What to Expect When Visiting Oman – Things to Know for the Best Experience

Have you been to Dubai? If you have, you’ve seen the towering buildings with sleek, modern designs filling every inch of the city. What you find in Oman is the complete opposite. It’s raw and authentic, with swathes of untouched rugged terrain as far as the eye can see. Its natural beauty is intensified by its cultural heritage. If you’re planning to visit this Gulf nation, here’s what you need to know.

Dress Right 

Dress right? What does that mean? In the context of Oman, it means dressing modestly, covering your upper arms and thighs.Female travellers are not expected to cover themselves from head to toe, but they’re expected to dress modestly. Even if you don’t dress ‘right’ for the culture, Omanis are too polite to point it out, but the quality of your interactions with the locals would be affected.Now, don’t think the menfolk are given a pass – they’re supposed to dress right too. It isn’t appropriate to wear tank tops or go shirtless. As for your bottoms, make sure they reach your knees. When visiting mosques, you’re expected to wear full-length trousers.Unless you’re swimming in your resort’s swimming pool, avoid wearing swimming costumes.

Image via Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Language 

Oman is home to a diverse population, so you’ll hear many different languages. However, Arabic is the official language, and English is spoken by many too, especially in cities and tourist areas. Tour guides speak good English, so you won’t have trouble talking to them. If you stay at an Oman resort, you can expect the staff to converse in English too, particularly in five-star accommodations such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, where the staff often go above and beyond to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Hospitality 

Omani people are known to be exceedingly welcoming. They might extend invitations for a cup of coffee or dinner. In both cases, it’s polite to say yes, not least because you’ll have a wonderful experience and the opportunity to discover Omani culture.When you visit an Omani home, the host will offer you a cup of coffee with a plate of dates. Omani coffee, brewed with cinnamon or cardamom, is utterly delicious. Remember to use your right hand when touching dates or any other food placed before you. Also, it’s customary to sit on the floor on cushions around small tables when eating. Don’t forget to take a small gift for your Omani host as a token of appreciation – it could be anything that is culturally appropriate and not overly expensive.

Adventure 

Oman is home to diverse, rugged terrain, from mountains to beaches to savannahs, so expect to spend most of your time outdoors – unless you prefer staying indoors enjoying the comforts of your resort. Most visitors, however, spend a larger part of their holiday on road trips, discovering lagoons, mountains, beaches, wildlife, and valleys dotted with freshwater pools. Camping is a popular activity. Most tourists go wild camping, and guided camping excursions are offered too. 

Weather 

Generally speaking, Oman experiences a hot desert climate, but there may be surprises depending on the region and the time. If you intend to go camping on beaches or in low-lying valleys, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. These regions are prone to flash floods. Due to rising temperatures, coastal regions experience more cyclones than before. There may be flooding, landfall, and heavy winds.As for the best time to visit, it’s generally best to avoid the summer months from April to September, unless you’re planning to visit the mountainous regions, where the climate is much cooler, even during the summer months.When it’s hot, it’s really hot, with temperatures often going above 40 degrees. In the southern region, the monsoon season is from June to September, which is a blessed relief after the summer months.The winter months, from October to March, are typically bearable, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees.It’s wise to check the weather and consider the activities you want to do when planning your Omani trip. While the summer months are extremely hot, most tourists still visit to enjoy the discounted accommodation rates.