Oman holidays

Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, this Middle Eastern country is a perfect getaway for outdoorsy types, beach bums and anyone hungry for heaps of ancient history. Hear the call to prayers over Muscat’s minarets, wander frankincense-perfumed markets and explore sun-scorched deserts and crystal-clear swimming holes. Get ready to discover the ‘Pearl of Arabia’ on an unforgettable holiday to Oman.

Top destinations in Oman

Muscat

Ancient culture and traditions combine with modern attractions in Oman’s capital city. Travel to Muscat, where tasty food, bustling souks and exciting adventures await.

Salalah

With dramatic sea cliffs, dense jungle landscapes and pristine Arabian Sea beaches, the southern city of Salalah shows off a different side to Oman.

Duqm

You’ll feel like you’re in another world in Duqm, a captivating Omani city surrounded by rolling dunes, fossilised forests and towering sandstone sculptures.

Oman: fast facts

Language

Arabic

Currency

Omani rial (ر.ع.)

Time zone

UTC+4 (GST)

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Oman holiday highlights

Muscat
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Take a desert adventure

A trip to the desert should be at the top of your travel list in Oman. Head to the Wahiba Sands’ towering dunes for 4×4 excursions, sandboarding and Bedouin camp experiences. If you’re hoping to see a real-life desert oasis, beat the heat at Wadi Bani Khalid Pools & Caves, whose crystal-clear waters are flanked by dramatic cliff walls.

Visit ancient forts

Oman’s rich past comes to life in the many forts, castles and watchtowers dotting the landscape, especially in the northern region of Ad Dakhiliyah. Visit the enormous UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, and admire Jabreen Castle’s latticed-window courtyard and painted ceilings. Don’t miss climbing the 17th-century Nizwa Fort’s famous tower with views over the surrounding date plantations and the Hajar Mountains.

Wander the markets

One of the best things to do in Oman is to get lost in the country’s colourful ‘souks’ (markets), where you can buy everything from textiles and jewellery to antiques and spices. Muscat’s Muttrah Souk is one of the oldest in the Arab world, and the Bahla Historical Souq is known for its pottery and metalwork. Don’t be afraid to haggle — bartering is part of the experience.

Things to do in Oman

Oman

Top attractions

Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque has to be seen to be believed. Linger in the main prayer hall, with its vast dome, crystal chandelier and breathtaking Persian carpet. Dial up the drama as you watch the sunset over the dunes at Wahiba Sands in eastern Oman. And for a gleaming desert mirage like no other, there’s no beating the pristine pools of Wadi Bani Khalid.

Beaches

Oman’s Arabian Sea coastline is dotted with sun-bleached beaches and islands. Spend a day at Muscat’s Qurum Beach, or escape the tourist track with a visit to Al Khaluf’s powdery white sands. If you’re here to snorkel, Tiwi Beach’s coral reef is a great choice. And divers love the Ad Dimaniyat Islands for their whale sharks, sea turtles and colourful fish.

Nature

With deserts, mountains and sea, the diversity of Oman’s nature is one of the country’s biggest draws. Watch sea turtles hatch at Ras Al Jinz, one of the Indian Ocean’s largest turtle nesting sites, or swim in the Bimmah sinkhole’s turquoise waters. Of all the country’s natural wonders, the Wadi Ghul — often described as Oman’s Grand Canyon — shouldn’t be missed.

Culture and museums

In Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House are two of the capital’s greatest cultural treasures. And the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is one of the best museums in Oman for Omani history. When you’re ready to sniff out more cultural experiences, learn about one of Oman’s greatest exports at Salalah’s Museum of the Frankincense Land.

Cuisine

Spices play a big part in Omani cuisine, as does chicken, lamb, rice and vegetables. Expect traditional restaurants in Oman to serve dishes like ‘majboos’ (rice with chicken), ‘shuwa’ (slow-cooked marinated lamb or goat) and ‘halwa’ (a sweet dessert with a jelly-like texture). Travelling on a budget? Try ‘mishkak’, a popular street food of skewered meat.

