At a time of rapid international change and marked regional dynamism, the Sultanate of Oman is emerging as a nation of surprising significance. Oman is a unique case of a Gulf state strategically and culturally located at a crossroads between the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. From this position, the Sultanate has developed its own political identity and pursued a unique foreign policy in the turbulent Middle East region, enabling the country to survive and overcome the challenges of the region. Over the years, the Sultanate has earned the title "Switzerland of the Middle East" due to its political neutrality and its prominent role as a regional mediator and peacekeeper. Renowned local and international authors as well as promising younger scholars present studies on the history, politics, economy and culture of Oman.