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: 2026-08-21
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 29.229795
AAVE 0.026251
ADA 12.687369
AED 9.544077
AFN 171.505897
AGIX 41.607963
AKT 4.954193
ALGO 29.625444
ALL 205.967700
AMD 947.596768
AMP 6,522.768032
ANG 4.688308
AOA 2,385.528302
APE 19.705864
APT 4.513442
AR 1.260566
ARB 28.475770
ARS 3,890.986127
ATOM 1.717398
ATS 30.588796
AUD 3.645344
AVAX 0.358499
AWG 4.651844
AXS 2.675009
AZM 22,089.764162
AZN 4.417953
BAKE 3,473.528338
BAM 4.347760
BAT 39.021812
BBD 5.197592
BCH 0.011533
BDT 317.885114
BEF 89.674570
BGN 4.347760
BHD 0.977147
BIF 7,735.049704
BMD 2.598796
BNB 0.003924
BND 3.301568
BOB 30.009975
BRL 13.500883
BSD 2.598796
BSV 0.160871
BSW 6,959.339422
BTC 0.000035
BTG 5.528902
BTN 248.796537
BTT 9,172,069.373090
BUSD 2.598483
BWP 34.930217
BYN 7.913176
BYR 50,932.019312
BZD 5.234122
CAD 3.579345
CAKE 1.570800
CDF 5,957.733025
CELO 38.380317
CFX 57.733254
CHF 2.077162
CHZ 196.845169
CLP 2,398.033525
CNH 17.472215
CNY 17.470264
COMP 0.136967
COP 7,980.443025
CRC 1,181.170648
CRO 48.421406
CRV 9.102928
CSPR 986.214887
CUC 2.598573
CUP 68.862169
CVE 245.127401
CVX 1.514489
CYP 1.301049
CZK 53.631872
DAI 2.599063
DASH 0.078509
DCR 0.211116
DEM 4.347760
DFI 4,823.371991
DJF 462.892214
DKK 16.618617
DOGE 31.640286
DOP 152.045800
DOT 3.072879
DYDX 22.892641
DZD 345.284407
EEK 34.782082
EGLD 0.869844
EGP 132.222179
ENJ 98.967462
EOS 37.182710
ERN 38.981936
ESP 369.871840
ETB 423.542605
ETC 0.372504
ETH 0.001103
EUR 2.222975
EURC 2.230514
FEI 2.598150
FIL 3.483677
FIM 13.217206
FJD 5.709593
FKP 1.904435
FLOW 89.431538
FLR 373.598200
FRAX 2.618770
FRF 14.581757
FTT 11.949276
GALA 1,600.915866
GBP 1.904435
GEL 6.758219
GGP 1.904435
GHC 288,236.724746
GHS 28.823672
GIP 1.904435
GMD 192.738183
GMX 0.374049
GNF 22,847.125708
GNO 0.021137
GRD 757.478571
GRT 171.909700
GT 0.360882
GTQ 19.836310
GUSD 2.602618
GYD 544.115599
HBAR 35.047607
HKD 20.382135
HNL 69.720211
HNT 14.279090
HOT 7,350.447344
HRK 16.749002
HT 55.269174
HTG 340.400893
HUF 810.601927
ICP 1.089786
IDR 46,113.872474
IEP 1.750735
ILS 7.800846
IMP 1.904435
IMX 23.497957
INJ 0.548293
INR 248.796537
IQD 3,409.346278
IRR 3,571,932.675481
ISK 315.670602
ITL 4,304.278892
JEP 1.904435
JMD 411.625971
JOD 1.842546
JPY 413.095187
KAS 90.277969
KAVA 61.221006
KCS 0.345407
KDA 532.403548
KES 336.365543
KGS 227.519995
KHR 10,460.759765
KLAY 96.300452
KMF 1,093.631778
KNC 23.845387
KPW 2,338.715935
KRW 3,590.465034
KSM 0.813699
KWD 0.801167
KYD 2.161706
KZT 1,187.742371
LAK 58,563.814449
LBP 233,274.896670
LDO 7.654776
LEO 0.279595
LINK 0.241233
