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Salalah – OmanMuscat – OmanNizwa – OmanWadi Shab – OmanJebel Shams – OmanSultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Oman
📍 Salalah📷 Bernhard Dunst · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Asia🗓️ Best: Oct–Apr

Oman ✓

Desert dunes, rugged mountains and a calm Arabian coast

🕒 –:– local time8 stories this week6 sources 6 top placesCapital Muscat

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Oman📸 Photo album · 6 photos · Ultra-HD
Oman📜 History of Oman

The story of Oman

Oman's position at the southeastern tip of Arabia has made it a land of seafarers and traders since ancient times. In the Bronze Age, the region known as Magan exported copper to Mesopotamia, and beehive-shaped tombs from that era still line the ridges at Bat and Al-Ayn. In the south, the frankincense trees of Dhofar produced one of the most prized substances of the ancient world, carried by caravan and ship through ports such as Sumhuram, near today's Salalah.

Islam reached Oman in the seventh century, and the Omanis embraced a distinct tradition known as Ibadism, which still shapes the country's tolerant, understated character. Ingenious falaj irrigation channels allowed oasis towns to flourish beneath the mountains. In 1507 the Portuguese seized Muscat and other coastal towns, controlling them for well over a century until the Ya'ariba dynasty drove them out in 1650 and built great forts such as Nizwa and Jabrin.

Read the full history

Oman then became a maritime power in its own right. Under the Al Said dynasty, which has ruled since the mid-eighteenth century, the sultanate controlled Zanzibar and parts of the East African coast, as well as Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, and Omani dhows traded across the Indian Ocean. In the nineteenth century the empire was divided, and by the mid-twentieth century Oman had become isolated and little developed.

In 1970 Sultan Qaboos bin Said came to power and launched a rapid programme of modernisation funded by oil, building roads, schools and hospitals while carefully preserving Omani heritage and architecture. Today Oman is known for its stability, hospitality and dramatic landscapes. Travellers can explore restored forts, souqs and mountain villages, swim in turquoise wadis, camp in desert dunes and watch turtles nest on remote beaches.

Timeline

  1. c. 2500 BCMagan culture trades copper with Mesopotamia
  2. c. 300 BCFrankincense trade thrives in Dhofar
  3. c. 630Islam arrives in Oman
  4. 1507Portuguese capture Muscat
  5. 1650Ya'ariba dynasty expels the Portuguese
  6. 1744Al Said dynasty comes to power
  7. 1970Sultan Qaboos begins modernisation
  8. 2020Sultan Haitham bin Tariq succeeds Qaboos
Oman 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council member – GCC residents often have simpler entry.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Oman appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Oman✨ 10 best things to do in Oman

Things to do in Oman

  1. Swim in Wadi ShabHike through a palm-filled canyon and swim through turquoise pools to a hidden cave waterfall.
  2. Explore Nizwa Fort and souqClimb the great round tower and browse silver daggers and pottery in the old market.
  3. Camp in the Wahiba SandsSpend a night among rolling orange dunes under a sky full of stars.
  4. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand MosqueAdmire a vast prayer hall with one of the world's largest hand-woven carpets and a dazzling chandelier.
  5. Hike Jebel ShamsWalk the balcony trail along the rim of Oman's 'Grand Canyon'.
  6. Watch turtles at Ras al JinzJoin a guided night tour to see green turtles nesting on the beach.
  7. Sail the fjords of MusandamCruise on a dhow among sheer mountains and spot dolphins in the clear water.
  8. Wander Mutrah SouqGet lost in a fragrant maze of frankincense, spices and textiles by Muscat's corniche.
  9. Explore Misfat al AbriyeenWalk through a mountain village of stone houses and falaj-fed terraces.
  10. Experience Salalah's khareefSee the southern mountains turn green and misty during the summer monsoon.
Oman🗺️ Where to visit in Oman

Where to go in Oman

  • MuscatNorth coast · capitalA graceful capital with the Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq, museums and beaches.
  • NizwaInterior · historic cityA former capital famous for its fort, souq and Friday livestock market.
  • 📍
    Jebel AkhdarHajar Mountains · plateauCooler mountain air, terraced rose gardens and dramatic canyon views.
  • 📍
    Wahiba SandsEast · desertHuge dunes, Bedouin hospitality and desert camps.
  • 📍
    SurEast coast · port townA traditional dhow-building town close to Ras al Jinz turtle reserve.
  • SalalahDhofar · southFrankincense heritage, beaches and lush summer monsoon landscapes.
  • 📍
    MusandamNorthern exclave · fjordsRugged mountains plunging into the sea, ideal for dhow cruises and snorkelling.
  • 📍
    Wadi Bani KhalidEastern Hajar · wadiEmerald pools in a desert valley, perfect for a swim.
Oman✨ Must-do experiences
  • Camp overnight in the Wahiba Sands
  • Swim in the pools of Wadi Shab
  • Take a dhow cruise along the coast
  • Shop for frankincense in the Mutrah Souq
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Oman🍽️ Taste of Oman
  • Shuwa – lamb marinated in spices and slow-cooked underground
  • Majboos – spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish
  • Omani halwa – sticky sweet flavoured with rosewater and saffron
  • Kahwa – cardamom coffee served with dates
Oman🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Oman

Best time to visit Oman

Most of Oman has a hot desert climate with very little rain and mild winters. The Hajar Mountains are cooler, while Dhofar in the south receives the khareef monsoon in summer, bringing mist and greenery.

