Country book · Middle East & Africa

Oman

The quiet corner of Arabia

Oman moves at its own pace — mountain wadis, frankincense trade towns and a coastline that stretches from the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It has kept a distinct, understated identity while its Gulf neighbours raced toward skyscrapers.

Myths

What's true, what isn't

Actually true

Oman has real mountains and canyons
Jebel Shams, the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia', drops over a kilometre in places.
Frankincense is still harvested here
Dhofar's frankincense trees have supplied the resin for the trade for thousands of years.
It's known as one of the safer, calmer Gulf states
Oman has a reputation for political neutrality and a low-key, unhurried atmosphere.
The Musandam fjords look Norwegian
Steep cliffs plunge into turquoise inlets in Oman's northern peninsula.

Commonly believed, wrong

"It's basically Dubai"
Oman deliberately limits high-rise development and mass tourism, keeping a much lower profile than the UAE.
"It's all flat desert"
Oman has the Hajar mountain range, terraced villages and green monsoon-fed hills in Dhofar.
"There's nothing green in Arabia"
Salalah turns lush during the summer khareef monsoon season, drawing regional tourists.
"Gulf countries are culturally identical"
Oman's Ibadi Islamic tradition and history set it apart culturally from its neighbours.

Highlights

The best of Oman

Jebel Shams canyon

Oman's highest peak with a rim trail nicknamed the 'Balcony Walk' along sheer cliffs.

Wahiba Sands

Rolling orange dunes where Bedouin families still herd camels and host desert camps.

Musandam's fjords

Dhow cruises through dramatic cliffs and inlets on the Strait of Hormuz.

Salalah's monsoon season

Misty green hills and waterfalls appear each summer as the khareef rolls in.

Culture

Cultural riches

Frankincense trade heritage

Ancient caravan routes through Dhofar carried frankincense across the ancient world.

Fort and castle architecture

Over a thousand forts and towers dot Oman, remnants of trade and defence networks.

Dhow-building tradition

Sur's shipyards still hand-build wooden dhows using techniques centuries old.

Khanjar as national symbol

The curved ceremonial dagger appears on the flag and is worn at weddings and formal events.

Food

What to eat

Shuwa

Spiced lamb or goat wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground pit for over a day.

Majboos

Spiced rice with meat or fish, a Gulf-wide dish with an Omani version leaning on dried lime.

Halwa

A dense, jelly-like sweet made from sugar, ghee and spices, traditionally served with Omani coffee.

Mashuai

Whole roasted kingfish served over spiced rice, a coastal specialty of Muscat and Sur.

Qahwa with dates

Cardamom-spiced coffee served in small cups alongside fresh Omani dates as a welcome ritual.

History

Important people in history

Sultan Qaboos bin Said

1970–2020

Modernizing sultan who transformed Oman's infrastructure, education and diplomacy over five decades.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq

2020–present

Current sultan continuing Oman's economic diversification plans.

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