[[Asia]] | [[https://www.google.co.za/maps/place/Oman/@21.4190186,50.8553116,1614900m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3dd69f66a9d59bbf:0x3a064c7665b1a817!8m2!3d21.4735329!4d55.975413!16zL20vMDVsOHk?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D]] | [[17th Century]] | [[21.0000287,57.0036901]] ### Culture - **Hospitality (Kahwa):** Omani coffee (**Kahwa**) flavored with saffron and cardamom is always served with dates. It is the core of Omani social etiquette and is offered as a welcoming gesture in homes and offices alike. - **Ramadan 2026:** Oman is currently in the holy month of **Ramadan** (which began around February 18). Public purchasing activity is high as families prepare for communal Iftars, and the pace of business has slowed during daylight hours. - **Traditional Dress:** Men wear the **Dishdasha**, a collarless robe, often accompanied by the **Mussar** (turban) or the **Kumma** (embroidered cap). Women often wear vibrant traditional dresses with an **Abaya** or **Lahaf** (headscarf). - **The Khanjar:** The curved Omani dagger is the national symbol, appearing on the flag and worn by men on formal and national occasions as a mark of status and heritage. ### Language - **Official Language:** **Arabic**. - **Usage:** **English** is widely spoken in tourism and business. Because of Oman's historical ties to East Africa and the Indian subcontinent, you will also hear **Swahili**, **Balochi**, and **Urdu** in various coastal regions. ### Important Landmarks - **Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque:** An architectural marvel in Muscat, featuring a massive hand-woven carpet and a stunning Swarovski crystal chandelier. - **Nizwa Fort:** A 17th-century stronghold famous for its massive circular tower and the nearby traditional souq, known for silver jewelry and the Friday goat market. - **Wadi Shab:** A spectacular river canyon with turquoise pools, accessible only by a short boat ride and a hike. - **Jebel Akhdar (The Green Mountain):** Part of the Al Hajar range, famous for its cool climate, terraced fruit orchards, and rose water production. - **The Frankincense Land Museum:** Located in Salalah, it chronicles Oman’s ancient role as the center of the global frankincense trade. - **Jabreen Castle:** Often considered the most beautiful castle in Oman, it was a center of learning and is famous for its intricately painted ceilings. ### Major Historical Events 1. **The Omani Empire:** During the 19th century, Oman was a powerful maritime empire with territories reaching as far as Zanzibar in East Africa. 2. **The Reign of Sultan Qaboos (1970–2020):** Known as the "Omani Renaissance," this 50-year period transformed the country from an isolated, underdeveloped state into a modern, prosperous nation. 3. **Sultan Haitham’s Accession (2020):** Sultan Haitham bin Tarik took power with a focus on "Oman Vision 2040," an ambitious plan for economic diversification and administrative reform. 4. **Muscat Peace Talks (February 2026):** In early February, Oman solidified its role as the "Switzerland of the Middle East" by hosting pivotal U.S.-Iran talks concerning the nuclear dossier, followed by consultative meetings in Geneva between the Omani Foreign Minister and U.S. special envoys. 5. **Board of Peace (February 19, 2026):** Just two days ago, Oman participated as an observer in the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" in Washington at the invitation of the U.S. President. ### Major Exports Oman’s economy is growing at a projected **3.3%** for 2026, with non-oil exports reaching a record **$17.4 billion** last year. - **Crude Oil & Natural Gas:** Remains the largest revenue source, though the country is leading the region in the transition to **Green Hydrogen**. - **Chemicals & Plastics:** The fastest-growing non-oil export sector. - **Metals and Minerals:** Including significant exports of aluminum and iron ore. - **Fish & Seafood:** A vital traditional export, with Omani kingfish and lobster being highly prized in regional markets. - **Frankincense:** Oman remains the source of the world's finest frankincense (Boswellia sacra). ### Important People - **Sultan Haitham bin Tarik:** The Head of State and Prime Minister. He is the central authority directing the country's "Renewed Renaissance" and its neutral foreign policy. - **Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi:** The Foreign Minister. He has been exceptionally active this month (February 2026) in Geneva and Muscat, acting as a key mediator in international nuclear and regional security talks. - **Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said:** The Crown Prince and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth. He is the first Crown Prince in modern Omani history and is seen as the face of the nation’s youth-focused future. - **Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar:** The Minister of Social Development, who recently outlined a new national empowerment strategy for 2026 before the Shura Council.