Asia · Western Asia

Oman

Sultanate of Oman

Flag of Oman
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+04:00
🏛️ Capital
Muscat
👥 Population
5,343,630
📐 Area
309,500 km²
💱 Currency
Omani rial (ر.ع.)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic
📞 Calling Code
+968
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+04:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia

About Oman

Oman is the Arabian Peninsula's best-kept secret — a country of breathtaking natural beauty, warm traditional hospitality, and a depth of history that most visitors never suspect when they first arrive. While neighbouring Gulf states have built their identities around modern skylines and luxury retail, Oman has charted a different course: preserving its ancient forts, mountain villages, and desert traditions while modernising thoughtfully and sustainably. The result is an authenticity that is increasingly rare in the region and deeply rewarding for the curious traveller.

The geography of Oman is one of the most varied in the Arab world. The dramatic Hajar Mountains rise sharply from the coast, their ancient terraced villages and dramatic canyon roads offering some of the finest driving and hiking in the region. Wadi Shab, a gorge of deep turquoise pools accessible only by a short boat crossing, is one of the Arabian Peninsula's most spectacular natural swimming spots. The Wahiba Sands — an ocean of red and orange dunes rolling to the horizon — offers classic desert camping and camel encounters, while the southern province of Dhofar, transformed each monsoon season into a lush green landscape unlike anywhere else in Arabia, draws visitors with its frankincense groves and ancient trading history.

Muscat, the capital, is a city of low white buildings spread beneath ochre mountains, with a magnificent waterfront corniche, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — one of the most beautiful in the world — and a souk culture centred on frankincense, silver jewellery, and the distinctive curved khanjar daggers that are a symbol of Omani identity. The legacy of Sultan Qaboos, who led a peaceful renaissance of the country from 1970 to 2020, is visible everywhere — in the hospitals, roads, schools, and cultural institutions that transformed one of the world's poorest countries into a stable, educated, and proud modern state.

History & Background

Oman has been inhabited for at least ten thousand years and was a centre of frankincense production and trade for much of recorded history. The ancient land of Magan — corresponding to modern Oman — supplied copper and diorite to Mesopotamia by 3000 BC, and the Dhofar region was the heart of the legendary "Land of Frankincense," supplying the precious resin to the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Rome, and the Arabian Peninsula. Falaj irrigation systems, some dating back more than three thousand years, still channel mountain water to Omani farms today — a feat of ancient hydraulic engineering recognised by UNESCO.

The arrival of Islam in the seventh century AD brought Oman into the wider Islamic world, and the country soon developed the distinctive Ibadi school of Islam — neither Sunni nor Shia, but following a third tradition rooted in early Islamic theology and emphasising justice, modesty, and good governance. The Omani maritime empire at its peak in the nineteenth century included Zanzibar, parts of coastal Kenya, the Malabar Coast of India, and the approaches to the Persian Gulf, making Muscat one of the Indian Ocean's great trading powers. When Sultan Qaboos bin Said came to power in 1970, he found a country with only three hospitals, a handful of schools, and minimal infrastructure. In fifty years, he built a modern state without sacrificing the cultural soul that makes Oman extraordinary.

Culture & People

Omani culture is one of the most genuinely hospitable in the world — a culture in which welcoming a stranger is not merely a social nicety but a moral obligation rooted in Islamic faith and centuries of trading tradition. You will be offered Omani coffee (qahwa) — flavoured with cardamom and saffron — and dates almost everywhere you go, from a government office to a roadside fuel station. Dress and behaviour are conservative by regional standards; Omanis take quiet pride in their traditions and expect visitors to engage respectfully. The khanjar dagger worn on the ceremonial dress of Omani men is a symbol of honour, courage, and national identity.

Oman's cultural heritage spans three thousand years of seafaring, trade, and empire. At its height in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Omani Empire controlled the coastline of East Africa including Zanzibar and the island ports of the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, making Muscat one of the most cosmopolitan trading cities of the pre-modern world. This maritime heritage has produced a rich tradition of dhow building, navigational knowledge, and a cuisine and culture that blends Arab, Persian, East African, and Indian influences in ways that are uniquely Omani. Traditional arts — weaving, silversmithing, and the poetry of tribal storytelling — are actively maintained and taught to new generations.

