Sultanate of OMAN

Presented by: Paul S. Arrojo

Origin
Ancient settlements in Oman, initially associated with nomads,
date back to c.6000 B.C. Beginning in the 6th cent. B.C. and for
roughly a millenium thereafter, much of coastal Oman was
dominated by Persia. Sumhuram, ruins in S Oman near modern
Salalah, was founded (late 1st cent. B.C.) as a port in the
frankincense trade and was closely linked to ancient Sheba. In the
6th cent. A.D. the region converted to Islam.

Flag
The flag of Oman was officially adopted on April 25,
1995.

Colors of the flag are symbolic, with green representing
fertility; white represents peace, and this shade of red is
common on many regional flags. The national emblem, a
(Khanjar Dagger), is displayed upper-left. The dagger
and its sheath are superimposed on two crossed swords
in scabbards.
Currency
1 Omani Rial equals 112.51 Philippine Peso

Tourist spot
Nakhl Castle

Located in Al-Batina region, the castle sets on top of a
200-metre rocky prominence in the foothills of the
Western Hajar Mountains, overlooking the extended
verdant palm farms of Nakhl countryside which gave
the castle its name.

The castle is believed to be dated to pre Islamic period
and was restored in the 3rd & 10th century A.H. during
the reign of Bani Kharous and Ya'aribah Imams,
respectively. The gate, fence and towers were built
during the reign of Imam Said bin Sultan in 1834. In
1990, restoration work began, using traditional building
materials and period furnishings.
National Costume
For men, the national
dress is an ankle-length,
collarless gown with long
sleeves, called
a dishdasha. Usually, the
clothing is white, although
a few other colors such as
brown, lilac, and black
are sometimes worn.
The national dress for Omani
women includes a dress worn
over trousers (sirwal) and a
headdress (lihaf). Usually, the
materials used are of very
colorful, vibrant colours.
Food
The cuisine of Oman is a mixture of several staples of Asian foods. Dishes are
often based around chicken, fish, and lamb, as well as the staple of rice. Most
Omani dishes tend to contain a rich mixture of spices, herbs, and marinades.

Harees is wheat mixed with meat.
Kahwa is an Omani coffee mixed with cardamompowder, often served as a
symbol of hospitality. It is often served with dates and Omani halwa.
Kebab, barbecued, grilled, or curried meat (chicken andbeef), along
with vegetables.
Mashuai is a dish consisting of a whole spit-roastedkingfish served with a side
of lemon rice.
Maqbous is a rice dish flavored with saffron and cooked over spicy meat.

Harees Kahwa
Did you Know:
Oman also has a long history of friendship with Great Britain. It has
signed several treaties with the British government and its trading
companies, beginning as early as the 17th century.

In 1836, Oman became the first Arab state to establish diplomatic
relations with the United States, when Sultan Sayyid Said dispatched a
ship laden with precious gifts to New York.

Despite its attractiveness to foreign invaders, Oman remains the oldest
independent Arab state