Fact 1: Home to the Oldest Independent State in the Arab World
Oman has been an independent state since 1749, making it the oldest independent state in the Arabian world. It was ruled as an imamate until 1970, after which Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said took power and modernized the country, transforming it into the Sultanate of Oman that it is today.
Fact 2: Oman Hosts A World Heritage Neolithic Site
Oman is home to Beehive Tombs, a collection of prehistoric burial sites dating back approximately 5,000 years. Designated a World UNESCO heritage site, these tombs, known as the "Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn sites", are among the many treasures of Oman's rich history.
Fact 3: Omani Frankincense is Recognised Globally
Oman is well-known for its high-quality Frankincense which is extracted from the sap of the Boswellia Sacra tree. This product, highly valued for its fragrant scent, has even been mentioned several times in the Bible. In the ancient world, it was often worth more than its weight in gold.
Fact 4: World’s Second Largest Sand Desert
Oman proudly boasts the world's second largest continuous sand desert - the Rub' al Khali or the "Empty Quarter". It spans across four countries - Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen. It covers a whopping 250,000 square miles in total and holds half as much sand as the Sahara Desert.
Fact 5: Omanis Love Their Coffee
In Oman, coffee is not just a morning ritual, but it's an important part of the Omani hospitality. They refer to their local coffee as "Kahwa" - a strong, bitter drink flavoured with cardamom, often served with dates or sweets.
Fact 6: Ancient Maritime Nation
Omanis were seafaring people even in ancient times. They were involved in shipbuilding and trading since the 3rd millennium BC, notably trading frankincense and myrrh with ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Fact 7: Land of Forts
Oman is sometimes called the 'Land of 1000 forts' due to the vast number of fortifications scattered throughout the country. They stand as reminders of Oman's strategic geographical position and its historic richness.
Fact 8: No Income Tax
Oman is one of the few countries in the world where individuals do not pay any income tax. This makes it an attractive destination for expatriates from all over the globe.
Fact 9: Absolute Monarchy Touristic Charm
Oman is one of the few countries left in the world that practices an absolute monarchy system. This bestows a curious charm and grandeur on the country that fascinates travellers from around the world.
Fact 10: National Day Celebrations
November 18th is celebrated as Oman's National Day, marking the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who ruled Oman from 1970 until his demise in 2020.
Fact 11: Omani Incense Burners Are Unique
Omani incense burners, made with terracotta or metal, are distinctive and unique. The incense smoke is directed towards the clothing, hair, or beard to scent it, and this can often be observed in traditional Omani gatherings.
Fact 12: Traditional Dress Is Required
Oman insists on its citizens wearing traditional Omani attire which includes dishdasha for men and abaya for women. This is a unique fact about Oman, setting it apart from many countries in the Middle East.
Fact 13: A Deep-Rooted Bedouin Culture
Part of the Omani population still lives in a traditional Bedouin desert lifestyle, preserving their nomadic culture. They welcome tourists into their Bedouin camps offering a glimpse into their lifestyle and hospitality.
Fact 14: The Arabic Language Has Many Local Variants
While Arabic is the official language in Oman, it is spoken with many local dialects. Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal settings, while Omani Arabic is used among the locals.
Fact 15: The Magical Underwater World
Oman’s marine biodiversity is astonishing. Its sea is home to various species including 20 kinds of whales and dolphins, 5 species of turtles, and more than 500 species of fish.
Fact 16: The Monsoon Miracle
Every year, Salalah, a city in southern Oman, experiences a unique weather phenomenon – the Khareef. This monsoon period from June to September turns the region's arid landscape into a lush green vista.
Fact 17: Birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor
Sinbad, the famous character from the Arabian Nights tales, was said to have been born in Oman. Today, his adventurous spirit is celebrated in popular culture.
Fact 18: The Rare Arabian Leopards
The Dhofar mountains in southern Oman are amongst the last remaining habitats of the endangered Arabian Leopard, one of the rarest animal species in the world.
Fact 19: World’s Oldest Mud House Settlement
Al Hamra, a 400-year-old town in Oman, is known to be the world's oldest continuously inhabited mud-brick settlement.
Fact 20: Gentlemen's Sport - Camel Racing
In Oman, camel racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a cultural symbol. Camels are highly revered and the Omani annual camel racing events are a significant spectacle on the social calendar.