Food & Cuisine

Omani cuisine reflects the country's position at the crossroads of the Arab, Indian, Persian, and East African culinary worlds — a rich, spiced cooking tradition that is subtly different from the food of neighbouring Gulf states and deeply tied to the frankincense trade that defined Oman's historical identity. Shuwa is the most iconic Omani dish: whole lamb marinated for two days in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked overnight in an underground sand oven, producing meat of extraordinary tenderness typically served on feast days and Eid celebrations. Majboos — fragrant rice cooked with meat, dried limes, and spices — is the everyday celebration dish equivalent to the Gulf biryani, eaten at Friday family lunches across the country.

Mashakik — spiced meat skewers grilled over charcoal and eaten with flatbread, raw onion, and tomato — are a popular street food alongside halwa, Oman's distinctive gelatinous sweet made with rosewater, saffron, and almonds that is the essential accompaniment to qahwa coffee. Muscat's restaurant scene has grown rapidly, with excellent Indian and Pakistani restaurants reflecting the large South Asian population, Lebanese grills, and a growing number of chefs working with traditional Omani ingredients in contemporary presentations. Seafood is outstanding: grilled hamour (grouper) with lemon and Omani spices, lobster from the Musandam peninsula, and shark along the Dhofar coast are all worth seeking out.

Top Attractions

  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat — One of the world's most magnificent mosques, open to non-Muslim visitors in the morning; the main prayer hall houses the world's largest hand-woven carpet and a spectacular crystal chandelier.
  • Wadi Shab — A breathtaking gorge of turquoise pools, waterfalls, and towering limestone walls reached by a short boat crossing, with a hidden cave swimming hole at its innermost point.
  • Wahiba Sands (Sharqiyah Sands) — An ocean of red and golden dunes offering camel riding, dune bashing, Bedouin camp nights, and some of the most spectacular stargazing in Arabia.
  • Nizwa Fort and Souk — The historic capital of Oman's interior, with a massive circular tower fort and a traditional souk famous for silver jewellery, khanjars, and Friday morning goat and cattle markets.
  • Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) — A dramatically scenic plateau in the Western Hajar at 2,000 metres altitude, famous for rose water, pomegranates, terraced villages, and dramatic canyon rim walks.
  • Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve — A protected beach where thousands of endangered green turtles nest annually; nocturnal guided visits offer a humbling encounter with one of nature's great dramas.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Dress modestly outside of hotel pools and beaches — covering shoulders and knees is appropriate and respectful in cities, souks, and religious sites.
  • Oman is a conservative country — public displays of affection are inappropriate, and alcohol is only available in licensed hotel bars and restaurants.
  • A 4WD rental is highly recommended for exploring wadis, the Hajar Mountains, and desert areas; many of the best attractions are reached via off-road tracks.
  • Renting a car and self-driving is easy and rewarding — roads are well-maintained and signposted in Arabic and English, and traffic is generally orderly.
  • Carry cash in Omani rials for smaller establishments and rural areas; international cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels.
  • Photography of government buildings, military installations, and people without permission is prohibited — always ask before photographing individuals.
  • The Omani Rial is one of the world's highest-valued currencies — Oman is generally more affordable than its Gulf neighbours but international hotel rates are still significant.

Visa Overview

Oman has significantly expanded its visa-free access in recent years. Citizens of many countries — including the UK, EU member states, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most GCC nations — can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa online before departure, valid for up to 30 days and extendable. The online e-visa portal on the Royal Oman Police website is the simplest option and can be processed within 24 to 48 hours. Citizens of some nationalities must obtain a visa through an Omani embassy before travel — always verify the current list before booking your flights.

Getting Around

Muscat International Airport is the main hub, with connections to major cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa via Oman Air and international carriers. A second international airport at Salalah serves the southern region. Within Oman, renting a car is by far the best option — roads are excellent and the country's landscape rewards an unhurried road trip. Public buses (Mwasalat) connect major cities cheaply. Taxis are metered in Muscat but agree on a price before departure elsewhere. Shared taxis and microbuses serve inter-city routes at very low fares but run on no fixed schedule.

