Oman

Oman, which is officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is a captivating nation located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. At around 5.2 million as of 2024, this nation has seen a noteworthy 2.84% increase from the year before. The capital and biggest city, Muscat, forms the cultural and commercial center of this varied country.

Geographically, Oman sits strategically with borders to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen and views the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Its coast runs eastward from the Arabian Sea and northward from the Gulf of Oman. Two exclaves, Madha and Musandam, which encircle the United Arab Emirates, are part of the country’s distinct terrain; the Strait of Hormuz shapes Musandam‘s coastline borders.

Oman boasts a rich history spanning millennia; Arab influence in the country can be found at least 700 AD. From the 17th century on, Oman became a powerful kingdom vying for dominance in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean with Portuguese and British influences. Omani influence stretched as far south as Zanzibar at its height in the 19th century, across the Strait of Hormuz to Iran and Pakistan. Oman’s historical importance as a maritime power and trade center is highlighted by this broad reach.

Oman saw a change in the 20th century as it came under British control. Over a three hundred year connection between the two countries was based on mutual benefits. The UK understood Oman’s strategic location, which protected London’s interests on the Indian subcontinent and guaranteed British trade routes in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Oman’s government is an absolute monarchy, and power has always been inherited via the male line. When Sultan Qaboos bin Said arrived on the throne in 1970, the nation underwent a major turning point and started a period of modernizing and liberalizing. Under Qaboos’s rule, which ran until his death on January 10, 2020, economic growth and progressive changes abound. His cousin Haitham bin Tariq was chosen to succeed him, therefore carrying on Omani leadership.

Oman is unusual in regional politics and international relations as the oldest constantly autonomous state in the Arab world. Among various international organizations, the nation actively participates in: the United Nations, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. This participation attests to Oman’s dedication to world diplomacy and cooperation.

Economically, Oman gains from large oil reserves—ranked 22nd worldwide in this resource. Still, realizing the importance of diversity, the nation has been aggressively expanding other spheres of its economy. Particularly tourism has been a fast-expanding sector; Oman is the Middle East’s fastest-growing travel destination according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

From 505 million Omani Rial in 2009 to 719 million Omani Rial in 2017, the travel industry’s contribution to Oman’s GDP has shown amazing rise, a 42.3 percent gain. Comprising around 48 percent of all visitors, visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council nations—including Omanis living overseas—make up the biggest group of guests. Following in second place with 17 percent of all visitors are Asian nations.

Oman’s allure to tourists comes from its varied offers. Comprising one of the most diversified settings in the Middle East, the nation is well-known for its adventure and cultural tourist prospects. Named the second-best city to visit in the world by Lonely Planet in 2012 and selected as the Capital of Arab Tourism in the same year, Muscat, the capital, has received international acclaim for its attractions.

A rising portion of Omani tourism is ecotourism. Sites like Ras al-Jinz, sometimes known as “Turtle Beach,” epitomize the nation’s dedication to environmental preservation. Because numerous species of sea turtles, including the highly endangered Hawksbill Turtle and the threatened Green Turtle, find annual breeding grounds here, this site has grown in popularity.

The Omani government launched an e-visa system in November 2019 in order to help tourism to flourish. This action simplified the visa application process for travelers from all nations, therefore facilitating their exploration of the rich cultural legacy and natural beauty of the nation.

As highlighted in 2010, Oman’s development path has been amazing; the United Nations Development Program ranks it as the most-improved nation in the world in terms of development during a 40-year period. From infrastructure and economic diversification to education and healthcare, Omani society is reflecting this development in many different spheres.