Culture and Etiquette
Do's and Dont's when in Oman
"Foreigners are generally made to feel very welcome in Oman, although in return you’ll be expected to abide by Omani cultural norms. This remains a deeply traditional – and in many ways very conservative – country, and despite its openness to tourists.
Omani's are always friendly, and with a smile, wave or a cheery salaam aleikum this will usually break the ice and lead to a conversation.
Do smile! You’re in a beautiful country with a lot of adventures at your fingertips. Omanis respond enthusiastically to smiles. In fact, if you find yourself the subject of some inquisitive stares, don’t take offense; use it as an opportunity to exchange a greeting! Here, staring is less about judgment and more about curiosity. The only exception is between sexes; we recommend visitors not initiate contact, especially physical contact, with someone of the opposite sex if they’re not familiar with each other.
Visiting traditional Omani villages, it’s worth remembering that you are entering what is generally considered the private space of the locals who live there. Exercise sensitivity when taking photographs and behave friendly.
Do return the courtesy and respect shown to you. This is the best way to make friends among locals! It’s also a pretty obvious tip, but it’s worth noting that respectful behavior is so deeply ingrained in Omani culture that legal action can sometimes be taken in response to insults! For the most part, courtesy here is similar to everywhere, but foreigners may not always be aware of ways they can show disrespect non-verbally.
For example:
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Don’t show the soles of your shoes or feet; keep your feet flat on the ground.
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Don’t walk on a prayer mat or in front of a person at prayer.
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Don’t beckon with your finger or make broad gestures with hands or arms.
Dress
Dressing appropriately is the most important thing to remember. Women should at most times wear loose clothing, with arms and shoulders covered. It is useful to carry a shawl to cover your hair in more conservative areas, such as when visit the Grand Mosque.
Behavior
Expressions of overt anger and any raising of the voice should be strictly avoided, whatever the situation. Some hand gestures are seen offensive and sometime punishable under Omani law.
Meeting People
Do accept refreshments when offered, as it’s considered rude to decline. You may be more likely to find yourself in this situation than you realize. For example, if you hire a driver for your tours and get along well with him, he may invite you back to his house for coffee and dates with his family. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local specialties, learn more about Omani culture, make new friends and just enjoy yourself. If it’s a formal meal, take a small, gift-wrapped package of chocolates or dates.
Traditional Arabic greetings serve as an important highlight in the everyday Omani life – it is very elaborate and courteous.
Taboo Subjects
Omani's have a very strong sense of Pride in their country. Keeping conversation light and minimum is the best mode of communication. Usual topics would beyou country, age, marital status, number of religion, etc...
Do respect the faith of those who live in Oman
Although many religions make their home in Oman, the majority of our residents are Muslim. The main school of Islam in Oman is Ibadism, a practice that emphasizes fidelity to sharia; it’s also a practice that tends towards moderation and tolerance of other views and religions. It’s polite to show local religious customs the same consideration. For example:
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Don’t try to enter a mosque or holy site if you’re not Muslim; it’s considered disrespectful.
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Respect the observance of holy holidays; for example, don’t eat where you can be seen during the day during Ramadan.
“Public” versus “Private” space
Do understand that what counts as “public” versus “private” space may be different than where you come from. For example, be conscious of the photos you take. Obviously, we expect and encourage tourists to take photos in scenic areas; but it is frowned upon to photograph people in “public” areas without their permission. That’s because even outdoor areas, especially in local villages, are considered “private” space by the locals.
Women Travelers
Women traveling in Oman should experience few problems, however it is best to be accompanied by a friend or a guardian at all times. It is not advised to visit the suburbs at night or alone.
Phrases
Most Omanis understand English very well and you’ll have no difficulty in being understood. All signs are in Arabic and in English.
Hello/Welcome - Marhuba
Goodbye - Ma’assalaama
Thank you - Shukran
Yes - Na’am
No - La’
Sorry - Muta’assif
Do you speak English? - Tatakullum ingleezi?
I don’t understand - Ana maa afham
How much is that? - Bekam?
Where’s the nearest doctor? - Wayn aghrab tabeeb
Greeting
Ahlan wa sahlan
Sabah al khayr
Masa al khayr
Meaning
Hello
Good morning
Good evening
Reply
Ahlan bik
Sabah an nur
Masa an nur
Driving Laws
Seat Belt Laws
By law, everyone in a moving car in Oman must be properly secured with a seat belt.
