If you are one of those who would like to know information about the Sultanate of Oman in a comprehensive manner, then we at the Oman Lighthouse have prepared in this article all the details that you need, starting from general information and ending with the future prospects of the Sultanate, passing through precise details about the economy in all its fields, and life in Oman for foreigners and the system health care.
You can be sure that everything you are looking for about the Sultanate of Oman will be found in this article.
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Learn about the Sultanate of Oman - general information
Learn in the following paragraphs the most important general information about the Sultanate of Oman that you need to know first if you are interested in exploring this distinctive country:
Preliminary details about the Sultanate:
We chose these details for you to talk about:
Geographical location
The Sultanate is located in the southwestern tip of the Asian continent, and the far southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, between the Republic of Yemen and the United Arab Emirates.
population
As for the population of the Sultanate of Oman, it has reached approximately 4.5 million people, according to statistics at the end of 2022, and it is expected that the population at the end of 2023 will reach approximately 4.65 million people.
the currency
The official currency in the Sultanate of Oman is the "Omani Rial" and it is considered one of the strongest currencies in the world, as one riyal equals about 2.6 US dollars, and the exchange rate is considered almost fixed for more than 10 years.
official language
The Arabic language is considered the mother tongue of the inhabitants of the Sultanate of Oman, and all its inhabitants speak it, and it is the approved language in government transactions, schools and universities, and daily life.
political system
Oman enjoys an absolute monarchy, and it is currently headed by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. According to the Omani system of government, the sultan is considered the king of the state and has wide powers.
The Omani government includes executive, legislative, and judicial powers. It has a Council of Ministers as the main governing body, and its legal system is based primarily on Islamic law.
The Sultanate of Oman is also a member of:
- United nations
- League of Arab States
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation
- Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States
Capital
The city of Muscat is the political capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and it is considered its largest city and the main hub politically, economically and culturally, with a population of about 1.42 million people, according to the latest official statistics.
The most important cities in the Sultanate
In addition to Muscat, Oman has many other important cities including :
- Salalah
- Sohar
- photo
- whimsical
- Rustaq
- Qalhat
Climate of the Sultanate of Oman
The Sultanate of Oman enjoys a hot and dry climate with little rainfall . The country also experiences long, hot summers and relatively mild winters .
In coastal areas the climate is wetter than inland, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 35°C throughout the year.
Examples of Omani heritage
Here are some examples of the Omani heritage, as it is information about the Sultanate of Oman that you are interested in knowing and looking at before visiting this country:
- In terms of dress, men wear a dishdasha, a long white gown, and the traditional Omani hat, while the majority of women adhere to the Islamic veil, with a long dress or abaya.
- Wearing the Omani dagger has been a traditional symbol since ancient times
- Dates are also considered one of the basic foods in the country, given that Oman produces a variety of dates, and it is served as a dessert or snack, especially in the holy month of Ramadan.
- The Omani community has traditional music and well-known dances on occasions and weddings, such as the "Dance of Innocence".
- Omani buildings are usually decorated with stone and decorations, especially historical buildings and palaces.
The Omani economy stimulates investment
Let us accompany you as you get acquainted with information about the Sultanate of Oman in a quick tour of the country's economic situation and some promising investment fields in it:
Economic statistics for Oman
The following are the most important economic statistics for the Sultanate at the beginning of 2023:
|
GDP growth |
2.1% |
|
Unemployment rate |
3.1% |
|
Inflation rate |
1.6% |
|
interest rate |
5.75% |
|
corporate tax rate |
15% |
|
personal income tax rate |
0% |
investment in the Sultanate of Oman
Oman has made significant efforts to attract foreign investment in recent years, with a particular focus on diversifying its economy away from the oil and gas industry.
The government has implemented policies and incentives to encourage investment in sectors such as tourism, logistics, and renewable energy. In addition, Oman offers an encouraging business environment , with a streamlined company registration process , low taxes, and free trade zones.
Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman
Tourism is a growing sector in Oman, with the government actively promoting the country as a tourist destination . Oman is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, making it an attractive option for travelers.
The government has invested in infrastructure such as airports, roads, and hotels, and has also implemented policies such as visa waivers for some nationalities to encourage tourism.
Work in the Sultanate of Oman
One of the most important things that can be considered information about the Sultanate of Oman is work, as Oman offers a range of job opportunities for both locals and expatriates in various sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction and tourism.
The government has implemented policies to encourage employment of Omani nationals and provide training and education for the local workforce . Expats working in Oman often receive benefits such as tax-free salaries, housing and transportation allowances.
life in the Sultanate of Oman
Speaking also about information about the Sultanate of Oman, there are many important aspects of life that must be recognized, the most important of which are:
means of transportation in the Sultanate
Oman has a well-developed transportation system, with options such as taxis, buses, and rental cars available for commuting . The government has also invested in infrastructure such as highways and public transport networks to make travel easier and more efficient.
