Oman, a country moving forward under its sultan’s leadership

The flag of Oman features a dagger, the national emblem. The cities are very organized, and the neatness of the streets, roads and intersections are just a few of the indicators of the country’s development. It is the third-largest country on the Arabian Peninsula in terms of land mass and is located on the southeastern tip of this landmass.

The official language of this monarchy is Arabic, spoken by the country’s 3 million people in addition to many millions more throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the world. Oman is a desert country with no rivers or lakes, so electricity is generated using oil and natural gas. Aside from the desert, there are bare mountains that rise into the skies.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Omanis built an empire from the Persian Gulf to the East African coast and Zanzibar. The empire existed for a very long time because of their expertise in seafaring. The effects of close relations that were established with the English toward the end of the 18th century are still visible today, and English is widely spoken throughout the country.

Dubai used to belong to Oman

Oman was part of the United Arab Emirates. Today, however, it is independent, but several of its territories are surrounded by the United Arab Emirates, including an enclave in the north called Musandam. Oman borders Yemen to the west, Saudi Arabia to the north and northeast and the United Arab Emirates to the north. Muscat, the capital city, is a pleasant place. The air is clean and the roads lined with colorful flowers and green grass, adding a different look to this bustling metropolis.

In the 1960s, before the discovery of oil, Oman’s economy was dependent on agriculture and fishing. The large fishing sector also made boat-making popular. Many people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt and Tunisia come here to work, and most of them are in the service sector. In the winter months, the temperature does not fall below 25 degrees Celsius, but in the summer, it can rise as high as 54 degrees in the central parts of the country. Most tourists visit Oman between October and April.

Oman is a developed Arab country. Instead of building giant skyscrapers, most buildings are just four or five floors high because the locals did not want to ruin the appearance of the country. Oman does not have infrastructure or superstructure problems. Muscat is home to large date gardens. The weekend falls on Thursday and Friday. Around 77 percent of the population lives in cities and towns, and medical services at state hospitals are free of charge. This is a stable and safe country.

Almost everyone has at least one car, and these tend to be the most recent model. Gas guzzlers rarely seen in Turkey due to high oil prices are very common in Oman, where there are no oil problems.

[QUICK FACTS] Capital: Muscat, Official language: Arabic, Government: monarchy, Chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Qaboos bin Said al-Said, Area: 309,500 square kilometers, Population: 3,418,085*, Gross domestic product (PPP): $ 69.43 billion**, Main religions: Ibadhi Muslim (75  percent), other (Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim, Hindu) (25 percent),  *July 2009 estimate **2009 estimate.

Even though the country’s population is relatively low and the roads are wide and organized, traffic problems exist in the evenings because the ratio of cars to people is very high. Public transportation is not as common as in Turkey. As for municipality-operated buses, there are barely any. The national income is around $8,000 per person. Life is expensive in this country. The exchange rate is about $3 for one Omani rial. The numbers on a price tag may appear small, but when you multiply them by three, you develop a better understanding of what the item really costs. Oman is a country where gas is cheaper than water. Water needs are met by desalinating seawater.

Muscat used to be a small coastal city surrounded by mountains. Now, it is a modern city that is growing on a daily basis. The mountains are the same bare mountains, but the city has changed immensely. With a population of around 700,000, Muscat is the country’s political and business center. It is one of the country’s most organized and cleanest cities. It is located right next to the Gulf of Oman. New residential areas have been built in this constantly growing city. The mountains played a major role in the way Muscat is shaped today, pushing the city to expand along the coastline.

The Portuguese lived in this area for 150 years until they were expelled by the Omanis in 1650. Muscat’s two popular forts, the Mirani and Jalali forts, were constructed by the Portuguese. The sultan’s main palace is also located in this old city. Muscat’s port is another point that gives life to the city. Port Sultan Qaboos, built in 1974, is Oman’s most important port for foreign trade.

It’s almost impossible to see people in the streets during noon time in the capital. When the heat reaches its peak, people close down their businesses and go home. Instead of walking from one place to another, people travel by car because it’s so hot. The only people on the streets in the afternoon are tourists and a few Omanis here and there. Life in the city resumes at around 4 p.m., and the crowds in the street get bigger as the day ends.

Oman’s sultan

Sultan Qaboos bin Said was born in 1940. He is the only son of Sultan Said bin Taymur and became the sultan at the age of 30. Sultan Qaboos launched projects in every field and enabled the country to quickly become modern. He opened his country to the world, visits every city and village and is closely involved in the country’s needs. All major agreements feature his signature. With Sultan Qaboos’ strong commitment to the economy, arts, freedom of thought and people’s prosperity, Oman has changed significantly over the past 40 years. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the sultan’s palace.