Oman tours & travel

Oman is made up of the local Arab population and immigrants from South Asia and Africa. Actually, over a third of the country’s population are migrants. About 90% of all people in Oman are Muslim, and the Omani majority belong to the Ibadhi sect which is dominant in the region. Although Oman is a modern country, the people still cling to their traditions. Omani men tend to wear the long robe (dishdasha) and women wear a headscarf (hijab) and cloak (abaya). Omanis value hospitality and eagerly welcome guests with coffee and treats. 

Oman sits on the very tip of the Arabian Peninsula, next to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The large central region of the country is a desert plain, and the coasts are mountainous. Oman neighbours with the Golf of Oman in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east. The main mountain range is Al Hajar, providing picturesque scenery leading into the central desert. Oman has a hot and dry climate across most of the country except on the coast where the weather is humid. Oman is home to some of the regions most exotic animals such as the white oryx and the green turtle. 

While Oman has plenty of malls and high-end boutiques, it also has classic Arabic markets or souqs.  Your Oman tour will give you the chance to buy authentic souvenirs from the locals, including garments, jewellery and more. You might like to take a traditional coffee pot or dallah back with you. These elegant vessels are typically made from silver or bronze and are used to make Arabic coffee. You’ll also find attractive incense burners and high quality essences such as frankincense. Perhaps the most iconic Omani souvenir is the curved dagger or khanjar, which is made with beautiful ornate designs. 

Muscat Festival

This festival features both sport and cultural performances, bringing together Oman’s citizens, expats and tourists alike. It’s considered a multicultural event celebrating the different people who call Oman home.

Salalah Tourism Festival

When monsoon season hits, the Omani hold their greatest festival. It involves sports, cultural performances, art, as well as shopping and contests for the attendees. 

Take the opportunity to taste some local cuisine while on your Oman tour. Omani like to have their main meal in the middle of the day and eat a light dinner. Try a typical dish of harees (wheat mixed with pieces of meat) or machos (rice topped with spicy meat). Other typical eats include kebabs (grilled curry-flavoured meats) and mashuai (spit roasted kingfish). Strong coffee, which is usually served at the end of the meal, is spiced with cardamom and served in small cups, either with dates or sweet halva. 

• Sultan in Oman by Jan Morris
• The Sultan’s Shadow by Christian Bird
• Atlantis of the Sands: The Search for the Lost City of Ubar by Ranulph Fiennes
• Arabian Sands by Wilfred Thesiger