Oman (OM)
Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy. Unlike its flashier Gulf neighbours, Oman is valued by expats for its relative calm, safety, and genuine cultural authenticity. The Sultanate boasts world-class infrastructure in Muscat, low crime rates, and a famously friendly local population. With no personal income tax, affordable housing (relative to Dubai or Abu Dhabi), and a government actively courting foreign talent and investment under Vision 2040, Oman is an increasingly attractive destination for professionals, families, and entrepreneurs. Expats make up roughly 45% of the total population, with the largest communities being Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, British, and Egyptian. English is widely spoken in business, healthcare, and the expat community, making day-to-day life accessible for English speakers. Muscat offers modern amenities — international schools, world-class hospitals, shopping malls, fine dining, and a growing arts scene — while the country as a whole offers unrivalled outdoor experiences from the deserts of Sharqiyah to the fjords of Musandam.
Climate
March to May is spring in Oman and one of the best times to visit. Temperatures in Muscat range from 25–38°C, with low humidity making outdoor activities pleasant. The interior and mountains are cooler and ideal for hiking. Wildflowers bloom in the Hajar Mountains in February–March after winter rains.
June to September brings extreme heat to most of Oman, with Muscat temperatures regularly reaching 38–47°C and high humidity along the coast making it feel hotter. This is the harshest time for outdoor activities in the north. However, the Dhofar region (Salalah) experiences the unique khareef monsoon from June to September, with cool mist, greenery, and temperatures of 20–25°C, making Salalah a popular escape. Expats typically reduce outdoor activities and rely heavily on air conditioning.
October to November brings relief to northern Oman as temperatures drop to 28–38°C. This is another excellent period for tourism and outdoor exploration. Humidity decreases and evenings become comfortable. Wadis, beaches, and desert camps become enjoyable again.
December to February is the mildest season in Oman. Muscat averages 18–28°C with cool nights in the mountains potentially dropping to 5°C or below. This is the peak tourist season. Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams occasionally see frost or even snow. Rainfall is rare but possible, occasionally causing wadi flooding in mountainous areas. The Musandam Peninsula and Muscat coastline are superb in winter.
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
Omani greetings are warm and ceremonial. Men greet men with a handshake, often followed by touching noses (a traditional Omani greeting, though less common with foreigners) or placing a hand over the heart. Male friends may exchange cheek kisses (two to three). Women greet women similarly with handshakes and cheek kisses. Cross-gender greetings between unrelated men and women are typically a nod or a hand-on-heart gesture — do not extend your hand to someone of the opposite gender unless they initiate. "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) is the universal greeting; respond with "Wa alaykum as-salam."
Punctuality norms in Oman are contextual. In professional and business settings, being on time is expected and respected — arriving late to a formal meeting without notice can cause offence. In social settings, casual gatherings, and family events, Omani culture operates on a more relaxed sense of time; guests arriving 15–30 minutes late is entirely normal. Government offices and appointments should be treated with punctuality. During Ramadan, schedules shift significantly and flexibility is especially appreciated.
Oman is a conservative Muslim country and modest dress is expected in public. Women should cover shoulders and knees when outside hotels, beach resorts, or private pools — long, loose clothing is ideal. Tight or revealing clothing draws unwanted attention and may cause offence. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in traditional areas, souqs, mosques, and government buildings. Both genders should carry a light scarf or cover-up. Beachwear is acceptable at hotel pools and designated beaches only. Swimwear should not be worn in public areas or shopping centres. Mosques require full covering — women should cover hair.
- ✕ Public displays of affection between couples (including holding hands in traditional areas) are frowned upon and can lead to police attention.
- ✕ Criticising Sultan Haitham, the royal family, or the government is illegal and can result in arrest and deportation. Exercise extreme caution on social media.
- ✕ Photographing military installations, government buildings, police stations, and checkpoints is strictly prohibited and can result in immediate detention.
