Oman

Given its natural assets, strategic location and appealing geography, Oman has the resources for significant economic...

Oman boasts a universal health care system, which offers free primary health care to Omanis and subsidised care to foreign residents. Over the past four decades greater access to medical facilities and doctors has greatly improved the lifespan of Omani citizens, who have seen their life expectancies increase from 49.3 years in 1970 to roughly 76 years in 2016. However, the cost of the public...

Oman’s industrial sector is a key pillar of its long-term development strategy, as well as a major employer and a steadily growing source of wealth. It covers a wide range of fields, including mining, petrochemicals, aluminium and organic beverages. The recent economic slowdown in both the country and the wider region still poses challenges. With much economic activity driven by government...

The guide contains listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Oman, and contacts for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for first-time or regular and business and leisure visitors alike.

Prior to 1971 the sharia courts had jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, as well as personal status affairs in the sultanate of Oman. However, following the succession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the judicial system was reformed and Sharia Courts now only govern matters related to family disputes and inheritance. The 1996 Basic Statute of the State reshaped and codified the...

In recent decades there has been a major improvement in the quality of health care in Oman. Rising living standards have greatly reduced the impact of contagious diseases, though the high rates of non-communicable diseases – common among many GCC countries – continue to climb. Despite feeling the impact of the fiscal austerity caused by low oil prices, the country’s health sector is poised to...