LKR 858.467556
LRC 320.358193
LRD 471.863744
LSL 41.848777
LTC 0.054001
LTL 7.675486
LUF 89.674570
LUNA 56.138164
LUNC 48,723.631323
LVL 1.562307
LYD 16.477775
MAD 24.041061
MANA 36.855600
MBX 122.091472
MDL 44.669617
MGA 11,116.364237
MGF 55,581.821183
MINA 55.440178
MKD 137.071076
MKR 0.001727
MMK 5,456.735043
MNT 9,353.561502
MOP 20.993599
MRO 1,037.659211
MRU 103.765921
MTL 0.954323
MUR 121.227696
MVR 40.176280
MWK 4,510.918255
MXN 44.022669
MXV 5.005275
MYR 10.510758
MZM 165,861.621952
MZN 165.861622
NAD 41.848777
NEAR 1.471498
NEO 1.308848
NEXO 3.270277
NFT 9,345,159.161897
NGN 3,509.041699
NIO 95.690218
NLG 4.898791
NOK 24.253513
NPR 398.261057
NZD 4.356446
OKB 0.024201
ONE 3,482.425212
OP 26.831411
ORDI 0.620927
PAB 2.598796
PAXG 0.000575
PEN 8.713682
PEPE 806,385.825407
PGK 11.654751
PHP 160.292604
PI 28.533593
PKR 721.928002
PLN 9.597636
POL 32.151469
PTE 445.666380
PYG 15,668.488911
QAR 9.459617
QNT 0.042018
QTUM 3.193069
ROL 116,733.728893
RON 11.673373
RPL 1.595702
RSD 260.827106
RUB 215.163641
RUNE 5.789042
RVN 857.976684
RWF 3,824.520979
SAND 58.975278
SAR 9.745484
SBD 20.827593
SCR 36.493858
SDD 155,963.355508
SDG 1,559.633555
SEK 24.611676
SGD 3.301568
SHIB 523,506.299007
SHP 1.904435
SIT 532.713616
SKK 66.969331
SLE 59.512507
SLL 59,512.506595
SNX 12.207829
SOL 0.029418
SOS 1,486.046998
SPL 0.433133
SRD 98.277097
SRG 98,277.096858
SSP 14,604.941600
STD 54,918.384389
STN 54.918384
STX 17.500639
SUI 3.510205
SVC 22.739463
SYP 33,786.638280
SZL 41.848777
THB 85.337229
THETA 15.985588
TJS 24.040692
TMM 45,433.042720
TMT 9.086609
TND 7.532967
TOP 6.258551
TRL 124,875,463.980006
TRX 7.685362
TRY 124.875464
TTD 17.628703
TUSD 2.602924
TVD 3.645344
TWD 82.765532
TWT 6.324850
TZS 6,875.476689
UAH 116.075883
UGX 9,665.501693
UNI 0.684468
USD 2.598796
USDC 2.598700
USDD 2.599271
USDP 2.602462
USDT 2.599464
UYU 104.276185
UZS 30,780.887934
VAL 4,304.278892
VEB 201,988,016,683.5307
VED 2,014.282048
VEF 201,428,204.833815
VES 2,014.282048
VET 499.850379
VND 67,671.003222
VUV 308.156785
WAVES 12.619834
WEMIX 13.064477
WOO 223.838558
WST 7.059726
XAF 1,458.175704
XAG 0.037975
XAU 0.000574
XAUT 0.000576
XBT 0.000035
XCD 7.035908
XCG 4.688308
XCH 1.796019
XDC 90.656060
XDR 1.897899
XEC 374,423.395579
XEM 5,664.660632
XLM 14.054924
XMR 0.006242
XOF 1,458.175704
XPD 0.001929
XPF 265.271424
XPT 0.001395
XRP 2.023026
XTZ 11.598080
YER 616.113913
ZAR 41.848777
ZEC 0.004534
ZIL 1,027.450069
ZMK 49,308.806695
ZMW 49.308807
ZWD 940.504182
ZWG 69.207268
ZWL 172,929.876474

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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.