- ✕ Consuming alcohol outside of licensed hotel and restaurant outlets is illegal. Never drink in public, on the street, or in a car. Purchasing alcohol requires a personal liquor licence for residents.
- ✕ Public eating, drinking, or smoking during Ramadan daylight hours is illegal for Muslims and extremely disrespectful. Non-Muslims are also expected to refrain in public.
- ✕ Pork is not available in most of Oman; it is only found in a small number of international hotel restaurants. Never offer pork to an Omani.
- ✕ Using the left hand for eating, passing items, or gesturing is considered unclean in Omani culture. Use the right hand when in doubt.
- ✓ Friday prayers (approximately 12:30pm–2pm) are a weekly sacred commitment for Muslim men. Avoid scheduling meetings during this time and expect many businesses to close briefly. The call to prayer five times a day is part of daily life.
- ✓ Hospitality is a fundamental Omani value. If invited to an Omani home, you will be offered kahwa (Omani coffee) and dates — accepting is courteous and appreciated. Three small cups is the norm; shake your cup gently when you have had enough.
- ✓ Remove your shoes before entering an Omani home. You will often see shoes outside the door — follow suit.
- ✓ The right hand is used for eating, giving, and receiving. Avoid using the left hand for these actions.
- ✓ Bargaining is acceptable and expected in traditional souqs such as Muttrah and Nizwa — approach it with good humour and respect. Fixed-price retail in malls does not involve negotiation.
- ✓ The concept of "wasta" (connections and social influence) is important in Omani society. Building personal relationships and trust before conducting business is highly valued.
- ✓ During Ramadan, the pace of life slows significantly. Working hours are reduced, restaurants close during the day, and the evenings become vibrant with iftar gatherings. Expats should be especially respectful during this month.
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
The most iconic Omani dish — whole goat or lamb marinated in a blend of spices including dried limes, cardamom, cumin, and chilli, then wrapped in palm or banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground sand oven (al-tanoor) for 24 to 48 hours. The result is fall-off-the-bone, deeply aromatic meat traditionally served at Eid and special celebrations. A dish of ceremony and hospitality.
A fragrant one-pot rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), tomatoes, onions, and a distinctive blend of Gulf spices including dried limes (loomi), cinnamon, cardamom, and rose water. Often considered the national dish of Oman and the wider Gulf. Rich, warming, and deeply satisfying — the everyday staple of Omani family meals.
A simple, ancient dish of slow-cooked cracked wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb) simmered together until they break down into a smooth, porridge-like consistency. Seasoned with clarified butter (ghee) and cinnamon. A Ramadan and Eid staple across Oman and the Gulf, prized for its comforting, nourishing qualities.
A speciality of Muscat and the Omani coast — whole spit-roasted kingfish (or other local fish) served on a bed of aromatic lemon-infused rice. The fish is marinated with Omani spices and slow-roasted over charcoal. Considered one of Oman's most distinguished dishes and frequently served at formal occasions and special family gatherings.
A hearty, everyday stew made with meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) and vegetables such as potato, tomato, carrot, and courgette, cooked in a spiced broth with dried limes, turmeric, and cumin. Served with rice or flatbread, saloona is the backbone of daily home cooking across Oman and is found in homes and small local restaurants throughout the country.
Small golden deep-fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and soft within, drizzled with date syrup (dibs) and dusted with sesame seeds. A beloved Omani street food and dessert served at Ramadan iftars, festivals, and markets. Similar to doughnuts but distinctly Omani in flavour — the date syrup is essential to the authentic version.
Omani kahwa is the cornerstone of Omani hospitality. Lightly roasted green coffee beans are brewed with cardamom, saffron, rose water, and occasionally cloves. It is served unsweetened in small handleless cups (finjan) and always accompanied by dates. Accepting the first cup is a sign of respect; shaking the cup signals you have had enough. Refusing kahwa outright can be considered impolite. It is offered at homes, offices, and government institutions.
