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Location
On the Gulf of Oman, in the northeast of Oman, the eastern-most country of the Arabian Peninsula.

Dialling code
968.

Time zone
GMT + 3 (GMT + 4 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity
240V 50 Hz.

Average January temperatures
22ºC (71.6ºF).

Average July temperatures
38.5ºC (100ºF).

Annual rainfall
25mm (1 inch).

Cost of Living:

1 Oman Rial (OMR1) = £1.71; US$2.60; C$3.08; A$3.61; €1.90
Currency conversion rates as of January 2009

Special Events:

The biggest event in Muscat (if not Oman) is the annual Muscat Festival, held for a month from early January in several outdoor venues around the city (website: http://muscat-festival.com). The festival showcases Omani and neighboring Arabic culture with poetry recital, traditional dancing and craft displays. The event also attracts dance and acrobatic acts from other countries and includes fireworks and shopping stalls, mainly from the subcontinent and Far East.

While not exactly ’an event’, during the Holy Month of Ramadan (dates change each year according to the Islamic calendar) tents are erected in hotel gardens for people to break their fast after sundown with a selection of Omani favorites like harees (thick cereal dish) and sweetmeats like halwa (sugar and rose water confection).

Each November, Oman celebrates National Day (18 Nov) with street lights, flags and public holidays.

Related Oman Content

	Oman City Guides: Muscat City Guide