Drinking and Driving
There is zero tolerance of alcohol in the blood of a driver in Oman as it is a strict Muslim country, so do not have any alcohol in at least a six hour period before getting behind the wheel. The penalties are severe for those breaking the law and include jail and deportation.
Must Have Documents
You will need to have a complete set of documents for driving in Oman to include the registration document, insurance certificate proving insurance was bought in Oman, international driving licence and vehicle test certificate. It’s also useful to have a copy of your passport as proof of identification.
Speed Limits
The speed limits for Oman are as follows:
Motorways: 120 km/h
Open roads: 90 km/h
In Town: 40 - 80 km/h
Minimum Driving Age
You have to be at least 18 to be able to drive in Oman if driving a locally registered car. If you're renting a car, the minimum age is 21 but with some companies, it's 25. You may also need to pay a young driver premium if younger than 25.
Safety Camera Warning Devices
Safety camera warning devices are not illegal in Oman but we’d recommend that you stick to the speed limit rather than risk a fine.
On the Spot Fines
On the spot fines are used for motoring offences but the amount of the fine is often negligible and fines can be deferred easily so many drivers flout the laws anyway.
Child Safety Rules
There are no specific laws regarding car seats and children in Oman so we suggest you follow the international regulations because of the high road mortality rates. If you are hiring a car, let us know your requirements and we’ll ensure a suitable child seat is fitted. It’s recommended that you don’t allow children under 12 to travel in the front of the car.
Insurance
A minimum of third party insurance is compulsory in Oman and the insurance must be issued by an Omani company. You’ll need to be able to prove you have the cover if asked.
Rules of the Road
Standard international driving laws apply with one or two exceptions.
• Vehicles entering a roundabout have priority
• It’s illegal to throw rubbish from a car
• If you park on the left hand side of a road at night, you must not have your lights on
Towing Regulations
All that is required is the use of common sense making sure other drivers know that you are engaged in towing and that the towed vehicle is attached securely and that you have all round visibility.
Speed Cameras
Safety cameras are common in Oman, both mobile and fixed devices. Speeding fines are small so many avoid paying them but this shouldn’t encourage you to speed.
Using Mobile Phones when driving
Using a phone without a hands-free kit is illegal in Oman although because of the small fine, many still do.
Parking
Parking regulations
There are many strange parking regulations in Oman including that you mustn’t park in front of public buildings including royal palaces, petrol stations, fire stations and also on bridges. You cannot park outside a house, only in the drive, and you mustn’t park anywhere except in a metered bay.
Paid parking
Paid parking can be in garages, parking lots or in metered parking bays and nowhere else.
Enforcement
Enforcement of parking is done by the police and if you exceed your time or are parked illegally, you’ll find the fines are eye-wateringly disproportionate.
Disabled parking
You won’t find any concessions for disabled drivers but if you take your badge with you and show it, you’ll find that a parking attendant will do their best to help.
Motor Way Signs
Motorway signs in Oman have white writing on a green background
Traffic Lights
In Oman, traffic lights follow the traditional sequence so you’ll have no problem understanding their operation. However you may sometimes find a flashing green that indicates that the lights are about to change. You cannot turn right on a red light unless there is a specific lane for doing so. Penalties for jumping lights are severe including two days in jail.
Toll Roads
There are several toll roads in Oman and tolls can be paid by cash, card or electronic device. Tolls are relatively low compared to Europe.
Emergency
Oman uses the UK’s emergency number 999 for the emergency services, a throwback to British influence in the Gulf.
What to do in an emergency
If your car has technical problems you should call the number given to you by the car rental company or make sure you obtain a number of a partner emergency organisation to the one you use at home.
In the event of an accident you should call the police on 999 if it is serious and report the accident. Don’t move any vehicles as it’s often seen as an admission of guilt. Take photographs and details from witnesses and ask for a copy of the police report."
Sources:
https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/Drive-Smart-Oman.aspx (Driving)
http://www.atanahotels.com/blog/10/omani-cultural-do-s-and-don-ts; Do's and Dont's
https://muscat.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/area-activities/oman-cultural-guide.html; Do's and Dont's
List of MOH (Ministry of Health, Oman) Approved Drugs List:
If you need to carry, for medical or emergency
reasons, any medicines bring a medical prescription
from a doctor licensed in your country. If you had
treatments abroad, you need to bring a prescription
and a detailed medical report.
