Oman

Oman is quiet, welcoming and spectacular, with rugged mountains, turquoise wadis, Arabian Sea beaches and a long seafaring history. Tourism is gentle, and villages and souqs still feel authentic.

Why it is on my list

Turquoise wadis, empty desert and a coast nobody talks about. It is the Arabian Peninsula without the crowds, where you can swim in a canyon pool in the morning and watch dunes glow at night.

Best time to go

• October to April: warm, dry and ideal for most of the country.

• May to September: extremely hot in Muscat and the interior.

• Salalah: khareef monsoon season from about June to September turns the south green and misty.

• Wadis: flash floods can happen after rain. Check conditions before hiking.

• Crowds: light all year, with some peaks around national holidays.

Where to stay

• Muscat: the capital, with coastal hotels and the Mutrah Corniche. The Al Bustan Palace is a famous beachfront resort.

• Jebel Akhdar: mountain retreats, rose farms and terraced villages.

• Nizwa: the historic inland city and its fort.

• Wahiba Sands: desert camps for dune nights.

• Salalah: beaches and frankincense country.

Getting there and around

• Airports: Muscat International (MCT) and Salalah (SLL).

• From the US: connect via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Europe.

• Internal: renting a car is the best way. Roads are good, and a 4x4 helps for dunes and wadis. Domestic flights go to Salalah and Khasab.

• Permits: no special permits for most sights. Some wadis charge small entrance fees.

What to eat

• Shuwa: lamb slow cooked underground in spices, often for festivals.

• Majboos: spiced rice with meat or fish.

• Mashuai: grilled kingfish with lemon rice.

• Harees: a wheat and meat porridge.

• Omani halwa: sticky sweet with rosewater and nuts.

• Mishkak: grilled skewers at street stands.

What to drink

• Kahwa: Omani coffee with cardamom, served with dates.

• Karak chai: strong spiced milk tea.

• Laban: salty buttermilk, refreshing in heat.

• Fresh juices: mango, pomegranate and lime mint.

• Alcohol: available only in licensed hotels and some restaurants.

Don't miss

• Wadi Shab: swim through turquoise pools to a hidden waterfall.

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: one of the largest in the world and open to visitors.

• Nizwa Fort and souq: the Friday livestock market is lively.

• Wahiba Sands: dune drives and a night in the desert.

• Jebel Shams: the Grand Canyon of Arabia, with rim walks.

• Ras al Jinz: watch turtles nest and hatch, season dependent.

• Mutrah Souq: frankincense, silver and textiles.

Day trips and side trips

• Wadi Bani Khalid: turquoise pools and easy walking.

• Bimmah Sinkhole: a swimming hole near the coast.

• Musandam: fjord like dhow cruises, near the Strait of Hormuz.

• Salalah: the Land of Frankincense and green khareef.

• Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle: UNESCO listed and historic.

Festivals and events

• Muscat Festival: usually in winter, with cultural shows.

• Salalah Tourism Festival: usually during khareef, June to September.

• National Day: November 18.

• Royal Opera House Muscat: concerts and opera through the season.

Music and dance

• Razha: traditional sword and drum dance.

• Liwa and Tanbura: East African influenced drum traditions of the coast.

• Royal Opera House performances: classical and Arabic music.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Oman is quiet and low key, centered on dining, sea breezes and hotel venues. Expect lounges rather than clubs.

• When people go out: dinner at 8 or 9. Hotel bars close by midnight or 1.

• Where the action is: hotel venues in Muscat and the Shatti Al Qurum beach area.

• Good to know: drinking in public is illegal, and drunk driving is prohibited.

Photography spots

• Wadi Shab: turquoise pools framed by cliffs.

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: chandeliers and courtyards.

• Wahiba Sands: dunes at sunrise.

• Jebel Shams: canyon edges at golden hour.

• Drones: require permits from civil aviation and are banned near sensitive sites. Check before flying.

Cost of living

• Overall: $$ to $$$ versus New York.

• Coffee: $3 to $5.

• Local lunch: $4 to $8.

• Dinner for two: $30 to $70.

• Beer: $7 to $10 in hotels.

• Mid range hotel: $90 to $180 per night.

• Daily budget: $110 to $200, plus a rental car.

Rental cars and alcohol are the main extras. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

• Wi-Fi: reliable in Muscat and good mobile data.

• Coworking: a few in Muscat.

• Time zone: 8 hours ahead of US Eastern in summer, 9 in winter.

• Longer stays: tourist visas cover short stays, and longer stays need a residence permit.

• Nomad rating: 2/5.

Good to know

• Language: Arabic. English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Omani rial, worth about 2.60 dollars.

• Plugs: Type G, 240V.

• Entry for US citizens: short stays are often visa free or by e-visa. Check current rules.

• Getting around apps: Otaxi and Uber in Muscat.

• Tipping: 10 percent where no service charge is included.

• Water: tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled is common.

• SIM/eSIM: Omantel and Ooredoo. eSIMs work.

Useful phrases

• Marhaba: hello.

• Shukran: thank you.

• Afwan: you are welcome.

• Kaif halak: how are you.

• Yalla: let us go.

Meeting people

• Social scene: polite, reserved and genuinely welcoming.

• Apps: Meetup and expat Facebook groups in Muscat.

• Etiquette: dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees. Remove shoes at mosques and when invited indoors.

• Stay smart: ask before photographing people, especially women.

Staying safe

• Overall: Oman is very safe, with low crime.

• Wadis: avoid hiking in rain or when storms are forecast.

• Heat: carry water, and avoid midday outdoors in summer.

• Driving: watch for camels and speed cameras.