Location: Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE. Area: Total: 212,460 sq km Land: 212,460 sq km Water: 0 sq km Land boundaries: Total: 1,374 km. Border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km. Coastline: 2,092 km. Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 NM. Exclusive economic zone: 200 NM. Territorial sea: 12 NM. Climate: Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south. Terrain: Central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south. Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m. Highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m. Natural resources: Petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas. Oman: The land of elements! Renowned for its age old tradition of hospitality! The starkness of the rugged mountains against the aquamarine sea is as undiluted as the overwhelming green seen in the southern region of Oman. The culture of the land treasured in its forts, castles, towers and mosques is as spectacular as its incredible geographic features. Modern life is in complete harmony with the heritage of the past and its ancient history. It is a unique experience to be a part of such a world. A world where hospitality is not just a tradition, but a way of life. Make sure you visit the following cities during your stay in Oman. Muscat: The capital of the Sultunate of Oman is a cosmopolitan city with a distinct flavor of its own – a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. For the adventurous, it offers everything from dune bashing to deep sea diving and calm and pristine beaches for those who want to unwind at leisure. In addition to the authentic Arabian spread, varied international cuisine is also available to indulge every palate. With bustling shopping malls and theme parks for children, it’s a perfect holiday destination for your family. So be a part of this magical Muscat experience and you won’t regret it! Nizwa: Honored as the capital of Oman during the 6th and 7th century, Nizwa is one of the oldest cities of the Sultunate. Blessed with 3 falajes, the town is filled with plantations and orchards. The magnificent Nizwa fort is one of the architectural marvels, which attracts visitors form all over the world. The Nizwa souk with its distinct Omani character showcases a wonderful array of silver jewellery, antiques, leather goods and household utensils. A quick walk around the town can give you a true flavor of traditional Omani culture. Sohar: For over 600 years Sohar has played a significant role in the development of the region. It was the capital of the Persians about which the great Arab geographer Al Istakhri “Sohar, the heart of Oman, lives on the sea coast and it is rich with shops where ships anchor. There is no prosperous and developed city on the Persian sea and Muslim countries other than Sohar. Today Sohar is a rapidly developing modern city with a strong link to a glorious past. The city and its surrounding areas offer a great number of attractions to visitors such as the old souk, Sohar fort, wadis and jebels. Sur: The area is famous for its turtle nesting spots of international repute. It’s a haven for some of the rare and endangered turtle species. Between the months of June and august, green, olive and hawksbill turtles arrive on their annual visit to lay eggs. Tagging alone by researchers has proved that these slow and steady visitors travel from Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Maldives, a distance of over 2000 km to reach their favorite nesting spots in Sur. Dhofar: The Governorate of Dhofar is located in the south of the Sultunate. This region is rich in archeological sites including the ruins of the ancient city of Samhuran. Frankincense as the main export that found its way to Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt in 1500 BC- a drawing of a ship docked at Samhuran can be seen in a temple in the Valley of the Kings in Luxur. The climate in the Dhofar region is dramatically different to the rest of Oman due to the effects of the monsoon rains (khareef) which arrive during the summer months, creating humidity and moderate temperatures. As a consequence, the area becomes lush and green, with waterfalls and rivers feeding the surrounding pastures. The mountain ridge, which receives the most rain, stretches for 400 km from east to west. During khareef, springs gush forth and provide plentiful water supplies for much of the rest of the year.