These posts were originally written by SASSYandsisters.
Lesson 71
- The sultan of Oman–Sultan Qaboos Bin Said–is the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East. Born on November 18, 1940, he is the person behind the modernization of Oman. He took control of the Sultanate of Oman in 1970 on July 23rd. And he is yet to name his successor.
- Trade of fish, dates and some agricultural products along with tourism form a significant portion of the economy of Oman. Whereas its neighbours (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen) are solely oil-dependent economies.
- Oman is also one of the oldest human-inhabited places on the planet. It is estimated that humans have been living in the country for at least 106,000 years.
- It is also the oldest independent state in the Arab world.
- About 75% of the people living in Oman are Muslims.
- Oman’s first university, Sultan Qaboos University, opened in 1986.
- As per the 2014 census, Oman’s expatriate population comprises 43.7% of the country’s total population.
- Oman has 91.1% literacy rate.
- Birds from three continents–Asia, Europe and Africa–can be seen in Oman. Oman has been called ‘the best-kept secret in the world of birdwatching.’
- Muscat Clock Tower is the oldest monument in modern Oman.
- The national symbol of Oman has a pair of crossed Khanjars. This symbol is also used on the national flag and other government logos. It is a symbol of manhood and bravery. If you are interested in buying one, a real khanjar could cost you OMR 500.
- In Oman, almost all signs and writings appear in both Arabic and English.
- Interestingly, Oman is literally a terrorism free country. Another country where terrorism is non-existent is Qatar – as reported by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report.
- Believe it or not, Oman is a country where crime is also almost non-existent.
- Oman produces a whopping 900,000 barrels of oil per day.
- Omanis are also credited with being the greatest ship builders in the world.
- Apart from the local Omani people, the other people living in the country are from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Mountain Dew is the top-selling beverage in Oman…And you would be amazed to know that Coca-Cola products are not found in abundance in the country. This fact again signifies the love of Omani people for Mountain Dew.
- Want to save some on taxes? You may want to work in Oman. Because Oman does not levy income tax. However, a small amount from workers’ earnings are paid towards social security.
- Omanis are also among the finest breeders of Arabian horses. Their horses are sold for hefty prices all over the world.[Arabic horses are the best! ;p]
- If you want to buy alcohol in Oman, you have to have a license to buy such beverages. Moreover, Omanis are allowed to spend no more than 10% of their monthly income on alcohol. [It’s ok, I’m sure none of you are planning to do so, it’s not good for you anyways!]
- Up until 1970, there were no hotels in the country. But today there are hundreds of hotels. Tourism is a major industry in Oman.
- In earlier times, Oman made a lot of money from the trade of incense
- Before Islam reached Oman, Omanis practiced Ibadhism. The people belonging to this sect practiced austerity and tolerance.
- It is a tradition in Oman to greet a visitor with a bowl of dates, qahwa (coffee with cardamom) and fruit. [“Qahwa” means coffee]
- Muscat, the capital of Oman, was occupied by the Portuguese for a period of 140 years (1508-1648). After the Portuguese, the Ottomans took control of Oman, only to be pushed out by the current line of leading sultans. However, it was once again occupied briefly by Persia, but it (Oman) finally succeeded in freeing itself. During this time, the country was also known as Muscat and Oman.
- Date palms are served with coffee in several of the Omani hotels.
- In Omani culture, Ramadan (the month of fasting) and other Islamic festivals are very important.
- Locals smoke traditional shisha. These are also known as hookah pipes or hubbly bubbly. However, their proper name is narghile. [I’ve heard people talk about shisha but what is it anyways??
] - The Omani week ends on Friday. Omanis enjoy Thursdays and Fridays to their core. In the coming years, they are planning to shift their weekends to Friday and Saturday.
- Women-only souq is an open-air marketplace or commercial quarter in Western Asian and North African cities. (The equivalent Persian term is “bazaar” – Wikipedia.org) It takes place every Wednesday in the city of Ibra. Only women are allowed to participate in this open-air marketplace. Women sell and buy a variety of things, including jewellery and spices.
- Ornamented, decorated and embroidered doors are common in Oman, providing a popular attraction for visitors.
- Mesmerized by these interesting facts about Oman? Want to visit the country? Take a note: winter is the best time to visit this Arab country.
- It is customary in Oman for women to meet other women at the occasion of a birth in the family. While at the time of death, it is the men who attend the actual burial of a body.
- Pork is not consumed in Oman, as it is prohibited in Islam.
- The main meal of the day is consumed in early to mid-afternoon. It usually consists of a large serving of rice and a sauce made from tomato and fish or meat.
- Men wear turbans and caps that are generally embroidered.
