Oman Tours

Modest dress is expected, especially at religious sites, where shoulders and legs should be covered — pack a scarf for mosque visits. Cotton shirts or t-shirts paired with long pants or an ankle-length skirt work well; avoid short or body-revealing clothing, particularly for women.

You'll also see Omani men in the traditional dishdasha (a long robe) with a kumah cap, and women in colorful dresses with a matching scarf and black abaya, visitors are welcome, but not required, to wear traditional dress.

• Hiking pants
• comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• Breathable cotton or natural-fiber tops that cover the shoulders
• Scarf for mosque visits are all worth packing

Yes, Oman is regarded as one of the safest countries in the region, with low crime rates and an efficient, honest police force. The main safety consideration for visitors isn't crime but the roads: Oman has one of the highest traffic accident rates in the world, and pedestrians are rarely given the right of way, even at crossings, so extra caution is needed around traffic.

Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for solo female travelers, with strict laws contributing to a very low crime rate.

Omanis are generally hospitable, but it's polite to ask permission before photographing someone, particularly in more traditional or rural areas.

Alcohol is available at licensed hotels and restaurants. Residents can obtain a home drinking license from the Royal Oman Police, but drinking or appearing drunk in public is an offense — so alcohol should be enjoyed in licensed venues only.

Oman is home to around 22 snake species, most of which are harmless; the cobra, vipers and sea snakes are the ones to watch for. Bites are uncommon, but it's sensible to wear proper footwear on desert and wadi hikes.

Only if you plan to self-drive; if you're joining a guided tour, private transport is arranged for you.

A week is a good starting point to see key highlights and relax a little, though the right length depends on what you want to experience, we're happy to recommend a longer itinerary if you'd like to explore more of the desert, coast and mountains.

Ramadan's dates shift each year based on the lunar calendar and last around 29–30 days; our travel advisors can confirm the exact dates for your travel window. During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is discouraged out of respect for those fasting, and some restaurants adjust their daytime hours, yet no worries, our team can help you plan around this.

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely understood, especially in Muscat and other tourist areas. Due to Oman's diverse population, you'll also hear Swahili, Urdu and Hindi in some communities. Tourism professionals are well used to assisting visitors who don't speak Arabic.

Oman is home to Ibadhism, its predominant branch of Islam, alongside Sunni and Shi’a communities. Islamic traditions, including Ramadan, are an important part of daily life, so visitors should be mindful of local customs and practices.

Oman is known for its clean sea air, dramatic desert and mountain landscapes, and Muscat's atmospheric souks and seafood, don't leave without trying Omani halwa, a beloved local sweet.

Oman offers a delicious mix of traditional flavors and fresh local ingredients. During your tour, try shuwa, slow-cooked meat prepared for special occasions; majboos, a fragrant rice dish with meat or seafood; and Omani halwa, a popular sweet often served with coffee. Fresh seafood, dates and traditional Omani bread are also worth trying.

Oman's climate is consistently sunny, hot and dry, with summer temperatures reaching up to 49°C and much milder winters. Rainfall is minimal, locals joke it only rains twice a year, so pack for heat and sun rather than rain.

Oman sits on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It covers around 309,500 sq. km, making it the 70th-largest country in the world, plenty of ground for varied landscapes, from coastline to mountains to desert.

Muscat is Oman's capital and largest city, and the seat of the Governorate of Muscat.

Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Its empire once stretched down Africa's east coast by the 18th century, and in 1970, Sultan Qaboos bin Said renamed the country from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman to simply Oman, marking a new era of development.

Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world, and its official name is the Sultanate of Oman. It's home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Bahla Fort and the ancient irrigation system known as the Aflaj. Unlike many of its Gulf neighbors, Oman has largely avoided mass high-rise development, keeping much of its historic architecture, including thousands of traditional forts and watchtowers, intact.

Nizwa Fort is one of the most visited, known for its cylindrical tower and hilltop views. Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most significant in the country. In Muscat itself, Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts guard the harbor entrance, while Nakhal Fort is known for its dramatic mountain backdrop.

Yes, Oman has five, including the Bahla Fort, the archaeological sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn, the Land of Frankincense in Dhofar, the Aflaj irrigation systems, and the ancient city of Qalhat.

Yes, Oman's mix of beaches, wildlife encounters (such as turtle watching in Ras Al Jinz) and manageable adventure activities like sandboarding and easy wadi swims make it well suited to travelers with children, alongside its low crime rate.

Oman's coastline offers excellent diving, particularly around the Daymaniyat Islands near Muscat, known for coral reefs, turtles and reef sharks. Musandam in the north, sometimes called the "Norway of Arabia," is also popular for diving and dolphin watching.

Frankincense and its burners are among Oman's most iconic souvenirs, along with Omani halwa, silver khanjar daggers, handwoven textiles, and pottery from towns like Bahla. Muscat's Mutrah Souk is one of the best places to shop for these.

Oman uses the British-style three-pin plug (Type G) and runs on 240V. If you're traveling from a country with a different plug type or voltage, bring a suitable adapter.

Oman doesn't require proof of travel insurance for entry, but we strongly recommend it, particularly given the amount of driving and outdoor activity (wadi trips, desert excursions, hiking) involved in most Oman itineraries. Insurance covering medical evacuation is worth prioritizing given the more remote areas some tours visit.

US dollars aren't used directly for purchases, but they're easy to exchange at banks, hotels and money-changer counters throughout the country, including at the airport on arrival. Money changers typically offer a slightly better rate than banks, so it's worth changing a portion of your cash there rather than relying solely on your hotel.

Muscat rewards a couple of days of exploring on its own. Highlights include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the waterfront Al Alam Palace, Mutrah Souk for spices and handicrafts, and the Royal Opera House Muscat. The Muscat Gate Museum is a good stop for context on the city's history before heading further into the country.

Tipping isn't obligatory, but it's appreciated and increasingly common in tourist-facing businesses. A rough guide is 10% at restaurants if a service charge isn't already included, and a small tip for drivers and tour guides is a nice gesture for good service.

Within Muscat, taxis and the Careem app cover most needs, and rideshare/taxi payment by card is now available at the airport and increasingly across the city. For exploring beyond Muscat — deserts, wadis and mountain roads, a private driver or guided tour is the easiest and safest option, since many of the best sites are unmarked or require 4x4 access.