A traditional salted or plain drinking yoghurt, widely consumed across Oman as a cooling, probiotic-rich beverage. Often served at meals alongside spicy food, laban helps balance heat and aids digestion. Available commercially in cartons in supermarkets, as well as freshly made in traditional restaurants. A nutritious staple of the Gulf diet.
Dates (tamar) are not merely a food in Oman — they are a cultural institution, inseparable from kahwa and essential to hospitality. Oman grows dozens of varieties of date, including the prized Khalas and Fard varieties from the Batinah coast. Dates are consumed with water, milk, or coffee throughout the day, especially to break fast during Ramadan. Date juice and date-infused milk are also traditional beverages.
📍 Tourist Highlights
One of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the world, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Built over six years and completed in 2001, it can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers. Non-Muslims may visit on weekday mornings (Saturday–Thursday, 8am–11am). The main prayer hall houses a 14-tonne Swarovski crystal chandelier and the world's second-largest hand-loomed Persian carpet. A landmark of immense spiritual and architectural significance.
The oldest and most atmospheric souq in Oman, Muttrah Souq (Souq Al-Dhalam) winds through a labyrinth of lanes filled with frankincense, silverwork, khanjar daggers, textiles, spices, and traditional Omani crafts. The adjacent Muttrah Corniche is a stunning seafront promenade overlooking the harbour, historic watchtowers, and traditional wooden dhows. Together, they offer the most authentic taste of old Muscat and are essential for every visitor.
The magnificent 17th-century Nizwa Fort, with its massive circular tower (the largest round tower in Arabia at the time of its construction), dominates the ancient capital of the interior. The adjacent Nizwa Souq is famous for its Friday goat market, handcrafted silver jewellery, and traditional Omani pottery. Nizwa is considered the cultural heartland of Oman and offers a window into the country's pre-oil heritage. A UNESCO-listed heritage site.
One of Oman's most spectacular wadis (river valleys), Wadi Shab offers a dramatic two-hour trek through towering cliffs, turquoise pools, and lush palm gardens. The trail culminates in a swim through a narrow cave passage to reach a hidden waterfall — an experience of extraordinary natural beauty. Most accessible October–April; subject to flash flooding after rains. One of the most photographed natural sites in the Middle East.
A vast sea of golden sand dunes stretching over 12,500 square kilometres, the Wahiba Sands (officially Sharqiyah Sands) offer one of Oman's most iconic desert experiences. Dunes reach heights of over 100 metres. Activities include dune bashing by 4WD, camel riding, sandboarding, and stargazing from remote desert camps. Traditional Bedouin communities still inhabit the sands. Best visited October to March.
📖 Brief History
Oman has one of the oldest recorded histories in the Arabian Peninsula, with evidence of human settlement dating back over 10,000 years. The region was a maritime and trading powerhouse from antiquity, exporting frankincense along the ancient incense routes. In the 16th century, the Portuguese occupied strategic coastal ports including Muscat and Sohar, leaving fortifications still visible today. The Ya'aruba dynasty expelled the Portuguese in 1650, ushering in an era of Omani expansion that saw the Sultanate control significant territories in East Africa, including Zanzibar, and become the dominant maritime power in the western Indian Ocean. The Al Bu Said dynasty, which continues to rule today, rose to power in 1744 under Ahmad bin Said. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Oman came under British influence, with a series of treaties binding the two nations. Modern Oman as it is known today was shaped almost entirely by the remarkable vision of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who came to power in 1970 following a palace coup against his father. At that time, Oman had only three schools, one hospital, and a few kilometres of paved roads. Over the following fifty years, Sultan Qaboos transformed Oman into a prosperous, stable, and internationally respected nation, investing oil revenues in infrastructure, education, and healthcare while maintaining a carefully balanced foreign policy. Sultan Qaboos passed away in January 2020, and his cousin Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said assumed power, pledging to continue the development trajectory while expanding economic diversification under Vision 2040.