Roads figure among the most vital elements of infrastructure and they are considered a measure of a country’s development in terms of economy, industry and public services because of their role in ease of movement of people, goods and raw materials. Also, because they connect a country’s districts, towns and villages, roads play a significant role in achieving economic enterprise and commercial prosperity. The road sector, like other sectors in the Sultanate, has witnessed remarkable growth during the past years of the Omani renaissance. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has been keen on building a vast road network with world-class specifications, so that this sector could keep up with the country’s economic development and merge smoothly with road networks of neighboring countries. The Ministry of Transport and Communications keeps expanding the Omani road network on a regular basis, working at different levels at the same time: While progress is being achieved in dual carriageways and city masterplans aimed to achieve swift traffic and road safety, work is also in full swing in side roads connecting city quarters and towns. The Ministry is also carrying out a programme to link rural areas with urban centres, and this realizes a number of social and economic objectives. The Ministry is also building tarmac, as well as dust roads in the districts of the country, always bearing in mind the concept of road safety and ongoing maintenance. The development of the road sector goes hand-in-hand with the government’s plans and strategies for the country’s comprehensive growth of all sectors. In 2018, Al Batinah Expressway—a long stretch of 270 kilometers—was opened, linking the governorate of Muscat with North Batinah governorate and South Batinah governorate. This expressway aims to achieve logistic connection of all land, sea and air terminals. It provides access to major markets and industrial estates and free zones. In 2017, a number of roads were opened, including the last 90-km segment of Sharqiyah highway (whose total length reaches 248 km), the Sinaw-Mahout-Duqm highway (which constitutes the first and second batches of a 181-km road), the dualization of Taqah-Mirbat road (35 km), and the dualization of Nizwa-Ibri road (47 km). Major road network expansion work in 2018 included the completion of Al Sharqiyah Expressway, the dualization of Adam-Thamrait road (320 km), the dualization of Barka-Nakhl road (38 km), the dualization of Al Rustaq Cliff road (14 km), the Abaila Fayadh road in Buraimi governorate (41 km) and the 34-km dualization of Ibri-Yanqul road—all projects being executed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Sultanate won first place in 2018-2019 Best Trip Destination Award, Middle East, conducted by Condé Nast Traveller's magazine, and this reflects the prominent place of Oman in the world tourism map. By 2018, the Sultanate had set up a modern road network of 15,230 km. The highlighted and served the country’s tourism hotspots and the country’s diverse topographical areas, accessible by road, along the beaches, the mountains, the valleys and the desert camps—all giving an unforgettable experience to in-country visitors and foreign tourists.

