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Oman: Middle East
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The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said al-Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.
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For the most part, Oman comprises a narrow coastal plain backed by hill ranges and an interior desert plateau. The highest point is Jebel Sham (c.9,900 ft/3,018 m).The inhabitants are mostly Arabs; there are ... minorities of Baluchis, South Asians, East Africans, and migrant workers of varied ethnicities. About 75% are Ibadhi Muslims; the rest are mostly Sunni or Shiite Muslims or Hindus. Arabic is the official language; English, Baluchi, and Urdu are also spoken.
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Even though Oman is a modern country, western influences are quite restricted. The Ibādī form of Islam is ... conservative like Sunni Islam and Shi'a Islam. About 83% of Oman is Muslim. As is the case with most Middle Eastern countries, alcohol is only available in some hotels and few restaurants.
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Crossing from Oman to Yemen is significantly more challenging, and those of an adventurous bent should familiarise themselves very carefully with the regulations regarding that border. In previous years, there has been a law that no solo female travellers can exit Oman to Yemen. Additionally, bear in mind that the easternmost parts of Yemen are exceptionally remote.
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Language: Arabic is the official language of Oman, and English and Asian languages such as Hindi, Urdu, and Baluchi are ... widely spoken. Swahili is spoken by some, a legacy of Oman´s former East African presence. English is widely used in business.
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MUSCAT — Muscat Festival is drawing to a climax with Oman hosting the first leg of Formula 2 Continental Cup-Middle East power boat championship on Thursday. Top drivers, including reigning champion Colin Jelf from the United Kingdom, will vie for honours in the event in modified boats mandated by the official governing body UIM to improve safety standards. Shaikh Mohammed bin Ali al Qatabi, Minister of Fisheries, will launch the international championship, hosted as part of the Muscat Festival, which concludes on Friday.
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