Фотогалерея ‒ Oman

Guide to Oman

Basic Information

Oman is a country in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Its name comes from the name of an ancient city, now known as Suqar.

In the north, there are several regions separated from the main part of Oman by the territory of the UAE. In the northeast, there is a coastal plain, the most densely populated and developed part of Oman, while a significant area to the west is occupied by the Hajar Mountains, with the highest point reaching over 3,000 meters.

Thus, a vacation in Oman can be very diverse — beaches, mountains, and desert safaris.

Photos of Oman

Capital
Muscat
Language
Arabic
Currency
Omani rial
Time zone
GMT +4
Population
7 199 694
Territory
309,500 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Machboos — flavorful rice with spices and meat, usually chicken or lamb.

Shuwaa — festive slow-roasted meat with a rich, spicy flavor, cooked in an underground oven.

Mashuai — a whole fish roasted on a spit (usually king mackerel), served with lemon rice.

Harees — wheat mixed with meat or chicken and simmered until it becomes a thick paste.

Muqalab — heart, liver, lungs, and tripe cooked with various spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Things to do in to Oman

  • Traveling and spending the night in the desert.
  • Hiking and jeep tours in the mountains.
  • Immerse yourself in the culture at markets and souks.
  • Boat trips, diving, or dolphin watching.
  • Exploring history and architecture—forts, palaces, and ancient buildings.
  • A peaceful vacation on the coast in silence.

Tips

If you are planning a trip to Oman on your own, bring light but modest clothing. In public places and religious areas, it is important to cover your shoulders and knees to respect local customs. Linen and cotton are ideal—they will protect you from the heat and will not cause discomfort.
Drink only bottled water, especially if you are traveling during the hot season or planning trips to desert areas. The climate here is dry and scorching, so you will need water more often than usual. Make sure the bottle is sealed and always keep a supply in your car or backpack in case of a long journey.
If you decide to rent a car, study the road conditions in advance. Elevation changes, sharp turns, and sandy areas require caution. In desert regions, it is best to avoid traveling alone and to check the weather forecast. Keep an eye on your fuel level and make sure you have a supply of water in the car.

Sights

A trip to Oman is an incredible experience and a chance to get to know a region with a completely different culture and architecture. An amazing combination of nature and ancient Arab traditions awaits you. Here you can feel the rhythm of the East without the hustle and bustle, explore canyons, markets, and oases — everything your heart desires. The country reveals itself gradually, but the impressions remain truly vivid.

Tours to Oman

Tours to Oman are extremely diverse. Travelers are offered everything from relaxing beach holidays to active adventures and deep cultural immersion. Along the coast, visitors can enjoy the sea, sunny days, boat trips, diving, or dolphin watching. In the mountains, there are hiking trails, jeep safaris, views of otherworldly canyon landscapes, and breathtaking sunrises.

An overnight stay in the desert provides an unforgettable experience and the chance to see a star-filled sky unlike anything visible in a city. For those who prefer comfort, there is a wide range of accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Historic cities, forts, and traditional souks offer an opportunity to connect with Oman’s cultural heritage, taste local cuisine, and learn about everyday life and traditions.

This diversity makes Oman an attractive destination for family trips, honeymoons, adventure tours, relaxing beach holidays, and gastronomic travel. At the same time, it is impossible to calculate the exact cost of a trip to Oman in advance, as it entirely depends on your plans.

Oman is actively developing its tourism infrastructure, with new accommodation options, high-quality service, and innovative travel formats appearing every year. This allows travelers to experience the country in all its beauty and from many different perspectives. Few destinations offer such a unique combination of experiences in one place. Many consider Oman to be one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East.

Where to go to Oman?

It is worth starting with the capital Muscat — a city on the coast at the foot of the mountains, with a unique atmosphere, markets, palaces, and cozy embankments. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the sea and nature, head to the Musandam Peninsula and its heart, the city of Khasab. The fjords, cruises, and the opportunity to see dolphins are well worth it. In the south is the Salalah region with a more humid climate, greenery, coastal beaches, and tropical flavor.

Coastal cities such as Sur are also interesting for lovers of maritime history and shipbuilding.

When to go to Oman

When planning a trip to Oman, it is important to understand that the climate here changes quite dramatically depending on the season. The high season lasts from October to April — at this time, the weather is mild, dry, and ideal for walks, excursions, and desert trips. In summer, the temperature rises significantly, and the country feels completely different. Autumn and spring are quiet transitional periods when it is especially beautiful and peaceful here. Winter is considered the most comfortable time for those who want to see Oman without the exhausting heat.

Oman in spring

In spring, Oman welcomes travelers with mild, warm sunshine that is not yet exhausting. The landscapes become brighter, the air is fresh, and walks through cities and mountains are very pleasant. This is the ideal time for hiking and visiting historical sites. The sea remains calm and comfortable for swimming.

Oman in summer

Summer in Oman is a hot, sun-filled season that is not suitable for every traveler. Temperatures rise very high, above 40 degrees Celsius, especially in desert areas and lowlands. It is best to plan activities for early morning or evening when the heat subsides. This season is chosen by those who want to see the country in its brightest, sunniest version.

Oman in autumn

Autumn brings long-awaited relief from the heat to Oman. The days become more comfortable, but there are still not many tourists. You can enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle. The water remains warm, making it the perfect season for a beach vacation. The temperature in November is up to +30 degrees, and there is almost no precipitation.

Oman in winter

Winter in Oman is considered the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The days are cool and sunny, and the air is dry and light. The desert is especially beautiful in winter—soft shadows and clear light create incredible landscapes. The daytime temperature is around +25 degrees, but at night it can drop to +15.

Usefulness

To ensure that your trip to Oman is easy and eventful, it is worth sorting out the main organizational details in advance. Everything else here comes easily — the country is very welcoming to visitors.

Visa to Oman

Citizens of most European countries do not need a visa for trips of up to 14 days. For longer stays, you need to apply for a visa — currently, there is an eVisa available, which can be obtained online. The cost is from USD 50, but it is worth checking the actual price. US citizens can apply for a tourist visa, and in some cases, a visa-on-arrival or the same eVisa online.

Customs & Tax Free

Oman has a VAT refund system for tourists—those who do not have permanent residence in the country. The system applies to goods purchased for at least OMR 25. Certain categories of goods are excluded from the refund, so it is best to check the current rules on site.

Travel by car

Renting a car is a convenient way to see the country, including remote mountains, deserts, or the coast. Exercise caution on mountain and desert roads, especially in hot weather or during possible sandstorms. The cost of traveling in Oman in a rental car is approximately 60 OMR per week.

Phrasebook for tourists

In Oman, most residents speak Arabic, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. However, locals respond with genuine warmth to a few simple phrases in Arabic. This is a good way to show respect for the culture and quickly win over your conversation partner.

Public transport and prices

Public transportation in Oman is not yet very well developed. Buses can be used for intercity travel, but for most routes, a car or taxi is more convenient, especially outside of major cities.

Events

November 18 is Oman National Day, one of the country's biggest holidays, featuring a military parade, camel races, and a host of other events. The Muscat Festival is also popular—an annual cultural festival with exhibitions, shows, and traditional performances.

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