The Banking Sector The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) works to provide an enabling environment for the finance sector in general and the banking sector in particular, supporting its vital contribution to economic growth and diversification, as well as maintaining the purchasing power of the national currency, the Omani Rial, both internally and externally. In April 2017 the Central Bank was recapitalised to one billion Omani Rials to enhance the ability of the bank to function smoothly and to cope with domestic and global monetary and financial developments. Keeping abreast of constantly evolving international accounting standards, the CBO issued a circular to banks on 13 April 2017 directing them to apply International Accounting Standard No. 9 bearing on transactions involving financial instruments. The directive was a response to the lessons of the global financial crisis. This standard is considered to be a qualitative leap forward in accounting for financial instruments, especially as relates to default. In a pre-emptive action to protect the banking and leasing systems, and to increase flexibility in their working procedures, financial institutions have been directed to reassess the terms of restructured loans and to bring dividend distribution in line with capital adequacy ratios. Typifying the flexible approach taken by the CBO in its banking policy, the directives for reassessing the terms were adjusted downwards to 5% and 10% for 2016 and 2017 respectively, with the first application of the full 15% rate deferred to 2018. This step was calculated to reduce the vulnerability of borrowers to challenges associated with the current slowdown in economic activity and to guarantee a flow of credit to the productive sectors. Meanwhile the capital adequacy ratio has risen further, to 17% at the end of December 2016. The ratio of nonperforming loans remains low, at 2%. Credit issued by conventional and Islamic banks and other depository companies rose 10.1% to a total RO22.1 billion at the end of December 2016. Credit granted to the private sector rose by the same rate to RO19.7 billion. Total deposits with the banking sector grew by 5.2% to RO20.4 billion at the end of 2016. The Capital Market The Capital Market Authority (CMA), which supervises the capital and insurance market sectors, is constantly looking at innovative and competitive financing alternatives that will guarantee optimal recruitment of capital and then link it to productive projects that raise the efficiency of the national economy. The capital market has characteristics and attributes that qualify it to play a pivotal role in project financing. It is hoped that the capital market will play a greater role in financing initiatives adopted under the national programme for economic diversification, Tanfeedh, given the particular suitability of this form of long-term financing for large projects, as well as being a means to involve all segments of society by channelling private savings into these projects. During 2016, the capital market provided RO1.6 billion towards financing the establishment or expansion of investment activities in various sectors, including oil, services, industry, transport and others. In 2016, the Authority announced several new relevant pieces of legislation and amendments to existing regulations. Most notable among these updates were the stipulations around sukuk, or Islamic bond, transactions, along with several amendments to executive regulations of the Capital Market Law and a reclassification of markets raising the number of markets categorised by capitalisation and liquidity to six: the regular market, the parallel market, the followup market, the third market, the securities and sukuk market and the preferential rights market. This trend comes at a time when the sector is witnessing an expansion in the quality of financial products on offer and which are expected to be more popular in the coming period. Muscat Securities Market Trading on the Muscat Securities Market in 2016 was valued at RO959 million, compared with RO1.4 billion in 2015. There was positive interest from local investors, who were responsible for 82.6% of the volume of purchases and 73.6% of sales. The main index rose 7% to close the year at 5,782 points, up 376 points on the year. The market value of listed companies at the end of 2016 was RO17.3 billion, compared with RO15.7 billion at the end of 2015. In the first half of 2017, trading volume was down somewhat to RO471.3 million, as against RO560.4 million for the corresponding period of 2016. Market capitalisation at the end of June 2017 stood at RO17.6 billion, up RO322.4 million from the end of 2016. Insurance Sector The Takaful Insurance Law was introduced in 2016 to provide the legislative and regulatory framework for the sector, and brought with it a variety of insurance products tailored to market needs and emerging individual and institutional trends. Takaful (‘mutual responsibility’ in Arabic) describes sharia compliant insurance system. Proposed amendments to the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy document were adopted, offering greater protection and transparency to policy holders. Additional benefits and options became available, commensurate with increasing sophistication in customer demand. Meanwhile, in 2016, the CMA published a guide to quality standards applicable to insurance policy products. The guide outlines the minimum quality standards expected of insurance companies and brokers in the Sultanate. The overall volume of direct insurance premiums grew 2% in 2016 to RO450 million, from RO442 million in 2015. Of this total, Takaful policies were responsible for RO42 million, or 9.3% of total direct premiums.

