Oman: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Oman

Oman is on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, with a long coastline on the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. It has deserts, rugged mountains and green oases full of date palms. It is known for its forts, frankincense and traditional wooden sailing boats called dhows.

About Muscat

Muscat is on the Gulf of Oman, tucked between rocky mountains and the sea. It is known for its harbour guarded by the old Al Jalali and Mirani forts, its white buildings and the Royal Opera House.

Fun facts about Oman

1. Fragrant frankincense resin has been harvested from trees in southern Oman for thousands of years; the area is a UNESCO site.
2. Ancient water channels called aflaj still carry water to Omani farms, and five of them are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Bahla Fort, a huge mud-brick fortress surrounded by an oasis, was Oman's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Oman's Musandam Peninsula is cut off from the rest of the country and has steep, fjord-like inlets.
5. Every summer, the khareef monsoon brings mist and drizzle that turns the hills around Salalah green.
6. Green sea turtles come ashore at Ras al Jinz to lay their eggs on the beach.