Safety Notes

Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East and globally, with extremely low crime rates and a strong culture of hospitality toward visitors. The main risks are environmental: desert heat can be extreme from May to September outside Dhofar, requiring ample water and sun protection. Flash floods in wadis can occur with no warning during rain — never enter a wadi during or after a storm. Driving on off-road tracks requires experience and a well-equipped 4WD. Check your government's travel advisory before visiting border regions near Yemen.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Oman.

Omani rial (OMR) ر.ع.
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 36.246749
AAVE 0.029403
ADA 13.841041
AED 9.541948
AFN 165.191814
AGIX 33.302034
AKT 4.142556
ALGO 29.024632
ALL 212.979708
AMD 956.066073
AMP 5,825.060567
ANG 4.685470
AOA 2,386.186680
APE 18.534378
APT 4.154474
AR 1.301615
ARB 32.483922
ARS 3,878.003971
ATOM 1.643108
ATS 31.272015
AUD 3.750684
AVAX 0.376334
AWG 4.650807
AXS 2.573068
AZM 22,084.832374
AZN 4.416966
BAKE 3,457.850342
BAM 4.444870
BAT 29.501851
BBD 5.196432
BCH 0.010766
BDT 320.291159
BEF 91.677504
BGN 4.444870
BHD 0.976929
BIF 7,734.906564
BMD 2.598216
BNB 0.004445
BND 3.358213
BOB 17.998255
BRL 13.427799
BSD 2.598216
BSV 0.175981
BSW 7,762.939996
BTC 0.000041
BTCB 49.028529
BTG 9.004220
BTN 247.544610
BTT 9,796,786.504233
BUSD 2.596004
BWP 35.067422
BYN 7.545018
BYR 50,929.951670
BZD 5.232976
CAD 3.692012
CAKE 1.794204
CDF 5,994.715321
CELO 38.673194
CFX 58.074750
CHF 2.090109
CHZ 143.918549
CLP 2,393.475816
CNH 17.645459
CNY 17.638469
COMP 0.155029
COP 8,684.615724
CRC 1,183.972535
CRO 43.468642
CRV 12.153828
CSPR 1,337.822516
CUC 2.598466
CUP 68.859374
CVE 250.602466
CVX 2.160298
CYP 1.330109
CZK 54.966294
DAI 2.599444
DASH 0.073861
DCR 0.234064
DEM 4.444870
DFI 3,127.321708
DJF 462.723761
DKK 16.987687
DOGE 33.621572
DOP 153.986662
DOT 2.978446
DYDX 19.673990
DZD 345.547018
EEK 35.558960
EGLD 0.940064
EGP 127.629488
ENJ 89.777502
EOS 35.871115
ERN 38.973239
ESP 378.133145
ETB 415.598998
ETC 0.365827
ETH 0.001461
EUR 2.272626
EURC 2.274281
FEI 2.599139
FIL 3.290592
FIM 13.512420
FJD 5.834313
FKP 1.947299
FLOW 92.713099
FLR 373.794795
FRAX 2.626506
FRF 14.907449
FTT 10.907877
GALA 1,134.138494
GBP 1.947299
GEL 6.824333
GGP 1.947299
GHC 295,182.720588
GHS 29.518272
GIP 1.947299
GMD 191.603689
GMX 0.438440
GNF 22,779.958564
GNO 0.024715
GRD 774.397300
GRT 136.946174
GT 0.383251
GTQ 19.832305
GUSD 2.601647
GYD 543.846342
HBAR 34.408974
HKD 20.377911
HNL 69.560028
HNT 10.842224
HOT 7,200.028340
HRK 17.123100
HT 72.517533
HTG 340.092555
HUF 803.607523
ICP 1.178647
IDR 46,748.392288
IEP 1.789838
ILS 7.804168
IMP 1.947299
IMX 18.805383
INJ 0.531821
INR 247.544610
IQD 3,406.764829
IRR 3,575,360.560142
ISK 327.261648
ITL 4,400.417492
JEP 1.947299