Ports and Airports

Economic and Industrial Zones

Universities and Colleges

Cultural monuments

Beaches

Museums

Aflaj

Sands

Islands and Bays

Caves and Nature Reserves

Festivals

Hotels and Resorts

Parks and Gardens

Plains

Forts and Castles

Archeological Sites

Traditional Markets

In spite of the development and progress achieved by Omani society in all aspects of life, the preservation of the Omani heritage is a fundamental pillar of the modern state and a distinctive feature of the Omani society. Heritage is an essential element in the formation of national identity. Despite the tremendous development of tools and means of production. Omani crafts include: Ship (Dhow) Building Oman's connection with the sea stretches back many centuries when Omani sailors using mast and sail, pioneered sea routes to the cities of the ancient world. Favorable factors were Oman's position at the crossroads of shipping routes which linked the Arabian Gulf to India, the Red Sea and East Africa and her knowledge of shipbuilding. Oman became the first non-European country to extend its influence to Africa where it remained for hundreds of years, due mainly to her ships/dhows. Oman was an important maritime and political power who established relations with China, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States of America. Throughout its long history, Oman's navy has played a key role in the country's economic success, both in providing the instrument for internal and external trade and in underpinning fishing and pearling activities. The Omani warship "The Sultana" which anchored in New York harbour in 1840, bearing gifts from Sultan Said bin Sultan to the American President, was a symbol of the greatness of the Omani fleet at that time. In Oman two techniques are used in shipbuilding. In the first, timbers are laid side-by-side and pierced at intervals with a fine hand drill. The timbers are then bound together through these holes by means of rope made of coconut fibre and the holes covered with a mixture of fibre or raw cotton soaked in fish, coconut or sesame oil. Arab geographers such as Al Idrissi and Ibn Jubair believed that boats bound with fibres and with flat hulls were safer than those fitted together with rigid iron nails because if they ran onto rocks or came into contact with another hull, they were more flexible. In the second method, nails are used and in essence this is the same technique as used in other countries of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. The main type of wood used for the hull and keel is teak which is imported from India. The ribs are made from locally available woods such as qart, sidr and sarar. The tools used in a ship's construction are simple and basic such as the hammer, saw, awl, bow drill, chisel, plane and calking iron. The principal shipbuilding yards in Oman were Sur, Mutrah and Shinas. Omani ships, which can last for 60-100 years, are distinguished by their variety of types although some are no longer made. The largest type was the ocean-going cargo vessel, the baghlah with a length of 135 feet and a load capacity of 150-400 tonnes which could be distinguished by its high poop deck and quarter galleries, its transom stern being pierced by five window apertures and often elaborately carved. The ghanjail was very similar to the baghlah, and is considered by many Omanis to be the most beautiful of the large dhows.The sambuuq used to be one of the most commonly seen Arab vessels: its distinguishing features are the low, curved, scimitar-shaped stem piece and high square stern which lacks a quarter gallery. The word sambuaq used to denote the sewn boats of the Dhofari coast, and may therefore be a term of great antiquity. The government is keen to encourage the maritime tourist industry, in restoring old ships, increasing the use of large vessels/dhows for sea fishing, and also the building of small models of Omani ships for decorative purposes and for i participating in exhibitions. HALWA Omani halwa (sweet) is famous at home and abroad as a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality. It is usually served in Omani homes before drinking Arabic coffee. The main ingredients which go into the making of halwa are: starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee, saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water from the Jebel al Akdhar. The ingredients are mixed, in proportions and quantities known only to the skilled halwamaker, and cooked in a mirjnl (large cooking pot used especially for halwa) for a time of not less than 2 hours. The cooking can be done over a gas or electric stove, but the preferred method is over a wood fire made up of snmr wood, known for its durability, smoke and odourfree properties. After cooking, the halwa can be preserved for more than four months without losing its quality, and without the need for refrigeration or preserving agents. Halwa is usually served in a dist, a large earthenware bowl, which can vary in size and composition according to demand or type of occasion. The list can also be made of metal or plastic. Halwa is invariably served at times of joy or sorrow and, on religious occasions and festivals. It graces the tables of every Omani home. Palm leave products The Palm leave products depends on palm trees. There are Al Khaws (palm leaves), the Zawr (palm branches stripped of their leaves), the palm trunk and the fibre. For example, mats(rugs) are made of the two plants called Al Ghadf and Al Rusul which grow on the valley banks where there is an abundance of water. Governorate of Musandamis renowned for its palm leaf industries, such as utensils (Al Surood and Al Makba) which are made from palm leaves. Al Surood is a mat-shaped tray known as Sama, used with food to protect it from insects, while Al Makba fulfils the same purpose. Daggers and Swords A normal or hooked dagger is the most important component of the Omani dress. Omanis are keen to acquire daggers and appear wearing them at official events, national celebrations and weddings. Due to the succession of this social custom from one generation to another, the dagger-making industry has survived the passage of time, albeit with modern improvements. The Omani dagger is an authentic heritage the present generation is keen to pass on to their children. The dagger is also a symbol of manhood and pride among Omani men, who wear it on their leather belts over the dishdashah (long outer garment). Its front section is made of small connected silver pieces, or it may be elegantly embroidered with silver or gold threads. A dagger’s price is determined by the raw material it is made of, usually iron, silver or gold. Although silver daggers are the most common, especially for making the dagger handle, the blade case too determines a dagger’s price. There is the giraffe case, which is the most expensive because it has been banned, and cases made of buffalo skin, sandalwood, and the bitter orange tree. Silver wares The silver industry occupies a key place in the history of Oman. Omani silver jewellery is characterised by a rich sense of the aesthetic and reflects the unique taste of the country’s authentic art, deeply rooted in its history. Silver in Omani society is reflective of its rich social and religious symbols. The Omani dress, whether that of women or men, is never complete without silver jewellery that adds to its beauty, especially apparent in the Omani khanjar (dagger). The Pottery The art of pottery-making is an inherent and distinct testimony to the world’s civilisations as it reflects the extent of their development and advancement. Though pottery-making is one of the simplest forms of art because of its primitive nature, it is in fact, one of the most difficult trades because it involves a form of art. Pottery-making in Oman is considered an ancient industry. The reason it has attracted much interest can be attributed to the multitude of its uses in Omanis’ daily lives. Bahla in A'Dhahirah Governorate is the most famous town for pottery-making in Oman. Pottery is of many kinds and shapes, and its uses and manufacturing materials vary. The pots known as jihal are used for keeping water, the red pots with a thick layer known as khuroos are used for keeping water and dates, the small ones are for keeping honey and grease and the pots known as brams are used as cooking utensils. Pottery is also made as coffee pots and thermoses. Clay is the main component of Pottery and is widely available in Bahla in A'Dhahirah Governorate, where the soil is rich in clay.

