Ten Fun Facts About Oman
There’s more to Oman than its dreamy tangerine-hued deserts. Beyond its sands, a history of pungent frankincense, adorable baby turtles and bloodless bullfighting are just some of Oman’s fun facts. Read on to find out more…
1. Oman is one of the oldest independent states in the Arab world
Oman has a rich history, with archaeological evidence confirming human habitation dating back over 100,000 years. It has also maintained continuous sovereignty under the Al Said dynasty since 1749, making it one of the oldest continuously independent states in the Arab world.
2. Five of the world’s seven species of turtles are found in Oman
Omani waters are home to the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley and leatherback turtle. These cutesy green creatures are dotted along the country’s east coast, particularly in areas like Ras Al Jinz and Masirah Island. All except olive ridley turtles are known to nest here, providing lucky visitors with the chance to see baby turtle hatchlings emerge in the summer months.
3. Oman was once a major trade centre for frankincense
Harvested from the trees in the Dhofar region, frankincense is a powerful-smelling resin linked to the biblical story of the nativity. In Oman’s past, it was considered a valuable commodity due to its rarity and religious significance, and it was traded with spices and textiles throughout Africa, Europe and Asia.
4. On special occasions, Omani men wear a dagger called a khanjar around their waists
While it’s use in anger is strictly barred by law, Omani men wear their khanjar (curved dagger) during formal occasions as a symbol of manhood, pride and social status. Only the wealthy (including royalty) wear one made of gold or silver – the rest are made of steel or other metals and are decorated with traditional designs.
5. Oman is one of the only countries in the Arabian Peninsula where bullfighting still takes place
Known as bull-butting, this Omani spectacle is thought to have been introduced by the Portuguese during their occupation of Muscat in the 16th century. Unlike Spanish bullfighting – which is known for its bloodiness – bull-butting in Oman is entirely free from gore, and the winning bull is the one that pushes its opponent out of the fighting area first.
6. The Empty Quarter, or ‘Rub Al Khali’, stretches across the southwestern corner of Oman
The Empty Quarter is the world’s largest sand desert, spanning 250,000 square miles across parts of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. Its dramatic dunes (which rise up to 800ft tall in places) and unforgiving environment (we’re talking extreme heat and minimal rainfall) make it one of the world’s harshest landscapes. However, it’s a fantastic place to visit if you want to spot rare wildlife and learn about the traditional Bedouin lifestyle.
7. Camel racing is a popular sport in Oman
Forget horses – in Oman, it’s camels that have a need for speed. They can reach 40mph in short sprints and maintain 25mph for around an hour, perfecting their pace at intensive training programmes. Races attract enthusiastic crowds, with winners bringing pride to their owners, trainers and the local community.
8. Oman is home to one of the biggest canyons in the world: Wadi Ghul
Wadi Ghul is dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’ for good reason. Natural forces have shaped complex gorges here for thousands of years, creating a photographer’s paradise and a hiker’s haven. There’s even an abandoned village perched at the top that provides a glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.
9. Oman receives the same amount of rain in a year as the UK does in an average month
Unsurprisingly, Oman’s sandy landscapes see little rain. The country’s annual rainfall totals around four inches per year, which is about the same as what the UK receives in one month. This makes the country all the more striking, however, as the rocky mountains and desert dunes have had to adapt to minimal rainfall.
10. Oman’s national animal is the Arabian oryx
Our final fun fact about Oman is all about its national animal, the Arabian oryx. These endangered white antelopes are known for their distinct humpbacks, long straight horns and tufted tail, and are some of the largest desert mammals in the Arabian region. They’re also the national animal of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