- Oman also has one of the oldest marketplaces in the world – The Mutrah Souq. This marketplace has so many colorful little shops where you can buy bukhoor, frankincense (an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes), silver khanjars, jewelry and many other exotic items.
- The Telegraph Island–a maddening island, which is also known as Jazirat al Maqlab in Oman–was used as a telegraph outpost for important communications between Britain and India between 1864 and 1869. The oppressive heat and the lonely atmosphere had made the soldiers mad when they were stationed at the football-field sized island. Thus, the outpost was abandoned in the mid-1870s.
- More than 100 tombs all shaped like beehives stand contumaciously on the hilltops of Northern Oman. These tombs are estimated to date from 3000 to 2000 B.C.E. In 1988, these tombs were declared a World Heritage Site. Together, these tombs form one of the largest prehistoric necropoleis (a tract of land used for burials) in the world.
- Migrating turtles. Thousands of turtles migrate to the Omani coastline each year. If you are interested in watching the turtles hatch, you may want to visit Ras Al Jinz, which is one of the prime locations for turtle watching. There, you have a chance to see different species of turtles, including the Green Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle.
- A component of the most valuable perfume in the world–Amouage–is produced and traded in Oman. It is known as Frankincense, and is available in its purest form for purchase for OMR 50 per bag.
[ Have a great night cya later guys! ;p
Lesson 72
The word “Palestine” actually originates from “Phillistia”. The land of the Philistines was given this name by the Greeks. [In Arabic, Palestine is “Filisteen”]
Both the Palestinians and the Israelis claim that Jerusalem is their capital city. Most of eastern Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian territories.
This country was originally called “Peleset”. There is mention of this in numerous Egyptian hieroglyphs.
In the past, the country has been ruled by the ancient Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Babylonians, Assyrians, the Greeks and the Persians.
Christmas is celebrated three times a year in the Palestinian territories. As per the western tradition, on December 25th, the Greek Orthodox Christmas date-January 6th and as per the Armenians, on the 8th of January.
Olives are ingrained in Palestinian tradition and culture and 45 percent of land in the country is dedicated to its production. A large segment of this land lies in the West Bank region.
The Dead Sea which is the lowest point on the earth is part of the Palestinian territories.
Jesus [3isa] was Palestinian by birth but hardly anyone ever wants to acknowledge that he was non-European.
One of the world’s oldest churches, the Church of Nativity which is a mark of Jesus’s [3isa’s] birthplace is considered to be a sacred spot by Christians and Muslims alike.
Palestine’s government is a Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature. The President is elected every four years and is currently Mahmoud Abbas. The Prime Minister is considered the Head of Government.
Several currencies are commonly used in Palestine: the US dollar, Jordanian dinars, and Israeli new shekels. The Egyptian pound is also accepted in Gaza.
The current population of Palestine is about 4.5 million people
Tourism is a large part of the Palestinian economy. Other predominant sectors include quarrying and the building stone industry, cement production, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings and olive-related industries, and mother of pearl souvenirs.
The stone industry is the largest sector of the Palestinian economy. There are over 650 stone production sites in the West Bank, 138 of which are in Beit Fajjar. Quarried stones are cut int a range of pink, golden, sand, and off-white tiles and bricks which are known as Jerusalem stone. A significant portion of these stones are exported to Israel, Jordan, Europe, and North America.
For many centuries, olives have been a central part of Palestinian life, culture, and tradition. With over 45% of land in the country dedicated to olive trees, it is no surprise that they are a highly revered and treasured aspect of Palestine’s identity.
The majority of the population is Muslim, although there is also a large population of Christians as well
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam which includes fasting from sunrise to sunset. Because the majority of Palestinians are Muslim, Palestinian businesses adjust accordingly. Most all shops close before sunset. Most restaurants are also closed during the day, with the exception of some hotels catering to tourists. It can be considered offensive to those who are fasting to eat, drink, or smoke out in public during this holy month
Palestine is known for some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the world, popping into the existence mostly in April and May. These include irises, jonquils, wild poppies, and other vibrant species of flowers which paint the colourful hillsides during a short spring season.
There are several species of large wild animals in Palestine as well! These include foxes, mountain gazelles, Nubian Ibex (a desert-dwelling species of goat), wild boar, wolves, jackals, leopards, hyenas, and many types of migratory birds as well!
Also, I know this is a bit late in the post to mention this, but if you don’t even know where Palestine is, it is in Israel and often isn’t considered a country even though it is still there!
Lesson 73
Qatar is among the top ten leading producers of LNG – liquefied natural gas.
The state of Qatar recently spent an incredible $30 billion dollars on new infrastructure. Leading transport projects included Ashghal’s Expressway and the New Port Project. Leading property projects included the Msheireb development and the Lusail City project.