JMD 411.616072
JOD 1.842135
JPY 420.520581
KAS 84.700438
KAVA 57.586053
KCS 0.359886
KDA 445.782076
KES 335.925504
KGS 227.250953
KHR 10,418.407719
KMF 1,118.058686
KNC 23.308872
KPW 2,338.621140
KRW 3,982.700817
KSM 0.737345
KWD 0.806225
KYD 2.161510
KZT 1,228.288486
LAK 58,743.184588
LBP 233,328.657131
LDO 9.618316
LEO 0.277596
LINK 0.325386
LKR 870.129885
LRC 211.467992
LRD 471.898286
LSL 42.230854
LTC 0.057559
LTL 7.846923
LUF 91.677504
LUNA 52.907231
LUNC 42,319.550588
LVL 1.597202
LYD 16.665909
MAD 24.328770
MANA 37.339900
MBX 103.310443
MDL 45.731524
MGA 11,025.600042
MGF 55,128.000208
MINA 54.804590
MKD 139.997722
MKR 0.001814
MMK 5,454.503842
MNT 9,312.365814
MOP 20.989248
MRO 1,037.650331
MRU 103.765033
MTL 0.975638
MUR 122.133495
MVR 40.166827
MWK 4,506.959686
MXN 45.415046
MXV 5.149644
MYR 10.593599
MZM 165,938.968452
MZN 165.938968
NAD 42.230854
NEAR 1.304015
NEO 1.313553
NEXO 3.377380
NFT 9,803,838.609874
NGN 3,560.281328
NIO 95.642584
NLG 5.008209
NOK 25.557160
NPR 396.257035
NZD 4.566758
OKB 0.032575
ONE 2,078.707733
OP 24.167796
ORDI 0.800399
PAB 2.598216
PAXG 0.000626
PEN 8.847660
PEPE 952,579.843077
PGK 11.430302
PHP 159.823804
PI 22.967949
PKR 722.848977
PLN 9.755613
POL 35.329549
PTE 455.620600
PYG 15,803.979484
QAR 9.457506
QNT 0.038806
QTUM 3.655112
ROL 118,767.651079
RON 11.876765
RPL 1.283271
RSD 266.560786
RUB 200.212467
RUNE 6.282535
RVN 681.747754
RWF 3,808.649167
SAND 52.075325
SAR 9.743310
SBD 21.024920
SCR 37.127972
SDD 155,956.668090
SDG 1,559.566681
SEK 25.080146
SGD 3.358213
SHIB 593,432.879056
SHP 1.947299
SIT 544.612088
SKK 68.465130
SLE 59.343123
SLL 59,343.122823
SNX 11.346587
SOL 0.032201
SOS 1,483.687133
SPL 0.433036
SRD 97.808845
SRG 97,808.845478
SSP 12,339.410558
STD 56,092.503598
STN 56.092504
STX 15.194620
SUI 3.477762
SVC 22.734389
SYP 287.214000
SZL 42.230854
THB 86.365417
THETA 18.520942
TJS 24.083600
TMM 45,588.171000
TMT 9.117634
TND 7.659380
TOP 6.257303
TRL 121,636,639.349148
TRX 7.911670
TRY 121.636639
TTD 17.605476
TUSD 2.603658
TVD 3.750684
TWD 83.377372
TWT 7.557992
TZS 6,827.095476
UAH 115.791028
UGX 9,495.220445
UNI 0.822105
USD 2.598216
USDC 2.599019
USDD 2.600856
USDP 2.606075
USDT 2.601020
UYU 104.575762
UZS 31,094.921840
VAL 4,400.417492
VEB 167,439,045,686.4885
VED 1,674.241386
VEF 167,424,138.628837
VES 1,674.241386
VET 550.765356
VND 68,333.626480
VUV 312.284583
WAVES 9.777674
WEMIX 10.035717
WOO 219.432976
WST 7.186178
XAF 1,490.744915
XAG 0.042080
XAU 0.000624
XAUT 0.000626
XBT 0.000041
XCD 7.033043
XCG 4.685470
XCH 1.648626
XDC 92.468208
XDR 1.916411
XEC 489,130.370472
XEM 6,069.295475
XLM 13.014600
XMR 0.008029
XOF 1,490.744915
XPD 0.002045
XPF 271.196417
XPT 0.001587
XRP 2.269640
XTZ 10.441919
YER 615.760126
ZAR 42.230854
ZEC 0.005705
ZIL 842.263784
ZMK 47,675.468245
ZMW 47.675468
ZWD 940.294345
ZWG 69.693448
ZWL 174,144.705006

