A typical first trip here runs about $700 to $925 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Shuwa, slow-cooked whole lamb in an underground pit; made for Eid celebrations
- Harees, wheat porridge with meat; simple but deeply satisfying
- Mashuai, spit-roasted kingfish served with lemon rice
- Omani halwa, dark, dense sweet made with rose water, saffron, and nuts
- Kahwa (cardamom coffee) and dates, the essential Omani hospitality offering
- Muscat Festival (January–February), showcasing Omani culture, heritage, and entertainment
- Khareef Festival (Salalah, July–August), celebrating the monsoon season
- National Day (November 18), celebrating the Renaissance under Sultan Qaboos
- Frankincense trade route, Oman was the ancient center of frankincense trade
Arabic is official; English is widely spoken in Muscat and business contexts. Oman is widely considered the most welcoming and safe country in the Middle East.
Omanis are genuinely hospitable and proud of their heritage.
- Always accept offered coffee and dates, refusing is impolite
- Dress modestly throughout the country (more relaxed than Saudi Arabia)
- Avoid photography near military or government buildings
- Tipping is appreciated; 10% in restaurants is generous
Latest for Oman
Updates for Oman will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.