Cities in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is situated in the north-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is somewhat smaller than the United Kingdom. Most people live along the coastal lowland, which is about 740 miles long. Major products besides petroleum include dates, citrus and tropical fruit, incense, and mineral oil. Some people are involved in fisheries and tourism. Sultan Qaboos bin Said has ruled the country for the past 35 years, during which time it has built up a modern infrastructure. Oman has a stable government and is trying to enlarge its economy. Its five largest cities are Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa and Sur. One can easily travel by bus into the country from Dubai and also to all the cities.

Muscat (population: 797,000)
Muscat is the capital of Oman. Omanis from all over the coun­try come here for study, for government services, for economic reasons and for medical treatment. A large percentage of the population are foreigners (engineers, specialists, university teach­ers, skilled workers), since Oman has only started to build up its own modern university education in the past 30 years.

Salalah (population: 163,000)
Salalah is situated about 620 miles south-west of Muscat — about 11 hours in modern buses through barren wastes. The Salalah area is fruitful, since it is the only area in Oman where the monsoon rain falls. Because of its connection with the Sultanate of Zanzibar, off Tanzania, many Omanis in Salalah are Swahili-speaking. Every autumn, thousands of visitors come for the Khareef festival, when Salalah is green because of the monsoon rain. There are several Christian denominations in this city.

Sohar (population: 108,000)
Sohar is said to be home of Sindbad, the famous Omani seafaring hero. It is considered a conservative city with a traditional lifestyle. Many of the older generation have not received any schooling.

Nizwa (population: 72,000)
Nizwa is situated about 85 km west of Muscat in the mountains. For centuries, the city has been famous as a center for handicrafts, craftsmen and the arts. However, it is also, together with the city of Bahla, a center for su­perstition and the occult. Silver amulets manufactured in Nizwa are worn in many parts of the Arab world.

Sur (population: 71,000)
Sur is the least evangelized Omani city, situated in the eastern point of Oman. Historically it is known for its famous shipyards. The famous Omani dhows sailed as far as China. Even today ships are being built and repaired in Sur. The population is very conservative.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• In Oman, 75 per cent of the popu­lation follow Ibadi Islam, which is generally considered heretical by Sunnis. Ibadis believe that they are the “true” Muslims, making them perhaps even more resist­ant to conversion to Christianity. Pray that God may bring break­throughs.
• Omanis are friendly and hospi­table. But it is not easy to have a deeper conversation with them, because they are restrained and consider it impolite to discuss religious questions. This may be a result of having been persecuted by Sunnis. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open hearts for conversation.
• There are many Christians among the foreign workers in Oman. Pray that their light will shine (Matt 5:14).