Oman officially the Sultanate of Oman is an Arab country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Holding a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the country shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest, and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the southeast and the Gulf of Oman on the northeast. The Madha and Musandam’s exclaves are surrounded by the UAE on their land borders, with the Strait of Hormuz (which it shares with Iran) and Gulf of Oman forming Musandam’s coastal boundaries. One of the most diverse nations in the Middle East, Oman provides a fantastic mix of nature, history and culture. Best known as a premium beach resort destination, Oman is also a great option for activity and adventure, and with direct flights from Europe and India.

Oman’s rich heritage as a key trading post creates a sense of pride in ancient culture and a soulful eye towards development (there are no high-rises). It is a heaven for eco-tourists, and its diverse landscapes are home to incredible variety of flora, fauna and birds. Unspoilt coastlines brim with marine life in coral reefs, spinner dolphins, humpback and blue whales.

The desert at Wahiba Sands offers dune-bashing (surfing and hillocks in a 4×4), camel trekking and camping under the starry night sky.

From the desert-scape of the Empty Quarters to the lush green south with its fruit plantations and wildlife such as oryx and gazelles, Oman glories in a uniquely diverse topography for nature lovers. Separated from the sultanate by the UAE, the hidden enclave of craggy fjords in Musandam, hilltop villages and deserted beaches is perfect for a 1,001 Arabian Nights-style escape.

The Climate of Oman can be described as subtropical dry, hot desert climate with low annual rainfall, very high temperatures in summer and a big difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, especially in the inland areas.

Summer (June to September) is very low rainfall. Daily maximum temperatures can reach easily 40°C or more. Winter is cooler with occasional rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm, mostly dry and pleasant, with maximum temperatures between 25°C and 35°C and cooler night Temperatures between 15 and 22°C.

A hot, dust-laden wind, the Shamal, blows in the spring and summer-period, from March till August. Sometimes these winds can be very strong, and cause Sandstorms, that can occur throughout the year. Most rainfalls during the winter months in sudden, short but heavy cloudbursts and thunderstorms.

The currency of Oman is known as Omani Rial or Riyal Omani denoted with codes OMR or RO respectively. It is divided into 1000 baisa. The Omani Rial is the world’s 3rd highest valued currency.

1 OMR = 2.58 USD or 2.00 Euro