What are the customs of Oman?
Close male and female friends and relatives will kiss one another on either cheek, although between male strangers the standard form of physical greeting is a handshake. Members of the opposite sex do not generally touch – do not offer your hand to an Omani of the opposite sex unless they offer you theirs first.
Is Oman safe for Westerners?
OVERALL RISK : LOW. Overall, Oman is a very safe country. It is highly friendly and warm toward tourists, and the crime rate is fairly low, so apart from petty crime on the streets, there isn’t too much to worry about.
How do you greet someone in Oman?
While hand shakes are the most common form of greeting, Omanis are known to still greet each other in the traditional way by exchanging a kiss on the cheek. 3. Omanis tend to rely on concrete facts and information to guide them in business dealings.
What should female tourists wear in Oman?
Women visiting Oman should preferably wear loose clothing. It is essential to have arms and shoulders covered at all times. Strapless shirts and dresses are not acceptable. In a mosque, women must wear shirts with long sleeves covering wrists and long pants or skirts that cover the ankles.
Can you hold hands in Oman?
Omani’s are very polite and friendly people, some of the friendliest in the world. You won’t just offend the locals, but could also get in trouble with the Royal Omani Police. Holding hands or kissing in public isn’t appreciated, and locals will get a little offended if they see travelers doing this.
What do people in Oman wear in public?
People in Oman are religious and have deep respect for their traditions and culture. That also applies to how they are dressed and how they behave in public. Omani men wear a dishdasha, which is long piece of white or colorful cloth that covers them entirely, and a kummah, which is the Omani traditional cap.
What should I know before visiting Oman?
When visiting traditional Omani villages, you must respect the privacy of the locals, as this is considered their private space. Exercise discretion (especially when taking photographs) and behave in a friendly and open manner. Displaying affection in public is not illegal but it is frowned upon.
What to pack for your Oman trip?
Depending on the time you will be visiting Oman, it is important to check the temperatures, and the type of weather where you will be staying. Nevertheless, as a general role, make sure to pack light and colorful clothes to fight the heat and extremely hot sun.
What is the traditional food of Oman?
The Omani cuisine usually consists of traditional bread, rice, beef, chicken or fish, special tomato or Omani sauces and various types of salads. Omanis usually drink kahwa (traditional coffee with cardamon) with dates and halwa (Omani dessert), and sometimes they drink red tea.