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Frequently Asked Questions

Where in the world is Muscat, Oman?

The coast near Tiwi Muscat is a city with a traditional feel and friendly people that is situated on the Indian Ocean. Oman, the second largest country in Arabian Peninsula, occupies the southeastern part and tip. The unique geography of Oman provides a number of pre and post conference travel experiences for those participants wishing to extend their stay with vacation. Oman is one of the most welcoming countries on the peninsula where although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken especially by hotel staff, shopkeepers and taxi drivers.

Muscat, the capital city of Oman is described as "Arabia's jewel” with roads that are lined with well-manicured green lawns and trees. The city has steadfastly retained its old-world character and quaint charm with many forts, castles, mosques and watch towers sprinkled along its unique skyline.

Wadi Daikha Muscat is a safe city with good law and order. (From British embassy website indicates that around 95,000 British tourists visit Oman every year. The main type of incident, for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2006, in Oman was for road related incidents.)

How do I get to Muscat?

Muscat, Oman (airport code MCT) is well connected to countries worldwide. The national carrier is Oman Air. Gulf Air, Emirates, Indian Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM and Swiss Air are some of the international airlines that serve the country. Frequent one-hour flight connections are also readily available from Dubai as well, with many airlines offering low cost flights to Dubai this may be an option to explore. A non-stop flight from New York to Dubai is available for those wishing to avoid changing airplanes. As experienced travelers we are all aware that booking early is the key to receiving the lowest fares.

How long will the drive take from the airport to the hotel?

Sheefa BeachMost of the conference hotels are approximately 20 minutes drive from the airport and 15 minutes drive from the Forum venue. Taxi fares will be approximately 4-10 OR depending on the distance. Other hotels range from 5 to 45 minutes from the airport.

What are the hotels expenses for a participant?

Within Muscat there are a wide range of hotel options at various prices. The conference hotel registration website will provide a list of hotels from which transportation to the conference will be available. In addition, many major international chains are represented in Muscat and based on an internet travel site prices are similar to other capitals for example: Holiday Inn (~$80), Ramada (~$90), Golden Tulip ($160), Best Western ($150), and Intercontinental (~$200). Other less expensive accommodations will be included in the conference hotel registration packages.

How warm is it during April? The humidity? What will be the temperature outdoors and indoors?

During the forum, the average temperatures ranges from 24C (76F) to 34C (94F) with a mean of 29C (85F). Humidity averages 50% during this period and can range from 10 to 100 percent with humid spells typically short in April. Morning and evenings are very comfortable with light breezes coming either from the mountains or ocean. Afternoons in the shade are enjoyable. Air-conditioning is widely available and as a result interiors may sometimes feel cool.

Do people speak English outside the hotel? How far do you get with English in the area /city, taxis, shops… Can I get by using only English?

Arabic is the official language, and most locals in the Muscat area are able to understand English. Shop keepers and merchants can always find a way to negotiate your price even with a minimum of English. Along the coastal regions Swahili is also often spoken. In the interiors it is best to use the services of a guide/ interpreter or travel with a group that includes an Arabic speaker. Even in the interior, locals in areas most often frequented by travelers will be able to understand English.

What do I have to wear if I do not want to offend against traditions? When do I have to cover my head?

Oman is among the liberal countries in the Middle East where it is alright to dress as you please. When visiting the country it is important that you dress modestly but comfortably. Women should consider mid-length skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves, but short sleeves are okay. Covering the head is at the individual’s discretion, except when entering a mosque.

Skimpy shorts should never be worn in public by men or women and beachwear should be limited to the beach or the hotel pool. Tight-fitting clothes should be avoided as they may cause offence.

When you visit the interiors please be conservative in your style of dressing. It is best for women to cover their arms and legs. Dress codes are mentioned and strictly enforced in public functions.

Can I visit a mosque?

Mutrah Fort The Grand Mosque in Muscat is a beautiful destination for a morning trip and is open to non-Muslim visitors Sat-Wed 8:00am-11:00am. When visiting the mosque, long sleeves and trousers (not jeans) or long skirts should be worn, and women should cover their hair. This glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark the 30th year of his reign. Quietly imposing from the outside, the main prayer hall is breathtakingly rich. The Persian carpet alone is 70m x 60m wide, making it the largest carpet in the world.

Is it an area used to tourists? If you should stay for an extra week – is it wise to go outside Muscat?

There are many tourist destinations within Oman, and we certainly encourage you to spend additional time exploring the country. Gulf SoL is identifying several short learning adventures and holiday options which will be available either before or after the Forum. We will have at agent available on-site to book last minute options and we can put you in touch should you wish to plan your own extended stay.

