DRESS
Oman is a Muslim country and it
is important that, as guests of the country, everyone
should respect the local customs. Women should not wear
strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts or low necked dresses
in public places (e.g. offices, souks, town and shopping
areas). The most suitable wear in public is shoulders
covered and below knee length skirts with a top that is
appropriately long (below the hip) is also acceptable.
Men should wear shirts and long trousers. Shorts or beachwear
should not be worn except at the beach or pool area. |
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Fire - 9999
Royal Oman Police - 24701099
Boushar Police Station - 24600099
Nizwa Police Station - 25425099
Bahla Police Station - 25419099
Khoula Hospital - 24560455
Royal Hospital - 24599000
Al Nadha Hospital - 24837800.
GREETINGS
The people of Oman offer a very warm
welcome to guests. You will find that traditional Arab greetings
are still widely observed and it is good manners to exchange
greetings and handshakes when meeting Omanis. These courtesies
should be observed in commercial dealings (e.g. shopping in
the souq) and on a personal level.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Do not take photographs of individuals without
their permission. Women in particular, do not like being photographed.
It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders
and airports. Observe ‘NO PHOTOGRAPHY’ signs.
RAMADAN (APPROX 02 SEPT 08 TO 02 OCT 2008)
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims
fast from sunrise until sunset daily. The fixed hours of prayer
are observed and during daylight no Muslims will eat, drink
or smoke. All tourists are requested to avoid eating, drinking
or smoking in the presence or sight of a Muslim. Eating, drinking
or smoking in public places during daylight is forbidden.
Hotel’s coffee shops remain open. Bars / Mini bars do
not serve alcohol, though it can be ordered through room service
after sunset only
VILLAGE ETIQUETTE
Drive slowly through villages to avoid raising
too much dust. Watch out for children & animals. Be courteous
to villagers - a few words of greetings or a smile is only
polite. Do not go into a home without being invited. Remember
certain areas of the village may be restricted to women only.
This must be strictly observed.
WATER/SWIMMING
The falaj is usually a vital source of water
for nearby villages. Do not foul, block or damage falaj walls
or dams. Do not swim or allow your children to play in water
immediately above a village, as it may be the village’s
drinking water. One can take the opportunity to swim at the
beaches. Driving on beaches is prohibited.
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Omani
Rial, which equates to $ 2.6