Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, a nation on the Arabian Peninsula, has terrain encompassing desert, riverbed oases and long coastlines on the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Holding a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, Oman has embraced the modern world, and in parts of the country the contemporary is very much in evidence, particularly in the low-key glitter and bustle of the capital, Muscat, and in the burgeoning cities of Salalah and Sohar. The Omanis are gracious hosts, and visitors will find traditional Arabian hospitality and Islamic culture at its very best.