Is Oman safe for expats?

Exceptionally safe. Oman consistently ranks among the world's top 10 safest countries. Violent crime is virtually non-existent, petty crime (theft, pickpocketing) is rare even in busy areas, and the rule of law is firmly enforced. Women walk alone at night, children play in public spaces, and doors are often left unlocked. The Omani culture of hospitality extends to genuine concern for visitors' safety and wellbeing.

Can I drink alcohol in Oman?

Yes, but with restrictions. Alcohol is served in licensed hotel restaurants and bars (The Chedi, W Muscat, Shangri-La, etc.). There are also a few licensed off-licence shops where residents with a personal alcohol permit (issued by ROP, costs OMR 50/year) can purchase alcohol for home consumption. Drinking in public places, on the street, or in undesignated areas is illegal. Drink-driving laws are strict with zero tolerance.

What is Ramadan like for expats in Oman?

During Ramadan, restaurants and cafés close during daylight hours (approximately 4am–6:30pm), working hours are reduced (6 hours/day), and a respectful, quiet atmosphere prevails. Expats are not required to fast but should avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours. Many restaurants open for takeaway, and hotel restaurants may serve food behind screens. It is a beautiful cultural experience — iftar gatherings are a social highlight.

How is the internet in Oman?

Fibre internet in Muscat delivers 80–120 Mbps through Omantel or Ooredoo, which is adequate for streaming, video calls, and remote work. Plans cost OMR 15–30/month. Mobile data is fast (4G/5G) with good coverage in urban areas. Some VoIP services (Skype, WhatsApp calls) may be restricted — many expats use VPN services. Salalah and smaller cities have slower speeds (50–80 Mbps). Internet reliability has improved significantly in recent years.

What should I know about dress code in Oman?

Oman is conservative but not as strict as Saudi Arabia. In public, modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Swimwear is fine at beaches and hotel pools. In malls and restaurants, smart casual is the norm. At the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (open to tourists), women must cover their hair and wear long sleeves and skirts. In expat areas like Al Mouj, dress codes are more relaxed.

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🇴🇲 Oman

Daily Life

Daily life in Oman is characterised by safety, genuine hospitality, and a slower pace compared to the frenetic energy of Dubai or Doha. The country is conservative but welcoming — alcohol is available in licensed venues, dress is modest but not enforced for expats in most areas, and the Omani people are famously hospitable.

Top 10 globally

Safety Rating

Very low crime rates

OMR 77–135

Groceries (monthly)

$200–$350 for single person

OMR 3–6

Restaurant Meal

$8–$16 mid-range

OMR 0.22/litre

Petrol

$0.57/litre — very cheap

OMR 10–20/mo

Mobile Plan

Generous data, Omantel or Ooredoo

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Muscat 🌴Salalah

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Hypermarkets: Lulu Hypermarket (largest chain), Carrefour, Sultan Center — competitive prices, wide selection
Traditional Omani: shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), harees (wheat and meat porridge), mashuai (grilled kingfish) — authentic at local restaurants
Weekend activities: wadi hiking (Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid), desert camping, beach BBQs, diving
Summer (May–Sep): Muscat 38–45°C, very humid — outdoor activity limited to early morning and late evening
Arabic: official language — used in government documents, legal proceedings, and road signs

Daily Essentials and Shopping

Oman has a well-developed retail sector with everything from hypermarkets to traditional souqs. Prices are notably lower than other Gulf states, and fresh produce and seafood are excellent.

Hypermarkets: Lulu Hypermarket (largest chain), Carrefour, Sultan Center — competitive prices, wide selection
Fresh markets: Muttrah Fish Market (famous), central vegetable and fruit markets — excellent quality and prices
Muttrah Souq: oldest market in Oman — frankincense, textiles, silver, spices, and handicrafts
Shopping malls: Muscat Grand Mall, Oman Avenues Mall, Al Qurum City Centre — international brands
Online delivery: Talabat (food delivery), Nesto Express, Lulu Online — growing rapidly
Alcohol: available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, plus a few licensed off-licence shops (permit required from ROP)
Pork: available at licensed sections in Lulu and Al Fair supermarkets — clearly separated

Food and Dining Culture

Oman's food scene is diverse and affordable, blending traditional Omani cuisine with Indian, Lebanese, Filipino, and international options. Dining out is a central part of social life.

Traditional Omani: shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), harees (wheat and meat porridge), mashuai (grilled kingfish) — authentic at local restaurants
Indian/Pakistani: excellent and affordable — biryani, curry, tandoori from OMR 1–3 per plate at local cafés
Lebanese/Arabic: shawarma, hummus, grills — widely available, OMR 2–5 for a full meal
Fine dining: Shatti Al Qurum and Al Mouj have upscale restaurants — OMR 15–30 per person
Coffee culture: Omani kahwa (cardamom coffee with dates) is a social institution — served everywhere
Fast food: McDonald's, KFC, Subway all present — meals OMR 2–4
Ramadan: restaurants close during daylight fasting hours but many open late evenings — plan accordingly

Climate and Weather

Oman has a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and pleasant winters. Salalah is the exception, with its unique monsoon season (khareef) bringing tropical greenery from June to September.

Summer (May–Sep): Muscat 38–45°C, very humid — outdoor activity limited to early morning and late evening
Winter (Nov–Feb): Muscat 20–28°C, dry, sunny — the best season for outdoor exploration
Spring/Autumn (Mar–Apr, Oct): pleasant transition months, 28–35°C — ideal for wadi trips and diving
Salalah khareef (Jun–Sep): monsoon season transforms southern Oman into lush green — 22–28°C, misty, magical
Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams: mountain areas 10–15°C cooler than Muscat — popular summer escapes
Sandstorms: occasional, especially inland — keep car windows closed and carry eye protection
Cyclone risk: rare but Oman is occasionally affected by Arabian Sea cyclones (May–Jun, Oct–Nov)

Language and Communication

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business, healthcare, and urban services. You can comfortably navigate daily life in Muscat with English alone.

Arabic: official language — used in government documents, legal proceedings, and road signs
English: widely spoken in business, hospitals, malls, and restaurants — especially in Muscat
Hindi/Urdu: widely spoken due to large South Asian expat community — useful in local shops and markets
Basic Arabic phrases appreciated: As-salaam alaykum (hello), shukran (thanks), inshallah (God willing)
Government forms: available in Arabic — employers typically handle translation and processing
Phone and internet: customer service in English available at Omantel, Ooredoo, and major banks
VoIP restrictions: WhatsApp and Skype calls may be restricted — VPN commonly used for voice/video calls

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