✨ Oman is known for its serene landscapes, golden deserts, rugged mountains, pristine beaches, rich Arabian heritage, warm hospitality, and beautifully preserved culture — offering an authentic and peaceful Middle Eastern experience.

🏙️ Capital

Muscat

✈️ Major International Airports

• Muscat International Airport (MCT) – Main hub
• Salalah International Airport (SLL)
• Sohar International Airport (OHS)

☎️ Country Code

+968

💳 Credit Cards

Widely accepted in hotels, malls, and larger restaurants.
Small local shops and rural areas may prefer cash.

💰 Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

🛫 Departure Tax

Included in international air tickets.

🚗 Driving Side

Right

⚡ Electricity

240V, 50Hz
Plug Types: G (same as UK)

🌍 Ethnic Groups

Omani Arabs (majority)
Baluchi, South Asian communities, East African origin groups, and expatriates

📍 Location

Middle East / Arabian Peninsula
Borders UAE (Northwest), Saudi Arabia (West), Yemen (Southwest)
Coastline along the Arabian Sea & Gulf of Oman

🗣️ Official Language

Arabic
English widely used in tourism and business

🕌 Religion

Islam (majority – Ibadi dominant)
Small Hindu and Christian expatriate communities

🕰️ Time Zone

GST – Gulf Standard Time (UTC +4)
No daylight saving

💁 Tipping Guidelines

• Restaurants: 5–10% if service not included
• Hotels: 1–2 OMR for porters
• Taxi: Not mandatory; rounding up is appreciated
• Tour guides: 3–5 OMR per person/day

Oman is best visited between October and April, when the weather is cooler and ideal for exploring outdoors. 

Winter (October–April): Pleasant temperatures (20–30°C), perfect for desert safaris, mountain treks, and cultural tours. 
Summer (May–September): Hot and humid in most regions, but Salalah enjoys the unique Khareef (monsoon) season, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise. 

During Ramadan, daily life slows down, but evenings are lively and festive. Travelers should respect local customs during this time. 

Muscat 
The capital city combines tradition with modernity. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Mutrah Corniche, and vibrant Mutrah Souk. 

Nizwa 
Known for its historic fort and lively souk, famous for silver jewelry, spices, and traditional crafts. 

Wahiba Sands 
An endless golden desert where visitors can enjoy camel rides, dune bashing, and overnight stays in desert camps under starlit skies. 

Jebel Shams 
The “Grand Canyon of Arabia,” offering dramatic cliffs, trekking routes, and breathtaking views. 

Jebel Akhdar 
The “Green Mountain,” famous for terraced farms, pomegranate orchards, and rose gardens. 

Salalah 
In southern Oman, Salalah is transformed during the Khareef monsoon season, with waterfalls, lush valleys, and cool weather. It is also known for frankincense trees and pristine beaches. 

Wadis 
Oman’s wadis (valleys) such as Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid are natural oases with turquoise pools and lush vegetation, perfect for hiking and swimming. 

Sur & Ras Al Jinz 
Sur is known for its traditional dhow-building yards, while nearby Ras Al Jinz is a sanctuary for nesting green turtles. 

Musandam Peninsula 
Nicknamed the “Norway of Arabia” for its dramatic fjords, it offers dhow cruises and dolphin watching.

National Day (18 November): Celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural events nationwide. 
Muscat Festival (January–February): Showcases Omani heritage, food, arts, and performances. 
Salalah Tourism Festival (July–August): Held during the Khareef season, celebrating Dhofar’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty. 
Ramadan & Eid: Sacred times marked by family gatherings, feasts, and festive markets. 

Oman offers a blend of traditional and modern shopping experiences. 

What to Buy: Frankincense, silver jewelry, Khanjar (curved daggers), pottery, woven textiles, perfumes, and Omani halwa (a sweet delicacy). 
Where to Shop: Mutrah Souk in Muscat, Nizwa Souk, Salalah’s markets, and high-end malls in Muscat. 
Tips: Bargaining is accepted in souks but done politely. Fixed-price stores are common in malls. Always respect cultural etiquette when shopping. 

Traditional Dishes: 
Shuwa: Slow-cooked lamb marinated with spices, traditionally buried in an underground sand oven. 
Majboos: Spiced rice dish with chicken, lamb, or fish. 
Mashuai: Grilled kingfish served with rice and lemon sauce. 
Harees: Wheat mixed with meat, slow-cooked into a porridge-like dish. 
Halwa: A sweet dish made with sugar, ghee, rosewater, and nuts, often served on special occasions. 

Drinks: 
Kahwa: Traditional Omani coffee flavored with cardamom, served with dates as a gesture of hospitality. 
Fresh Juices: Mango, lime, and pomegranate are popular. 
Alcohol: Available in hotels and licensed restaurants but not widely consumed in public. 

Omani cuisine is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, blending Arabian, Indian, and East African influences. Meals are often communal, reflecting the country’s spirit of generosity.