Oman is a country in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula. The country’s terrain is of desert, riverbed oases. Of course, there are also the long coastlines on the Persian Gulf, Arabia Sea, and the Gulf of Oman. The capital Muscat is a port city. It is also home to the massive contemporary Qaboos Grand Mosque. Here are ten other weird facts about Oman that you will find interesting.
Population: 4.441 Million (2016)
Capital: Muscat
Currency: Omani rial
Sultan: Qaboos bin Said al Said
Deputy Prime Minister: Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said
Continent: Asia
System of Government: Monarch
Official Language: Arabic
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Ten Weird Facts About Oman
1. COMMUNICATION IS INDIRECT
They prefer the indirect style of communication to the direct. “Hot tea would warm a man in this weather” rather than “Could I have tea please?” They avoid confrontation, and view face saving as of high value.
2. STARE, BUT CAREFULLY
They practice direct eye contact in conversation. Staring is okay. But foreigners must stare directly into the eyes of Omani women.
3. NO LOVE OPENLY
Public display of intimacy is forbidden. This is especially so between people of opposite sex who are not married. So it is wrong for a man and a woman to be seen alone together.
4. PARTS OF BODY TO BE COVERED
For women, there are parts of the body that must not be left exposed. These include:
- Arms
- Legs
- Head
These parts of the body must be kept covered. And wearing tight-fitting attires are to be avoided.
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5. WHEN NOT TO SMILE
From a woman to a man, only a simple smile could be misunderstood. And it could lead to very severe consequences! It is to be avoided.
6. RIGHT IS RIGHT
The left hand is viewed as unclean. So doing certain things with the left is viewed as a taboo. These include:
- Giving things to people
- Receiving things from people
- Eating
All these are to be done with the right hand.
7. TAKE PHOTOS CAREFULLY
It is not illegal to take photos. But that does not mean one can take photos without any checks. For example, taking photos of people without their permission is not allowed.
8. NEVER POINT WITH FOOT
It is taboo to point at someone with one’s foot. This is viewed at the highest point of belittling the person so pointed at. Why? The foot is viewed at the lowliest of body parts!
9. SOME GESTURES PUNISHABLE
Public use of some forms of language is illegal. These include:
- Obscene words
- Aggressive words
- Abusive words
Words and gestures in this category in public are against the law. It is punishable on conviction.
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10. NO SHORTS/SLEEVELESS SHIRTS
Men are not allowed to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts in public. This is viewed as excessively casual and provocative.
Hope you learnt more from the ten weird facts about Oman.
ammar says
no not realy wierd facts but that did my homework