Oman

The Pearl of Arabian Heritage

Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a strategically located country in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, with coastlines along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Known for its rich maritime history, cultural harmony, and modern transformation under wise leadership, Oman is a shining example of balance between tradition and progress in the Arab world.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Oman’s history dates back thousands of years, known for seafaring, frankincense trade, and ancient civilizations that connected the East and West. Its global maritime power once extended from East Africa to South Asia.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 3rd Millennium BCE: Ancient Magan civilization – center of copper trade

• 7th Century CE: Islam spread peacefully through Omani traders

• 8th–17th Century: Maritime empire controlling parts of East Africa (Zanzibar)

• 1507–1650: Portuguese occupation of Muscat

• 1650: Omani forces expelled the Portuguese – independence restored

• 1744: Establishment of the Al Busaidi dynasty by Imam Ahmad bin Said

• 1970: Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said came to power, initiating modernization

• 2020: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said succeeded, continuing Oman’s balanced foreign and development policies

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

Oman’s governance model blends Islamic principles with consultative tradition, focusing on peace, diplomacy, and gradual modernization.

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

Oman is divided into 11 governorates (muhafazat), each administered by a Governor (Wali) under the Ministry of Interior.

Local Administration:
Each governorate has regional municipalities managing infrastructure, environment, and local development.

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Local Government Structure

• Governorates are overseen by governors, and each wilayat has a wali with administrative responsibilities.

• Local councils (municipal councils) work on development, land planning, services, and community engagement.

• National-level directives are implemented through governorate-level coordination.

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Leadership & Governance

• Sultan Haitham has focused on:

  • Government restructuring and fiscal reform

  • Empowerment of youth and women

  • Investment in tourism and logistics

• Key national goals:

  • Oman Vision 2040

  • Economic diversification away from oil

  • Enhancing education, tech, and sustainability

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Main bodies:

  • Royal Oman Police (ROP)

  • Internal Security Service

• Oman is known for:

  • Low crime rate

  • Strict but fair law enforcement

  • Respect for civil peace and religious harmony

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 9999 – Police/Ambulance/Fire

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🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: Southeastern Arabian Peninsula

• Coastline: Over 3,000 km along the Arabian Sea & Gulf of Oman

• Terrain: Desert plains, coastal lowlands, and mountain ranges

• Major Mountains: Al Hajar Range (Jebel Shams – highest peak, 3,009 m)

• Climate: Arid subtropical; humid along coasts, cooler in highlands

• Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, copper, limestone, and fisheries

Oman is one of the few Arab nations with a diverse climate, including lush monsoon forests in Dhofar and green mountains in Jebel Akhdar.

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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

Cultural Highlights:

• Tolerance & Harmony: Oman is known for peaceful coexistence

• Traditional Dress: Dishdasha (men), Abaya (women)

• Music & Art: Oud instruments, traditional dance (razha)

• Cuisine: Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), halwa, kahwa (Omani coffee)

• Festivals: National Day (Nov 18), Renaissance Day (July 23), Eid celebrations

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Oman’s economy is diversified beyond oil, focusing on trade, logistics, tourism, and renewable energy.

Oman’s Vision 2040 emphasizes innovation, sustainable growth, and human capital development.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

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🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Oman offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and spirituality.

Top Destinations:

• Muscat: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House

• Salalah: Monsoon (Khareef) season, Al Baleed Archaeological Park

• Nizwa: Historic fort and traditional souqs

• Sur: Dhow shipyards, maritime museum

• Jebel Shams: “Grand Canyon of Arabia”

• Wahiba Sands: Desert camping and dune safaris

• Al Hoota Cave & Wadi Shab: Natural wonders and crystal-clear pools

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

Oman maintains a balanced foreign policy, often acting as a mediator in regional conflicts, earning global respect for its diplomacy.

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📝 Summary

Oman is a land of serenity and strength — where desert meets the sea, and tradition harmonizes with progress. Guided by visionary leadership, it continues to rise as a beacon of peace, culture, and sustainable development in the Arabian Peninsula.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Oman Vision 2040: Charting a Sustainable Future”

• “The Timeless Charm of Muscat and Salalah”

• “How Oman Balances Heritage with Modern Innovation”

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🎯 Our Mission

This national profile aims to represent Oman’s historical roots, cultural wealth, and modern aspirations as part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub’s educational and cultural initiative.

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📬 Contact Us

To share updated information or verified resources about Oman, please contact our editorial team for contribution and collaboration.