1. Sultanate of Oman

2. Topics Covered Strategic Location Cultural Environment Economic Environment Political and Legal Environment Technological Environment SWOT Analysis Conclusion

3. Location A Middle Eastern country sharing borders with Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates It has a coastline with the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman. Holds a strategically important location at the entrance to the Straits of Hormuz thus making it an important nation in the development of the region. Has a population of more than 3 million people, mostLYbelonging to different ethnic backgrounds, such as Arabs, Baluchi, African and South Asian

4. Culture Oman traditionally follow Arabic Culture with the majority of the population as Muslim. Famous Omani traditions includes carrying of a special knife, known as a Khanjar knife. Fish, goat and chicken play a major role in Omani cuisine, as do saffron flavored rice dishes. Oman is well- known for being the center of the frankincense trade.

5. Economic Environment The current GDP of Oman is $76 billion, thus ranking the country as 80th on a world comparison scale Oman has a middle income economy, dependent on oil trade, as the country is rich in natural resources. Oman is trying to develop other sources of income, such as natural gas, tourism and industrialization A major portion of the country’s GDP is provided by fossil fuel resources however the government is trying to stimulate the economy via a series of other investment opportunities.

6. Political & Legal Environment A traditional monarchy, with Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said as the head of state There is no parliament or elected government but a cabinet of ministers, headed by a Prime Minister The Sultan is the head of the government, head of state and also the head of the judicial system The judicial system follows that of British Common Law, as well as following the strict Arabic legal system. Although the Supreme Court of Oman is the highest court of law but there are also local civil courts, which are administered regionally

7. Technological Environment The technological environment within Oman has also developed substantially over the recent decades Increase in technology providers, and constant development of the technological infrastructure within the country. Vast network of hard wired telephony solutions which are being currently increased and rolled out to rural locations There is a single broadcast media outlet, provided by the government, which also includes radio services. Half of the population of Oman has access to the internet however this is heavily censored by the Omani government

9. Positive international relations with other countries

10. A peaceful society with a stable economy,

12. It does not have an IT infrastructure comparable with other nations in the region.

13. Low levels of skilled workers in related technology and engineering fields.

15. The government has recognized the importance of foreign investment, and is amending its policies accordingly

16. Oman’s economy is forecast to improve

18. Current government initiatives are not coordinated effectively from a central government office.SWOT ANALYSIS