Is it easy to travel with small children?

Oman has plenty of facilities to make your stay with your children most enjoyable. Most brands of popular baby food are available as well as the services of qualified pediatricians. Most large shopping malls have play areas for children, and children always enjoy the beach.

How efficient is the local transport? How can I get around?

If you are staying at a conference hotel then scheduled transportation to the Forum venue will be available as a part of your registration fee. Within the city feel free to use the taxis or cabs that can be found at taxi stands and major hotels these are driven by Omanis. Since metering is seldom used it is always useful to negotiate the price for your trip prior to departure. Hotels can often help with a reasonable estimate for the trip.

To visit the interiors it is best to hire a car or to travel in groups. For long distances the ONTC or Oman National Transport Company is a good choice.

What is there to eat? Are the restaurants safe?

There are a wide variety of restaurants in Muscat offering all kinds of cuisine thanks to the cosmopolitan nature of its expatriate population. Apart from the local food you can savor authentic Italian, Greek, Mexican, Japanese, English, American, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Traditional Omani meals are eaten with the hands, using the right hand especially when food is served from a communal plate. Restaurants and street shops are under strict food controls.

How do I greet people, shake hands/ bow or do I wait to be greeted first? Any specific act of politeness that is good to know for us who has never traveled in this area?

Wadi Shab It is customary for an Omani to greet profusely even on the most casual meeting and it would be polite to return his greeting with a friendly remark or gesture if you are not familiar with the language. Shaking hands is customary in Oman. The handclasp is usually light (the hearty western style handshake can be interpreted as being overly aggressive) and is sometimes accompanied by placing the other hand over the heart to indicate sincerity. Kissing between men is also a common form of greeting, usually reserved for family and close friends, consisting of a light touch to both cheeks, sometimes repeated. In the desert, Bedouin men will lightly touch noses while making the kissing sound.

If you are invited into an Omani household it is customary to remove your shoes at the front door. Your host will invariably serve Omani coffee (qawa) and fruits, usually fresh or dried dates, oranges and melon. It is considered impolite to refuse this offering and you may decline only after the first cup of coffee.

Do I tip taxi drivers, waiters,..?

Hotels and Restaurants usually apply a 15% service charge to the bill, however it is customary to tip for attentive service. (It should be noted that this service charge rarely makes it into the pocket of your waiter or waitress.)

Can I take photos in the city? ..in rural areas?

While photography is permitted throughout the Sultanate, and there is beautiful scenery everywhere, photography of government and military installations is not permitted. Likewise photographers should be very circumspect when it comes to photographing women. It is not advisable to take pictures of women without requesting and obtaining permission beforehand. This can be done by saying "Mumkin sura, min fadlak?" (May I take your picture please?). While children usually oblige happily, women may refuse especially if the photographer is male. It is often easier to engage your subject in pleasant conversation to obtain their disposition and instill confidence. Then, if they are accommodating, you can ask for a photograph.

What is the currency?

The Omani currency is the Rial Omani(RO). The approximate conversion of the Omani Rial is RO 1.000: 2.60 USD: 1.77 EUR: 1.26 GBP. (at the time of this writing, please refer to an online currency conversion for the most up to date information.) The rates fluctuate with the market usually in a narrow range around the USD. Credit cards: All major credit cards are readily accepted in the main shops and hotels, as well as by an increasing number of traders in the souq. ATM / Auto bank cards: Most of the banks in Muscat have ATM/Auto banks that accept US/UK cards ('Cirrus' or 'More'). However, make sure that the card's PIN number is no more than '4' digits or it will not work.

Answers to other questions

There are no threats of terrorism or hard line fundamental extremists. Tap water is safe, but for the taste bottle water may be preferred. Malaria: It is not necessary to take tablets in the Muscat area! All hotels have air conditioners. There are not monsoon in Muscat they are further south

Where can I get more information about Muscat and Oman?

    Additional websites that we have found useful are:
  • Travel Information
  • Oman - COUNTRY PROFILE
  • Ministry of Information, Oman (good background, current and travel information)
  • Environment 

    • Oman is a clean country and littering is forbidden. Omanis have a high regard for the environment and its maintenance.

What documents do I need to travel to Oman?

QuriayatMost participants will be able to travel with their passports as their only travel documents. While visa are readily available at the airport, you may also obtain them prior to travel through an Omani embassy, consulate or a visa service. It is always safest to obtain a visa prior to your departure especially if you have any questions about the viability of your travel. The official website for Omani visas is www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_passport_visa_singleentry.asp which includes the list of for whom visa formalities are required prior to travel. As with all international travel, we suggest that you travel with a copy of your passport and all travel documents as well.