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The most common and the official language is Arabic. Even though there are a descent number of others who speaks other languages. Languages like Balochi (talked mainly by Baloch people who are from western Pakisthan and eastern Iran), offshoots of South Arabian are also seen speaking in these cities. The Semitic languages are related to Arabic distantly only. At the same time they are closely related to the Semitic languages in Eritrea and Ethopia.
The dominant indigenous language is a dialect of Arabic and the country has also adopted English as a second language. Almost all signs and writings appear in both Arabic and English. A significant number also speak Hindi, due to the influx of Indian migrants during the late 1980s and the 1990s.
The curved daggers worn during holidays called Khanjar knives is considered as the ceremonial dress. Even though the Omani’s have welcomed the modern dresses, we should say that Omani men wore the traditional dresses now a days. This shows the strength of Omani culture and their strong will to keep the traditions in tact. We need to congratulate the Omani men and women for this.
With the broad mind to agree with the modernization, Omani women wore hijabs and abayas. New and stylish varieties of abayas are currently available in the market. Some women still cover their face and hands but most do not. The Sultan has forbidden the covering of faces in public office. During holidays, the women wear traditional dresses that are very brightly coloured.
The art of hospitality is something in which the Omani culture stands very high when compared to others. You will be welcomed with a bowl of dates, gahwa (coffee with cardamom) and fruits in all the Omani houses. Remember to shake the coffee cup after three servings. This shows that you have finished. The sweets like Halwa are made and served during the festival times like Eid.
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