Governorates and regions in Oman

* Governorates

1. Al Buraimi
2. Dhofar
3. Musandam
4. Muscat

* Regions

1. Ad Dakhiliyah
2. Az Zahirah (Ad Dhahirah)
3. Al Batinah
4. Al Wusta
5. Al Sharqiyah

links to other websites

موقع تلفزيون سلطنة عمانwww.oman-tv.gov.om

موقع جريدة الوطن العمانيةwww.alwatan.com

موقع وزارة السياحة العمانيةwww.omantourism.gov.om

موقع وكالة الأنباء العمانيةwww.omannews.gov.om

His Majesty

His Majesty Sultan Qaboosbin Said Al Said

His Majesty was born in Salalah in Dhofar, the southern region of Oman, on the 18th of November 1940. He is the only son of the late Sultan Said bin Taimur and is eighth in the direct line of the Al Busaidy dynasty, which was founded in 1744 by Imam Ahmad bin Said, who was a leader of outstanding ability and came to power after a period of civil war, bringing peace and stability to the land. His Majesty spent his youth in Salalah where he was educated. At the age of 16, his father sent him to a private educational establishment in England. In 1960, he entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst as an officer cadet. Having passed out of Sandhurst he joined a British infantry battalion on operational duty in Germany for one year and also held a staff appointment with the British Army. After his military service His Majesty studied local government in England and went on a world tour before returning home. The next 6 years were spent in Salalah studying Islam and the history of his country and people. On the abdication of his father and his own accession on 23rd July 1970, His Majesty arrived in Muscat to begin the task for which he had been destined. On the 9th August Sultan Qaboos made the first of many speeches setting out his vision for the people and the country. He declared that the country would have a new flag and that it would no longer be called 'Muscat and Oman' but unified with Dhofar as the Sultanate of Oman. Restrictions on freedom of movement were lifted and Omanis who had left the country were invited to return to take part in the challenge that lay ahead.

International Relations

In 1970, Oman had been isolated from the rest of the world for far too long and it was now essential to open up the country and develop proper international relations which had been almost non-existent. From the time of his accession, His Majesty's foreign policy has always been to extend the hand of friendship to all countries on the basis of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness.

Meeting the People

His Majesty attaches great importance to meeting his people and, every year, he makes a point of travelling to a particular area of the country to see for himself what must be done and what the needs of his people are, who thus have direct access to their Sultan and can discuss their problems personally with him. There is always a massive turnout of people whenever His Majesty is due to visit a particular town or area. People of all age grouped and walks of life spontaneously celebrate with music and dance their joy and happiness at his arrival. Over the past 25 years His Majesty has extended great personal care to his people and to humanitarian causes. He has given financial assistance to worthy causes both outside and within Oman. It was His Majesty who made the first contribution to the Omani Organisation for Charitable Works. He has always shown particular concern for those in society who are disadvantaged. In 1995 His Majesty made a personal donation of RO. 1.5 million to 42,047 families on social security, and to coincide with National Day he donated a kidney stone dispersal machine to the Ministry of Health. His Majesty has greatly helped young people to lead a happy and fruitful life.

Oman Travel

Where is Oman?

Oman is in Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE.

What is the Capital of Oman?

Muscat, Oman.
What is the official language of Oman?
The official language of Oman is Arabic.
When are the Public Holidays in Oman?
Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

What is the flag of Oman?

Three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centred near the top of the vertical band.