Commercial malls and entertainment areas
Oman has a range of commercial shopping malls and entertainment districts that cater to both locals and expats.
Examples include:
- Muscat City Centre
- Qurum City Centre
- And the Avenues Mall
As for entertainment, expatriates can enjoy activities such as bowling, ice skating, cinema , and attend various cultural and art festivals and exhibitions.
Universities in the Sultanate of Oman
There are many universities in Oman that offer quality education to both Omani citizens and international students , the most famous of which are: Sultan Qaboos University, the largest university in Oman, which is known for its strong research programs and wide range of academic offerings.
Other universities include Oman Medical College, Gulf College, Sohar University and other distinguished university edifices .
Hospitals in the Sultanate of Oman
The government has invested in modern hospitals and medical facilities, and there are many private hospitals and clinics as well . It should be noted that the Sultanate of Oman has become famous for its efforts in combating COVID-19 , as the healthcare system provides free vaccinations and tests to all residents.
Among its most famous hospitals:
- Royal Hospital
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
- Khawla Hospital
- Starcare Hospital
- Al Hayat International Hospital
We will talk to you in a later paragraph of an article about the Sultanate of Oman about the health care system in the Sultanate in detail.
Traveling to and residing in the Sultanate for foreigners
Foreigners wishing to travel to Oman are required to obtain a visa, which can be obtained online or through the Omani embassy in their home country.
Oman also offers residence permits for foreign workers, which can be obtained through an employer.
And expatriates may choose to buy a property in Oman, with many options available in cities such as Muscat and Salalah , or invest in the Sultanate and here they get permanent residency.
healthcare in Oman
We continue our conversation about information about the Sultanate of Oman, and here we must refer to the health care system in the Sultanate:
Public and private health care
- Oman has a mix of public and private healthcare providers.
- The public sector provides most of the medical services in the country, with the government owning about 85% of all hospital beds.
- also offers more specialized services and is often used by expatriates and those with private health insurance.
Health care quality
The quality of health care in Oman is generally high, with well-trained doctors , medical and nursing staff, and modern medical equipment.
Many doctors and other healthcare professionals have been trained abroad, and there is a high level of collaboration between medical institutions in Oman and those in other countries.
health insurance
While healthcare in Oman is largely subsidized by the government, expatriates are required to have health insurance.
Employers are often responsible for providing health insurance coverage for their employees, with a range of options available from both local and international providers.
Health system response to the COVID -19 crisis
Oman has been recognized for its efforts to combat COVID -19 , as the healthcare system has provided free vaccinations and testing to all residents.
The government has also implemented measures such as social distancing and mask mandates to prevent the spread of the virus in 2020 and 2021 until the threat of this pandemic has passed.
Medical tourism in the Sultanate of Oman
Oman is developing its reputation as a destination for medical tourism, particularly for procedures such as plastic surgery and dental treatment.
The government is actively promoting this sector and has invested in infrastructure such as medical cities and specialized clinics to attract international patients.
Future prospects for the Sultanate of Oman
There are three main axes that reflect the future prospects of the Sultanate, namely:
Economic diversification
Perhaps if you searched for information about the Sultanate of Oman in the economic aspect several years ago, you would find that the oil and gas industries are the two most important economic resources for the Sultanate, but recently the government began implementing policies and incentives to encourage investment in sectors such as tourism, logistics and renewable energy.
This move towards economic diversification will create new jobs, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and stimulate growth in other areas of the economy in the future. This is part of the Sultanate's economic vision entitled Vision 2040.
tourism sector in the future
landscapes , rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it an attractive destination for tourists . The government has invested in infrastructure such as airports, roads, and hotels, and implemented policies such as visa waivers for some nationalities to encourage tourism.
This sector has great potential for growth and development, especially in light of the state's efforts to diversify the economy , the solidification of the country's natural and historical aesthetic features, in addition to the clear development in the medical tourism sector in the Sultanate.
Education sector
Oman has made great strides in improving its education system, with a focus on increasing access to quality education for all . The government has invested in programs to improve literacy rates, increase enrollment in schools and universities, and provide training for the local workforce.
This focus on education will help develop human capital and create a skilled workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of the growing economy.
It is expected that education in the future will be one of the most important features of the country when inquiring about information about the Sultanate of Oman during the coming years.
technology sector
Oman is beginning to embrace technology and innovation, with an increasing number of startups and entrepreneurs launching businesses in areas such as e-commerce, financial technology, and healthcare.
The government supports this trend through initiatives such as the creation of innovation centers and startup financing programmes.
Infrastructure
Oman has invested heavily in infrastructure such as highways, ports, and airports, and there are plans to continue this investment in the future.
This will not only support economic growth, but also enhance the quality of life of residents through improved access to services and facilities.
Now that we have informed you in this article about information about the Sultanate of Oman, you can contact us if you wish to own real estate in the Sultanate of Oman to obtain all the services and consultations that you need, so do not hesitate to contact us immediately.
