| The city of Muscat is predominantly populated by Islamic Arabs, though it has a sizable, non-resident Indian population, and is further rounded out by American, British, and Dutch citizens. Though Arabic is the country's official language, English is somewhat common, especially in business circles. Muscat's Indian population, along with the rest of the country's, makes up the bulk of Oman's manual labor force, though with the increase of the native workforce potential, moves have been made to replace expatriate workers with Omanis by 2007.
Muscat and Omani Arabs embrace the teachings of Islamic prophet Mohammad, though it has developed its own sect of the religion, known as Ibadhism, named after a 7th century teacher. Yearly religious holidays are observed, the most well-known being Ramadhan. Oman claims tolerance of different Muslim sects, as well as all other faiths, who are allowed to build churches and temples within in borders.
The country of Oman, to its honor, seeks to enhance and uplift the level of equality and participation for women in all areas of Oman society. This includes involvement in the country's developmental processes, and acknowledgment of womens' contributions to the social, economic, and cultural development of their homeland.
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