Time Zone |
Asia/Muscat |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Libreville |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Salalah, the capital of the Dhofar Province in southern Oman and the second largest city in the country, is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is known as the "Shangri-La of the Arabian Peninsula". As an important hub of the frankincense trade in ancient times, it has been known as the "Gate of Spices" since ancient times, and is still one of the core production areas of frankincense in the world. The unique monsoon climate allows for lush greenery throughout the year, with date palms and green fruit orchards, and during the summer monsoon, the city is transformed into a summer resort, attracting tourists to experience the magic of the 'Khareef' (monsoon). The city is a blend of tradition and modernity, from the ancient ruins of Hafet and the Queen of Sheba's palace to the modern port and commercial district. During the annual Monsoon Festival in July-August, Salalah hosts a grand cultural event showcasing traditional Omani crafts and folklore, and is a window into the multiculturalism of southern Oman.
Bitam is a border town in the north-eastern part of the Gabonese Republic, an important town in the Woleu-Ntem province. Situated on Gabon's borders with Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, about 450 kilometers from the capital Libreville, it is uniquely situated as an active hub of border trade between the three countries.
Bitam's economy is based on agriculture, forestry and border trade. The surrounding area is rich in cash crops such as cocoa and coffee, as well as timber resources. Its border town attributes make it an important gateway for Gabon's merchandise flow with neighboring countries. In recent years, with the development of Gabon's mining industry, the region's potential for resource development has also come under scrutiny.
Bitam is a multi-ethnic city, with the Fang as its main inhabitants, and retains a rich traditional culture. The city is connected to other major cities in Gabon by the national highway N2 and has some transportation infrastructure. Despite its small size, the city's role as a border hub gives it a place in the regional economy.