Responsible tourism in Oman
Our Oman Vacations
Oman small group tour
Ancient spice trails, Wahiba Sands, superb coastal scenery
Oman highlights tour
Journey through Oman's ancient cities, mountains and deserts
Oman small group vacation
Be dazzled by the dreamlike world of Oman
Tailor made tours of Oman
Privately escorted mystical trip of stunning Oman
Oman adventure vacation
Explore the dramatic mountains and deserts of Oman
Oman vacations, Arabian sands
Discover Muscat, Wadi Shab & Wahiba Sands
Oman and Zanzibar beach vacation
Muscat Souks followed by stunning Island relaxation
Oman vacation, Forts and Deserts of Oman
Explore the dramatic mountains and deserts of Oman
Luxury culture vacation in Oman
Muscat, Sur and the Bedouin of Wahiba Sands in Oman
Oman small group tour, Oman odyssey
Vibrant souqs, ancient ruins and whimsical wadis
Oman vacation on a shoestring
Rustic excellent value-for-money vacation to Oman
Oman family vacation, private departure
An amazing Oman off road adventure your family wont forget
Oman vacation, Arabian Desert explorer
An expedition into the wild and remote Arabian desert
Oman self drive vacation
Self drive adventure revealing Oman's superb landscapes
Oman cultural tour
Learn about the history & culture of Oman on this 8-day tour
Oman in depth tailor made (shell)
Desert and coastal adventure abound from tip to toe in Oman
Oman cultural adventure tour
Remote mountain villages, desert, wadis, mosques & souks
Exciting family vacation in Oman
A fabulous family vacation experiencing the best of Oman
Oman cycling & trekking vacation
5 night cycling and trekking adventure in Oman
Oman & Dubai vacation, Six Senses Zighy Bay
Dubai city and luxurious relaxation in Oman
Vacation in Oman, Bedouin and fjords of Musandam
Bedouin and the fjords of the Musandam in Oman
Oman tailor made vacation
Stunning Oman mountains and relaxation by the sea
Oman tour, a week in Oman
Oman, the most beautiful of the Gulf States
Diving vacation in Oman
Experience the best diving Oman has to offer
Camping tours to Oman
Travel overland through the desert from Muscat to Salalah.
People & Culture in Oman
Respecting the written & unwritten rules
Oman is touted as being a very liberal country, compared with some of its neighbours. And Oman does have a very cosmopolitan vibe, leading visitors into a false sense of the culture being much more Western, as there are a lot of Western immigrants around, especially in Muscat. But in general, they will know how to behave, and how to respect local traditions. However, in the interior of the country, in particular, people do have very strict codes of conduct, and some tourists still remain blind to this. Women dressing inappropriately is the biggest faux pas. If you cover up properly (including shoulders, neckline and the whole of your arms and legs) and make sure nothing is too tight, you will be treated very differently by local people. Women also need a scarf to cover their heads in mosques. They aren’t provided, but at the Grand Mosque there are lovely women who will show you how to wrap it properly.Having said all that, it is worth noting that women’s rights are stronger in Oman than in neighbouring countries. There are a few women at senior levels of government, there is a high employment rate of women and since 2010 married women can have passports without the consent of their husbands and marry without the consent of their parents. Although these may seem basic, it is put into perspective by pointing out that women have only had the right to vote in Oman since 1994, and this was pioneering, as it was the first Arab country to grant this right. For more information on women’s rights in Oman, see the UNHCR website.
The Omanis are extremely friendly and never criticise or judge. In fact, an Omani can be taken to court for insulting someone. It just isn’t done, and with teasing or wind-ups being part of many European cultures, you will understand why that ‘only joking, mate’ slap on the back attitude doesn’t work here. Rude hand gestures are also illegal, so don’t let road rage get you into trouble. Omanis are very laid back, however, and the last thing they want to do is offend. The most respected person is, of course, the Sultan, whom Omanis feel has done nothing but good for the country, especially when it comes to healthcare and education. So, speaking badly of the Sultan is never done.
Showing intimacy in public is taboo, particularly outside Muscat and Salalah, where even smiling at a member of the opposite sex can be frowned upon. People like to shake hands as a greeting, but never shake hands with someone of the opposite sex unless they offer first. What Omanis do often offer is an invitation into their home, as they love welcoming people in. Bringing a small gift such as dates or honey is a tradition when you are invited, and use only the right hand for accepting and eating food. Always take your shoes off, but avoid showing the soles of your feet, which implies that you think the other person is ‘dirt’. Keep your feet flat on the ground and don’t cross your legs.
“Dress respectfully when visiting local villages, covering elbows and knees, and do not photograph people, particularly women, without permission. You may see them washing their clothes in the river, but please don’t photograph them without their permission. Tourists should avoid going out of the hotel in sleeveless tops and shorts, to show respect to their hosts. During Ramadan it is a courtesy not to sit and eat in front of any local people.”
Wildlife & environment in Oman
Water in the desert
When you look at the gleaming green golf courses and manicured hotel gardens in Oman, you might be forgiven for forgetting that Oman is mostly desert. However, with one of the fastest growing populations in the world, water scarcity is always a scary monster lurking in the corner here. And Oman is a very dry corner. The biggest user of water in Oman is agriculture and, according to the UN, over 80 percent of agricultural land is irrigated with groundwater. So when they ask you to watch your water usage in hotels, they mean it. You may not be able to persuade them to switch off the sprinklers, but you can do your bit in your room.Many people drink bottled water in Oman, even though a 2017 UN report declared that the tap water here is among the world’s best, with 97 percent of it free from contamination. In addition, the recycling of plastic seems to be not only a green issue, but a very grey area. So if you must buy water, buy the biggest size of bottle you can, therefore minimising the amount of plastic you are disposing of. One quirky feature is that it is illegal to drive a dirty car in Oman, so that’s a lot of car washing in a dusty, sandy country, too.
Oman also wetlands, and joined the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands in 2013 with Qurm Nature Reserve designated as its first Ramsar site. However, there is concern that areas attracting important birdlife are now being earmarked for marinas and hotel developments, particularly in the south. Hopefully, the Convention will ensure that wildlife and wilderness is protected forever.
As well as monitoring your water usage carefully, check out a wetland that is really off the tourist trail, despite being in Muscat. Al Ansab is at a sewage treatment site, run by Haya Water, and it is a gem of a place known for western marsh harriers, grebes, sandpipers and so many more. You need to make an appointment to visit it, with details on their wetland website. The Salalah lagoons are also worth visiting. And of course, make sure you bring a refillable water bottle with you or hydration backpack.