The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, on the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the southwest. Oman has two exclaves separated from it by the United Arab Emirates, the Musandam Peninsula, and Madha. Desert shrub and desert grass, common to southern Arabia, are found in Oman, but vegetation is sparse in the interior plateau, which is largely gravel desert. The greater monsoon rainfall in Dhofar and the mountains makes the growth there more luxuriant during summer; coconut palms grow plentifully in the coastal plains of Dhofar and frankincense is produced in the hills, with abundant oleander and varieties of acacia. The Al Hajar Mountains are a distinct ecoregion, the highest points in eastern Arabia with wildlife including the Arabian Tahr.

The oldest known human settlement in Oman dates to the Stone Age. Omanis are friendly people and are very helpful to tourists. In turn, tourists should respect the ways and traditions of the Omani people. Omanis are proud of both their country’s rapid progress and their heritage as one of the great sea-faring nations. Excellent schools and hospitals, good governance, and on-going infrastructure improvement are all important characteristics of this great nation.

Today, Oman is one of the fastest emerging markets in the MENA region. Oman is also home to tourists from around the world. Arabic is the national language, but most Omanis will speak good to excellent English, particularly in major tourist areas and cities.