BestOctober to March – sunny, warm days ideal for wadis, desert camping and mountain hikes.
ShoulderApril and late September – hot but quieter; July to September is ideal for Salalah's monsoon season.
AvoidMay to August in the north – intense heat makes outdoor activities very challenging.
25°💧Jan
26°💧Feb
29°💧Mar
34°☀️Apr
39°☀️May
40°☀️Jun
38°☀️Jul
36°☀️Aug
36°☀️Sep
34°☀️Oct
30°☀️Nov
27°☀️Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Muscat (approximate averages).

Oman🎉 Festivals & events in Oman
  • January – February
    Muscat NightsA winter festival of food, music, lights and family entertainment in Muscat's parks.
  • July – September
    Salalah Khareef SeasonEvents, markets and visitors fill Salalah as the monsoon turns the hills green.
  • November
    National DayFlags, lights and public holidays celebrate the nation and its ruling dynasty.
  • Varies (lunar calendar)
    Eid al-FitrFeasts, family visits and festive markets mark the end of Ramadan.
Oman🧭 Oman itinerary ideas

How many days in Oman?

5 daysMuscat and the mountains

Day 1-2 explore Muscat's Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and corniche. Day 3 drive to Nizwa for the fort and souq. Day 4 visit Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams. Day 5 visit Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle before returning to Muscat.

10 daysClassic Oman road trip

Day 1-2 Muscat. Day 3-4 Wadi Shab and Sur, with a turtle-watching tour at Ras al Jinz. Day 5-6 Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid. Day 7-8 Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar. Day 9-10 Jebel Shams, Misfat al Abriyeen and back to Muscat.

Oman🎒 Backpacking Oman – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $50–80 a day

  • Oman lacks hostels, but wild camping on beaches and in wadis is widely accepted, which can save a lot.
  • Renting a car is the most practical way to explore; share the cost with other travellers.
  • Intercity public buses connect Muscat with Nizwa, Sur and Salalah cheaply.
  • Eat at local Indian and Omani cafés for shawarma, biryani and karak tea at low prices.
  • Many wadis, beaches and souqs are free to visit.
Oman🛡️ Safety & money in Oman

Stay safe

  • Oman is very safe, with low crime and a welcoming attitude to visitors.
  • Flash floods can occur in wadis after rain – never camp in a wadi bed or cross flooded roads.
  • Dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees, especially away from beaches and hotels.
  • Drive carefully: watch for camels and goats on roads, and only take 4x4s on desert or mountain tracks.

Money

  • The currency is the Omani rial, one of the world's highest-valued currencies.
  • Cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are common in towns; carry cash for small shops and villages.
  • Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated, about ten percent in restaurants if service is not included.

Emergency: 9999 police, fire & ambulance

Oman🛬 Getting to Oman

Muscat International Airport is the main gateway, with Salalah also receiving international flights. Land borders connect Oman to the United Arab Emirates, and buses run between Muscat and Dubai.

✈️ Cheap flights to Oman: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Oman💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Oman
  • Oman is one of the oldest independent states in the Arab world.
  • Five falaj irrigation systems are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Omani frankincense from Dhofar has been traded for thousands of years.
  • Muscat was once the capital of an empire that included Zanzibar.
  • Oman's national dress for men includes the khanjar dagger, which also appears on the national emblem.
Oman❓ Oman travel FAQ

Oman travel questions

Is Oman safe for tourists?

Yes, Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East. The main hazards are natural, such as heat and flash floods.

What is the best time to visit Oman?

October to March offers the most pleasant weather. Salalah in the south is best during the summer khareef season.

How many days do you need in Oman?

Five days covers Muscat and the Hajar Mountains. Ten days allows a full road trip including the desert and coast.

Do I need a visa for Oman?

It depends on your passport – check the official Royal Oman Police eVisa site or your nearest embassy before you travel.

Can you drive in Oman as a tourist?

Yes, renting a car is common and roads are excellent. A 4x4 is recommended for mountains and the desert.

Oman💰 What a trip costs
$$$price level
$50–80backpacker / day
$150–250mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Oman🚌 Getting around

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, and a 4x4 helps for mountains and desert. Taxis and intercity buses link the main towns.

Oman🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Grand mosque with a giant hand-woven carpet and huge chandelier
Oman🤝 Local etiquette
  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees in public
  • Accept coffee and dates when offered as a sign of respect
  • Ask before photographing people, especially women

📰 Older Oman stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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