This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 63130, "Risk Assessment of Exploration-Well Designs in the Oman Ara Salt," by A.G. Tallin, Det Norske Veritas, P.R. Paslay, Techaid Corp., E.P. Cernocky, Shell, and M.A. Ratchinsky, Petroleum Development Oman, originally presented at the 2000 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, 1-4 October.