Life and People

People in Oman are generally very courteous and polite and the traditional Arab forms of greeting are widely observed. It is therefore good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting Omanis for the first time or after a long interval. Similarly, in the mornings a simple 'Good Morning' greeting to Omani colleagues and staff is customary. However, it is not traditional that men exchange hand shakes with Omani women. It is never productive to show anger or irritation in inter-personal dealings and the use of immoderate language should be avoided.

In the main, life in Oman is very easy and open. There are almost no restrictions on where one is allowed to go and women can feel completely free and safe to walk and drive around, visit shops or roam around the interesting locations such as the souqs. The roads are safe, the neighbourhoods nice, the weather (especially during the winter months) is perfect, and all of this in a country which has not lost its true Arabic character.

Oman being a Muslim country, it is very important that visitors should respect the local customs and particularly that women show discretion by not wearing 'skimpy' sun-dresses, miniskirts, shorts, tight clothes, halter or low-necked dresses and sleeveless tops with large armholes in public places, e.g. the supermarkets, shops, offices and on the streets. The most suitable wear in public is dresses which cover the shoulders, are not low-cut and which are of knee length or longer, or trousers and tops. 

The wearing of shorts or beachwear by men or women away from the beach or swimming pool will cause offence and should therefore be avoided. Care should be taken to ensure that expatriates do not cause offence through their use of alcohol. 

In particular, alcoholic drinks should not be consumed in public places other than the recreation centres or licensed restaurants and hotels and, even there, no drinks should be offered to local people. However, careful attention has to be paid to ensure that they do not offend local customs, particularly in relation to alcohol, dress and behaviour in public.

National Day Celebrations

Oman celebrates its National Day in November.