Oman Holidays

Being a conservative country, when photographing people you must ask beforehand to ensure you do not cause offence. To ask “May I take your picture?” in Arabic is Mumkin sura, min fadlak? (To a man) or Mumkin sura, min fadlik? (To a woman).

Most of the decent restaurants are in Muscat and the majority of those within hotels. Outside the capital, the food is pretty basic and some places are not overly clean. When travelling through the country a picnic is often a good option.

Yes, renting a car is a great way of getting off the beaten track and the majority of the roads are ‘black top’. Getting up the mountains needs a permit and a 4×4 vehicle. Driving in the desert requires some skill.

Yes, while staying at a hotel normal swimwear if fine. The beaches are public so you may feel more comfortable wearing a full piece and having some sort of cover-up to wear over.

Oman is a moderate, yet conservative country so always best to wear sleeves below the elbow and bottoms below the knee to show respect to the local culture. A headscarf for women is required for the mosque and long trousers for men.

The short answer is no. Alcohol is only available at licensed bars and restaurants(and usually found in hotels), and should only be consumed at these locations. Some camps and smaller hotels do allow you to bring your own and this can be organised before hand.

Oman is four hours ahead of GMT.

Anyone wishing to visit Oman will fly to Muscat with either British Airways or Oman Air. The flight time is around 7 hours and 45 minutes.