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Cities in Oman 230
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'Ibri ‘Uwaynat al Murrah Ad Dashshah Al `Arja' Al Banah Al Bidi Al Buday‘ah Al Hajar Al Harim Al Harmali Al Hiyal Al Juwaif Al Juwayn Al khuwair Al Mandil Al Qafsah Al Qaryah al-Buraymi al-Khaburah al-Masna'ah al-Mudaybi Ar Rawḑah ar-Rustaq As Sa‘af As Sabghah As Sumayni as-Sib as-Suwayq Ash Sharm Ash Shiyah Ash Shuwayhah Az Zahir Az̧ Z̧ahrah Azaiba Bahla' Barkah Bawshar Bayl Dar al Bayda' Dar al Qil Dayqarah Falaj al Majaji`ah Far‘ Fulayj Fulayj al Mashayikh Hajar Bani Hamid حجر بني حميد Harat al Hawatim Harat az Zaharah Hayl Kalabi Hazm Qāshi‘ Ibra Jafr an Nudūd Janah Khasab Kubarah Luhsayyah Madinat Qabus Majhal Majzi Masqat Matrah Misfāt al Haţāţilah Musabihiyah Muscat Muţayd Muttrah Nizwa Qurayyat Qurm Rayy Rusayl Ruwi Saham Salalah Sayḥ Ẓahar al Khārij Shakhbūţ Shinas Shiyah Shūh Sidr al Ḩawājir Sitāl Suhar Sumayl Şunaybi‘ Sur Suri Thaqib Wadi Al Kabir Zahrat as Salam Zikt أبو بقرة أدم أسود إبراء إزكي الأنصب البداية البريمي الثرمد الجادي الجراديّة الجفنين الحائمة الحاجر الحارة الحرف الحمراء الحمرية الحويلات الحيل الشمالية الخابورة الخوض الخوير الدقم الرستاق الرسيل الروضة السّنادل السنينة السويق السّيح السيق الشرية الشعبية الشويمية الصّباخ الصويحرة العامرات العقر الغبرة الجنوبية الغبرة الشمالية الغونة الفليج القرم القطّارة الكامل و الوافي الكحل المزيونة المصنعة المضيبي المعبيلة الجنوبية الملدة الموالح الجنوبية الموالح الشمالية الوادي الكبير الوديات الوطية بخا بدبد بدية بركاء بلاد بني بو علي بهلاء بوشر بويدر بيت الفلج ثمريت حجر بني حميد حفيت حفيت حلف حي العرفان خصب خضراوين دارسيت دبا رأس الحد روضة روي زغي سداب سمائل سمد الشأن سناو سوق السيب سيما شار الدّار شعاب السّحار شليم شناص صحار صحم صلالة صور ضنك طاقة طوي بنت راشد ظهير سيح الظّاهر عبري عز عصي غضفان غلا غلّان الغزار غمضاء فرق فزح فلج الشام فلج القبائل فنجاء قدى قريات كحل كمزار لزق لوى ليماء مجيس محضة مدحاء مدينة الحق مدينة السلطان قابوس مدينة الطيب مرباط مرتفعات القرم مرتفعات المطار مسقط مشيحطان مطرح معمورة منح ميتن نخل نزوى هرويب هيماء وادي المعاول ولاية العوابي يتي ينقل

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Oman needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Oman?
The capital of Oman is Muscat.
What currency does Oman use?
Oman uses the Omani rial (ر.ع.) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Oman?
The official language(s) of Oman include Arabic.
What is the population of Oman?
Oman has a population of approximately 5,343,630 people.
What region is Oman in?
Oman is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Oman?
The international dialing code for Oman is +968.
What time zones does Oman observe?
Oman observes the following time zone(s): UTC+04:00.
What is the current time in Oman?
The local time in Oman is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Oman?
Oman covers a total area of 309,500 km².
How many states or provinces does Oman have?
Oman is divided into 18 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Oman in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Oman in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Oman?
Visa requirements for citizens of Oman vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.