Located on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is rich in culture, tradition, beautiful landscapes, and friendly hospitality. Oman offers a unique blend of Arabian culture, adventure, serene vibes, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re there to experience history, nature, or relax, Oman offers it all.
Mountains surround this desert haven, offering excellent hotels and resorts, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, historical monuments, a rich culture, and much more. If this interests you, Oman is the ideal place to visit. Here are the top 8 reasons to travel to Oman.
1. Breathtaking natural landscapes
Oman is renowned for its stunning natural scenery. The deserts, such as the Wahima Sands (Sharqiya Sands) are golden dunes that stretch for many miles, and are perfect for camel rides, dune bashing, and camping. The lush Wadis, such as Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, and Bani Khalid, are canyons that feature turquoise waters, waterfalls, and caves, creating the perfect tropical oasis for relaxation and enjoyment.
If you’re into mountains, the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Akjdar offer incredible hiking trails, have cooler air, and beautiful farms. Close to Jebel Shams is a beauty comparable to the Grand Canyon. There are numerous open spaces in Oman to explore and lots of travel companies in the country who can assist in organizing full-day or multi-day outings, including camping.
2. Historical Monuments
Oman boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years, and its historical sites serve as a testament to this legacy. There is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bahla Fort, which is a mudbrick medieval fort. Then there is the Land of Frankincense, which features the ancient ruins of the port of Sumhuram, a former crucial trading hub. Additionally, Nizwa Fort showcases Omani military architecture and offers stunning views from its large circular tower.
3. Incredible Culture
Oman is known for modernizing while maintaining its traditional architecture and heritage, and for having no skyscrapers. The rich cultural heritage has also been well-preserved, with conventional clothing still being worn. There are many souq markets in Oman’s cities, such as Muscat, Sur, and Nizwa, which offer a wide range of cool souvenirs, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry. There are also numerous festivals, including the Muscat Festival, Eid, and camel races. Make sure you keep in mind that Oman is a fairly conservative country and you need to be careful to respect local customs in Oman.
Here are a few quick tips for expats in Oman:
- Dress modestly—women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid shorts in public.
- Observe Islamic etiquette—avoid public displays of affection, especially during Ramadan.
- Show respect for traditions—remove shoes before entering homes or mosques, and use your right hand for greetings and eating
4. Amazing Beaches
Boasting an extensive coastline, Oman is renowned for its peaceful and clean beaches, such as Al Mughsail Beach in Salalah, which is famous for its white sand, dramatic cliffs, and blowholes. Then there is Qurum Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and golden sand. This is a very popular local and tourist spot, which has modern amenities and natural beauty to enjoy. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Another beach to visit is the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a sanctuary for green sea turtles where they come to nest. This can be seen during their nesting season. Finally, there are coastal fjords of Musandam, which offer a traditional dhow cruise, dolphin-watching, and snorkelling in crystal clear turquoise water.
5. Wide Variety of Outdoor Activities
Oman offers numerous outdoor adventure opportunities, including hiking on the Balcony Walk near Jebel Shams and elevated village hikes in Misfat Al Abriyeen. There is also fantastic snorkelling nd scuba diving, and the Daymaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve, are the best place to do that. There are many sea turtles, colourful reefs, and whale sharks to swim alongside. If you’re into something with a bit more adrenaline, try caving and explore the Majis al Jinn, which his a breathtakingly large underground chamber.
6. The Cuisine
Omani cuisine is renowned for its richness and diversity, with influences from Arabian, Indian, African, and Persian cultures. Be sure to try Shuwa, a slow-cooked lamb marinated in spices for 2-3 days underground. Then there is Mashuai, a grilled kingfish dish served with a side of lemon rice and Majoobs, which is a spiced rice dish that can be accompanied by meat or fish. With a great blend of spices, flavours, and diverse influences from various cultures, Omani cuisine is very unique and delicious.
7. Weather
Oman is renowned for its excellent weather, with the ideal time to visit being from October to April, when temperatures are warm but not excessively hot. The average daytime temperature will be 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, while evenings are cooler and more humid. If you travel between June and September, you can witness rare monsoons that cause the desert to turn lush and green, creating a gorgeous scene. With its warm weather and year-round sunshine, Oman is an ideal destination to escape cooler temperatures at home and soak up the sun.
To adapt to Oman’s hot weather, especially during the summer, tourists should drink plenty of water and limit their caffeine intake. I also suggest that foreigners dress appropriately in light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, ideally made of cotton or linen. Especially if you have fair skin, make sure to apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly. Finally, try to avoid strenuous outdoor excursions during peak heat hours (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) during the Summer months.
8. Very Safe for Expats and Tourists
Oman is known for being a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment. It is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner, or with family. With low crime rates, you can feel safe walking alone during both day and night. Omanis are known for their warm hospitality and may even invite you to share a cup of tea or a meal.
Oman is an excellent travel destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, white and golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, oases, gorgeous deserts, history, a rich cultural heritage, and more. No matter what you are there for, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable and unique trip. With its blend of modern and traditional architecture and heritage, Oman showcases authentic Middle Eastern customs, culture, and traditions.
Be sure to explore this place before it becomes a major tourist destination, so you can avoid the large crowds of tourists. Before travelling, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance if you are going for a short trip to Oman. Expats should buy health coverage to avoid a significant medical bill. Purchasing this coverage will ensure that you can easily access essential medical services, including doctor’s visits, emergency care, hospital stays, and treatment for injuries and illnesses. Having health coverage will ensure that you can enjoy this trip stress-free, without worrying about high medical bills in the event of an emergency.
Written by Mark T
