Sultanate of Oman: Beauty has an address

Safe and inviting, Oman hypnotises with its fragrant ancient souks, mesmerises with dramatic landscapes and leaves you spellbound with its stories. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Oman is steeped in history and has inspired some of literature’s most famous tales.

Muscat, the vibrant capital, is full of memorable sites and experiences. Visitors can take in extraordinary museum exhibits, visit ancient houses and wander the fishing port home to traditional dhows. Evenings offer the chance to eat at one of the city’s cafes and restaurants or even experience the first Opera House on the Arabian Peninsula – the Royal Opera House of Muscat.

Head out of the city and Oman becomes even more captivating. Explore the small towns nestled between the mountains. Visit Bedouin villages. Drive the incense route. All done under the constant gaze of ancient forts dotted throughout the landscape like imposing sandcastles. Stop by date farms and witness the harvesting of roses that cover the hills with delicate hues of pink and fill the air with an enchanting fragrance. Spend the night under the stars in a desert camp then swim in the wadis – stunning natural pools offering respite from the heat. Marvel at Oman’s magnificent beaches, pristine diving sites, and nature reserves. There aren’t many places in the world where you can observe rare species of turtles up close and swim with dolphins in the wild, but you can here.

All of this, as well as a colourful annual events calendar and a wide range of international sports events, ensure a travel experience unlike any other. A journey of discovery awaits you in this welcoming land at the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Western civilisation.

Oman

Capital

Muscat

Population

5.3 million

Language

Arabic (official language), English (widely spoken and understood)

Time Zone

UTC+4 (GST)

Electricity

240v, 50Hz.

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

When to Go

Seasons

The best time to visit is during the winter months between October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. April and May are pleasant but warmer than the winter months. The summer months of June to September can be hot although the temperature remains pleasant in the mountain range.

Weather

Oman has a subtropical dry desert climate with low annual rainfall. In the Al Hajar Mountain range and Dhofar region, the climate remains moderate throughout the year, a rarity in the Arabian Peninsula.

What to Bring

A good pair of walking shoes for wadi walks. Pack lightweight loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry. Quality sunglasses and a sunhat are a must. A t-shirt is advisable when swimming in the sea

Additional Remarks

Dress modestly, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It’s impolite to wear skimpy outfits in public, regardless of gender. However, it’s not necessary for women to cover their heads unless entering a mosque.

Customs & Traditions

Art & Architecture

Oman’s culture is deeply rooted in its proud heritage and history of seafaring, trading, and exploration. Today, long-standing traditions blend seamlessly with modern-day living. This same blend of the old and new is reflected in Oman’s architecture, such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. 

Further, the traditional dhow boat is an enduring symbol of Oman’s seafaring heritage. National dress is widely worn. For men this consists of a long, collarless gown, a headdress and, on special occasions, men will also wear a khanjar, a decorative dagger that appears on the Omani flag.

Music

Music plays an important role in the life of every Omani. Oman’s music can typically be divided into ‘sea music’ and ‘desert music’ and its songs can be attributed to various tasks performed by the local people throughout the day. There is also music for all the important stages of life, including birth, marriage and death. Al-Bar’ah, a musical tradition of the Bedouins from the Dhofar Mountains, deserves a special mention. It takes the form of a martial dance in a semicircle formed by ten to thirty men and women, performed to the drumming and the singing of poetry in a local tribal dialect.

Etiquette

Omanis are warm and welcoming people. In return, it’s important to show respect and follow the cultural norms.

  • Dress modestly, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
  • It’s impolite to wear skimpy outfits in public, regardless of gender. However, it’s not necessary for women to cover their heads unless entering a mosque.
  • Don’t take photos of locals without their permission and avoid taking photos of government buildings and airports. Recreational drones are also illegal in Oman.
  • Always be friendly, and polite, and avoid offensive language and offensive gestures. Avoid public displays of affection.

People

Omanis are very welcoming of visitors from other countries, a fact that is reflected in the generous hospitality extended to guests.

Religion

The state religion is the less widespread form of Islam known as Ibadism. The doctrine places great importance on pacifism, tolerance, and leniency. Ibadism is only found in Oman, Zanzibar, and some smaller enclaves in Tunisia and Algeria.