Responsible tourism in Oman

One issue that Oman doesn’t have is instability. With conflict and strife hitting many of the Middle Eastern countries, Oman thrives in peacetime. As a relatively new country to tourism it is learning and developing slowly, avoiding most of the trappings of mass tourism for now. However, with tourism being the main industry to replace oil, there is pressure for it to grow, and with the number of tourists in the world growing all the time, there is also pressure for them to open up more and more doors. Continuing to do so responsibly, sustaining a local economy and protecting its natural heritage, from marine to mangrove, wadis to wilderness, will be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.

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.

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.