National Dress - Men The national dress for Omani men is a simple, ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves called the dishdasha. The colour most frequently worn is white, although a variety of other colours such as black, blue, brown and lilac can also be seen. Its main adornment is a tassel (furakha) sewn into the neckline, which can be impregnated with perfume. Underneath the dishdasha, a plain piece of cloth covering the body is worn from the waist down. Omani men may wear a variety of head dresses. The muzzar is a square of finely woven woollen or cotton fabric, wrapped and folded into a turban. Underneath this, the kummar, an intricately embroidered cap, is sometimes worn. The shal, a long strip of cloth acting as a holder for the khanjar (a silver, hand-crafted knife or dagger) may be made from the same material as the muzzar. Alternatively, the holder may be fashioned in the form of a belt made from leather and silver, which is called a sapta. On formal occasions, the dishdasha may be covered by a black or beige cloak, called a bisht. The embroidery edging the cloak is often in silver or gold thread and it is intricate in detail. Some men carry the assa, a stick, which can have practical uses or is simply used as an accessory during formal events. Omani men, on the whole, wear sandals on their feet. The Khanjar The curved dagger, the khanjar is a distinguishing feature of the Omani personality as well as an important symbol of male elegance. It is traditionally worn at the waist. The shape of the khanjar is always the same and is characterised by the curve of the blade and by the near right- angle bend of the sheath. Sheaths may vary from simple covers to ornate silver or gold-decorated pieces of great beauty and delicacy. In the past the silver khanjars were made by melting down Marie Theresa silver coins. Different types of khan jars are named after the regions in which they are made and vary according to size, shape, type of metal and the overlay. The top of the handle of the most usual khanjar is flat but the "Saidi" type, which takes its name from the Ruling Family, has an ornate cross-shaped top. However, all possess certain common features and have the same components: • The hilt may be made of costly rhinocerous horn or substitutes such as sandalwood and marble. • The blade determines the value of the khanjar according to its strength and quality. • The sadr, or upper part of the sheath, is decorated with silver engraving, • The sheath , the most striking part of the khanjar, is worked with silver threads. Khanjars are supported on belts of locallymade webbing, sometimes interwoven with silver thread or belts of leather covered by finely woven silver wire with handsome silver buckles, and a knife with an ornate handle of silver thread is often stuck into a simple leather pouch behind the sheath. Khanjars are worn on formal occasions and at feasts and holidays, and almost all Omani men boast one. Once worn in self-defence, the khanjar is today both a fashion accessory and a prestige item much in demand. National Dress - Women Omani women have very colourful costumes which vary from region to region. The main components of a woman's outfit comprise of a dress which is worn over trousers (sirwal) and the headdress, called the lihaf. There are numerous traditional styles of Omani costume seen in Muscat. However, there are three main types which show vibrant colours, embroidery and decorations. One style of costume is rather flowing and resembles that worn by the women of the Interior, while another is decorated with distinctive silver bands. The embroidery on these dresses can take around two months to complete. The jewellery worn by Omani women is fashioned mainly from gold, although the traditional metal was silver. Work is very intricate and elaborate patterns and symbols, even Quranic calligraphy, is engraved into the metal. Traditional footwear was a type of platform shoe made from wood called the qurhaf. However, most women now wear sandals or Western-style fashion shoes. Omani women have used natural cosmetics and beauty preparations for centuries and despite the supply of brand name cosmetics sold in department stores and supermarkets, the traditional products are still available at souqs all over the Sultanate. Kohl, a dark powder used as an eyeliner made mainly from frankincense or the roots of the arvea jevanica, is still used to enhance the eyes and is applied with a small stick made from silver (marwat) or wood. As a 'moisturiser' women grind the seeds of the prunus mahled together with the yellow pigment of the carthamus tincturius flower. Indigo is also used as a 'skin wash'. The indigo is pounded into a powder and rubbed into the skin, to then be rinsed off with the crushed leaves of the becium dhofarense. This beauty treatment leaves the skin smooth and faintly tinged with blue which enhances the natural skin tone and is complemented by the colours contained within the vibrant dresses and scarves. Indigo is also applied to the face in decorative patterns for festivals and celebrations, such as weddings. Hair is conditioned with oil extracted from the shoo seeds which is said to make the hair shine and delay the signs of greying. A popular shampoo is made from sidr and ipomoea nil leaves. Many women in Oman paint their hands and feet with henna, particularly before special occasions such as Eid holidays or weddings. Henna comes from the plant of the same name and is extracted by pounding the leaves into a powder which is then mixed with water to form a thick paste. The paste is applied in patterns on the hands and feet, which, when dried, leaves a temporary orange/brown design which fades after around three weeks.