Qatar State has experienced significant economic growth. Continuing economic growth has helped to make Qatar one of the world’s richest nations.
The Hamad International Airport was opened in 2014. It has the ability to handle around fifty million passengers each year.
The Hamad International Airport is the ninth biggest in the world.
Revenue generated from oil and natural gas reserves makes Qatar residents the second-highest earners in the world. There are numerous banks in the state including commercial banks, foreign banks, and the Qatar Central Bank.
Qatar will host the next FIFA World Cup to be staged in 2022. Qataris also enjoy many sports including handball, drag racing, golf, powerboat racing, futsal, basketball, camel racing, water sports, swimming, and cricket.
The opening trip of the World Motocross championship was held in Qatar in February 2015. The off-road motorcycle race was run during the night owing to the extreme daytime heat.
The Qatari National Football League are Middle East Champions. The Qatar Stars League was founded in 1963 and consists of fourteen teams.
Amateur pearl divers still swim the Inland Sea off the shore of Qatar in search of Pearl Oysters. Many Qatari people once earned their living diving for pearl oysters.
The Aspire Zone sports academy was built on 240 hectares of land. The sporting paradise is home to medical facilities, a mosque, parkland, a retail area, an International sports Stadium, a sports club and a sports education class.
Qataris eat their main meal of the day at lunchtime. Karak tea is served after meals; the rich milky tea is laced with Cardamom. The Friday midday meal, after prayers, is usually a time for the whole family to get together.
Many Qataris enjoy sweet foods. In Qatar it is traditional to eat a large spoonful of honey at night and in the morning. The people of Qatar relish fresh dates and picanuts.
Traditional Qatari food is influenced by Indian and Iranian cuisine. Qatari speciality dishes include Ghuzi, Motabel, Biriani, Taboulleh, and Hummus.
Machbous is an important traditional dish. The rich stew consists of meat and rice or seafood and rice.
Many Qataris do not use cutlery. The meal is served in a large dish and the diners use bread to scoop-up their food.
The “Thoub” is the traditional costume worn by Qatari men. The Thoub is a long white shirt that is worn over boxer style shorts or long white cotton trousers. As a matter of pride, all Thoubs must be immaculately laundered.
Qatari women wear a long black cloak known as an Abaya. Traditional Qatari females wear a djelabia or a dress under the cloak.
Male tourists are not expected to wear vests and shorts. Female tourists are not expected to walk around in short-sleeved dresses or mini-skirts.
Topless sunbathing is not allowed in Qatar. Swimmers and sunbathers are encouraged to wear a long tee-shirt over their costume.
Qatari businessmen rarely wear a traditional business suit. Male office workers wear light-weight trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and a necktie.
Leading tourist attractions include Aladdin’s Kingdom also known as The Entertainment City. The Msheireb Enrichment Center is an amazing and informative floating museum. Other famous tourist attractions include The Doha Corniche Park and the picturesque market known as the Souk Waqif.
The small village Al Thakira is home to many unusual fish and sea slugs. Nature lovers like to go snorkelling in the Mangrove Swamps. The Al Thakira Nature Reserve is widely regarded as a national treasure.
Qatar offers little, if any night life. Tourists looking for live music, parties and bars should head for Doha, the capital city of Qatar.
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is one of the largest private museums of its type. The museum is ideal for art lovers, historians, holidaymakers and culture vultures.
The range of rocky hills known as Al Jassasiya is renowned for its pre-historic carvings. The rocky hills are nestled between the villages of Al Huwailah and Fuwairit.
Qatar State was protected by Great Britain until 1971, when it became independent. In 1995, Crown Prince Khalifa announced freedom of the press and allowed women to vote.
Qatar is home to one hundred and eighty different nationalities!
Families can enjoy a picnic or play in one of the many well-kept parks, take a Dhow ride or go on a family camp in the desert.
Qataris are a minority in their own country?! The country's expatriate workforce community continues to catalyze the progress that Qatar has been witnessing in various fields with Indians, Nepalis, and Bangladeshis making up the Top 3 expat communities calling Qatar 'home.'
Camels were the only mode of transportation in Qatar before cars and other modes of getting around took over
There are approximately 3 to 5 hang-out spots in Qatar that look exactly like Italy?! After Villagio opened in 2006 and expanded ever since, we now have The Pearl's Qanat Quartier, and yes—the newly-opened and awe-inspiring Al Hazm Mall joining the line-up!
Thursdays and Fridays were the weekends till 2003?! Who would've thought that we'll be snuggling on a Saturday instead of Thursday???
Qatar was recently named the 32nd happiest country in the world and 2nd in the MENA region by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for 2018?! Apart from that, Doha is also known globally as one of the safest cities in the world!
When Qatar won the honor to host the 2022 World Cup, it bested four giant hopefuls namely Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the United States!
