in Oman in the mid-fifteenth century, but did not succeed.

During the period 1498-1507 AD, the Portuguese tried to control Oman. Omani history tells the story of the Omani people who expelled the Portuguese with their struggle and heroism. Nasser bin Murshid was elected Imam in 1624.

The Babylonians and the Assyrians settled in Oman because they wanted to control the trade route that linked Asia to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Religion 

Islam is the common religion in Oman, also the Hinduism and Christianity represent the religions of some of the  workers, principally came from India, Pakistan and some Western countries.