Your weekly demonstrations update from Oman: 10 March

I find it interesting that the title for this file that the Muscat Consulate sent out is "Demons.pdf"

And now for your friendly pre-Friday protest reminder to U.S. citizens living in Oman:

The U.S. Embassy Cautions U.S. Citizens to Avoid Demonstrations throughout the Sultanate of Oman

The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens of ongoing demonstrations, marches, sit-ins and protests throughout the Sultanate of Oman, including on-going sit-ins in front of the Majlis al Shurah in Muscat (near the Golden Tulip Hotel and opposite Muscat International Airport in Seeb) and the governor’s residence in Salalah.

The U.S. Embassy also advises U.S. citizens to use caution when transiting or visiting Sohar. The roads leading to and from Sohar are periodically re-routed because of ongoing demonstrations, and there is ongoing labor unrest at the Port of Sohar.

Spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations take place in Oman from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should review their personal plans, stay current with media coverage of local events, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, as well as the Country Specific Information for Oman can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Oman are encouraged to enroll in the Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Embassy Muscat’s phone number is (968) 2464-3400. This new phone number is also for after-hours emergencies. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".

U.S. citizens wishing to contact the Consular Section may do so via email at ConsularMuscat@state.gov or fax at (968) 2464-3535. American Citizens Services are available by appointment from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Monday. When visiting the embassy, please bring two forms of government-issued identification with photographs, as you will need to leave one with the security guards while inside the building.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street in the diplomatic area of Shatti al Qurum in the capital city of Muscat. The embassy is closed on Omani and U.S. holidays.