Qatar is set to become the MENA region's theme park-central by 2020?! With Virtuocity, KidZania, Bounce Facility, and the newly-opened Angry Birds World currently in full-swing.
Lesson 74
1# Saudi Arabia has 83,000 square miles (2,149,690 square km) in total area, which makes it the 13th largest country in the world.
2# Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, about the size of Western Europe and one-quarter the size of the U.S
3# Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to the religion’s holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina
4# The Saudi king’s official title is “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.” King Abdullah Bin Abd el-Aziz Al Saud has been king since 2005
5# Saudi Arabia takes witchcraft so seriously that the country has banned the Harry Potter books, and the government has set up an Anti-Witchcraft Action Unit, which is under the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPV), or Saudi Arabia’s religious police. The unit is charged with apprehending sorcerers and reversing the harmful effects of their spells.
6# All public schools in Saudi Arabia are religious, and the state mandates daily study of the Quran beginning in first grade and taking up roughly half the school day. At elementary school level, religious studies average a total of 9 periods a week while math, science, geography, history, and physical education combined average only 12 periods a week.
7# Saudi Arabia was rated the best place to do business in the Middle East by the World Bank.
8# Saudi Arabia is considering ending beheadings as the national form of execution in favour of firing squads because of a lack of swordsmen to be found in the country
9# Riyadh’s camel market is one of the largest in the world and sells about 100 camels per day
10# Non-Muslims cannot be buried within the borders of Saudi Arabia.
11# Over 95% of Saudi Arabia is desert or semi-desert, and the country is home to some of the largest desert areas in the world, including Al Nafud (Nafud Desert) in the north and Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) in the south
12# Sidewalk skiing is the name for tipping a car onto its side wheels on a public road, driving it on a tilt, and then climbing out and standing on top of the vehicle (though it’s all right if you leave someone in the car to drive). The activity appears to have gathered considerable popularity in Saudi Arabia.
13# Kingdom Tower is set to be the first building to reach more than a kilometre (3,280 ft) into the air and will include a hotel, observatory, and office space—as well as some apartments for those seeking a view.
14# Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a river.
15# Arabs call coffee qahwa, a word that later became Arabic for ‘that which prevents sleep.’
16# Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah is the 8th most powerful person in the world and the world’s most powerful Muslim.
17# About eighty percent of the Saudi Arabian labour force is non-national.
18# Baby camel is one of the most tender of Saudi meats; it is a specialty of Jeddah and Jejaz
19# The King’s Cup, which pits up to 2,000 participants racing across a 19 km track, is an epic camel race which takes place annually during the Al-Jenandriyah National Festival in Saudi Arabia
20# In Saudi Arabia, everything closes during salat (prayer time). Strictly enforced, salat can last up to 30 minutes.[So shops, restaurants etc… close down]
21# Officially, Saudi women may not travel abroad without the permission of their husbands.
22# In October 2013, the United States overtook Saudi Arabia, which had led the world for decades, as the world’s largest exporter of oil, averaging 12.1 million barrels per day that year.
23# Construction on Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Tower began in 2014. The new, tallest building in the world will stand 3,280 feet (1 km) high and will dwarf the Burj Khalifa hotel in Dubai by 600 feet (183 meters)
24# Islam, the last of the world’s great religions to get underway, originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century A.D. It is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity [includes Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants]
25# Saudi Arabia remains an absolute monarchy and has the last significant monarchy in the world. The country has been ruled by the Al Saud family since its inception as a nation on September 23, 1932
26# In 2012, Saudi Arabia banned smoking in government offices and most public places, which includes a ban on shishas (water pipes) and prohibits the selling of tobacco to minors.
27# Women were officially forbidden to drive within Saudi cities, although this became a formal law only in 1990. Saudi and foreign women were only allowed to drive inside the foreign oil compounds… But we know that’s not true anymore :p
28# In Saudi Arabia, wedding ceremonies are held separately for men and women. However, at some point during the wedding ceremony, or after its conclusion, the bride and groom do actually get together.
29# Birth control is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
30# Instead of an income tax, Saudi Arabia has the zakat. It is a 2.5% impost that is it is levied on assets rather than income and is required of Muslims but not on guest workers.
31# Saudi Arabian men typically dress in thobes, a lightweight cotton garment which is almost always white; bischts, a garment equal to an academic graduation gown; and gutras, or the traditional head scarf
32# They provide free public health care services.
33# They also have one of the most advanced banking systems on the planet.
34# All the people in Saudi Arabia are Muslim.
35# King Faisal introduced television to Saudi Arabia in 1965.
36# Before 2012, only men could sell women’s lingerie in Saudi Arabia.
37# The black abaya is the Saudi national dress for women.