Family friendly

Oman has plenty to keep kids and teens entertained. With maze-like passageways, rooms and towers, Nizwa Fort is like a giant playground to young imaginations. For excellent snorkelling and wildlife spotting, take a boat from Muscat to the Ad Dimaniyat Islands. And even if you don’t have time to join a turtle-watching tour, Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve boasts a gorgeous beach and a small museum.

Find the best time to visit Oman

Weather in Oman

May – September: Much of the country swelters during these months, with daytime temperatures often climbing above 38°C. But the Dhofar region in the southeast is cooler thanks to the monsoon season. Same goes for the Hajar Mountains, which can be a welcome escape from Oman’s summer heat. This is also a great time to see turtles nesting at Ras Al Jinz.

October – April: The high tourist season is dry and relatively cool, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s°C in cities like Muscat, Salalah and Nizwa. For cheaper rates and fewer crowds, consider visiting in April. The weather is warmer, but not nearly as hot as summer.

Events in Oman

Muscat Festival (January and February): Also known as Muscat Nights, this family-friendly celebration is a perfect crash course in Omani culture. Enjoy folk dances and camel racing, as well as traditional crafts and food. And be sure to stick around for the brilliant nightly fireworks display.

His Majesty the Sultan’s Camel Cup (March or April): In the northern city of Barka, experience one of the Arab world’s oldest and most beloved sports. Watch as camels race across a desert track guided by high-tech robot jockeys.

Salalah Tourism Festival (July to August): The monsoon season transforms southern Oman into a lush tropical paradise. Celebrate the rains with this colourful festival featuring cultural performances and traditional food, as well as games and rides.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Dress modestly in public, opting for loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, upper arms and knees. To enter mosques, you’ll have to wear long sleeves and trousers. And women should cover their heads — carrying a scarf is always a good idea. Avoid drinking alcohol in public, and eat only with your right hand. It’s customary to begin every interaction with a friendly ‘as-salamu alaykum’.

Health and safety

Insect-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria thrive in Oman’s climate. Splash on plenty of insect repellent and wear loose, light-coloured clothing to avoid being bitten. In summer, stay hydrated and avoid peak midday heat to reduce the risk of sunstroke. Be mindful of altitude sickness in mountainous regions. Climb slowly, and stop if you feel ill.

Budget

While the country can be expensive, cheap holidays in Oman are doable. To help budget your holiday, expect to pay around two Omani rials (OMR) for a short taxi ride and under OMR5 for an inexpensive meal. Grabbing a coffee? You’ll typically pay less than OMR3.

FAQs about Oman holidays

Even though it’s one of the safest countries in the Middle East, it’s a good idea to check with your local government for travel advisories in Oman. Be aware that homosexuality is criminalised here. And the country’s summer heat waves are no joke — stay hydrated and avoid the midday sun.
Oman may be pricier than some Middle Eastern countries, but it’s affordable by global standards — and often cheaper than the neighbouring UAE. With a mix of budget-friendly and luxury accommodation available, you can decide how much you want to spend on your holiday.
You’ll use the Omani rial (OMR) during your holiday. Banks and currency exchanges are located in most major cities, as are ATMs. While tipping isn’t expected, it is appreciated. In restaurants, plan on leaving up to 10% gratuity for good service.
Arabic is Oman’s official language, but English is also widely spoken here. You’ll find many road signs and notices in both Arabic and English. Even so, it’s good to know a few Arabic basics like the greeting ‘as-salamu alaykum’ (peace be upon you) and ‘shukran’ (thank you).
The best time to visit Oman is between October and April, as the weather is perfectly warm but not too hot for hiking and beach days. If you’re travelling on a budget, April to May is a great option. This period also coincides with the end of the Damask rose-blooming season around the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, when the flowers are harvested for rose water.
For a little bit of everything, you can’t beat Muscat. Sur is a quiet coastal city, perfect for day trips to Wadi Shab and Ras Al Jinz. For access to the Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shab mountains, Nizwa is your best bet.