Oman Will Welcome You
With Open Arms
There are a few things I really want to mention about Oman, because for me, the people, food and culture were just as special as the places themselves.
I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to expect from Oman before I went. I feel it’s quite overshadowed and the culture, a little misunderstood. You may see the beautiful mosques, pretty hotels, towering mountains and beautiful water online and it's very easy to think you've already got the picture. But what I really took away from my visit wasn't actually the scenery. It was the people, values and parts of their life.
I felt so welcomed throughout my trip, and the more I spoke to people and got little glimpses into everyday life, the more I appreciated the country. So rather than giving you another list of boring things you need to know before visiting, these are a few things I took away from Oman.
Respect goes a long way
One thing I really appreciated was the culture of modesty.
Women are generally expected to cover their shoulders and knees, ideally wearing full skirts or loose clothing. This is strictly implemented when visiting religious sites like the mosque, where even just a little transparency is forbidden. I personally covered up a lot while I was there, my arms and legs fully but never found it restrictive, if anything, I enjoyed making the effort.
You hear a lot about the Middle East and women’s rights, or lack there of… but I have to say, one of the things I absolutely loved most was the traditional Omani dress for men too. The long white dishdasha and traditional headwear are so beautiful, and it was nice the men are covered as well. It doesn't feel like modesty is something that's just dumped on women to worry about.
Speaking of women, the locals I met were so lovely and they'd often smile when passing by, which doesn't happen everywhere I travel. Maybe it's because I was making an effort to respect their culture, maybe I just got lucky, but it really made me feel that if you respect, you get respect back.
Interesting conversations and perspectives
I had a very interesting conversation about women actually.
While visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, I got talking to an Omani woman who was showing us around. We somehow ended up talking about women's rights, and she told me that women actually have many more rights in Oman than people outside the country might assume. We spoke about things like marriage and divorce, and I found it fascinating to hear her side. Obviously, I'm not going to take one conversation and pretend I suddenly understand women's rights in Oman. There are still areas where women don't have the same legal rights as men, but that's just one thing that made the conversation so interesting to me.
It's very easy to think you understand somewhere from the outside. Then you actually sit down and talk to someone who lives there and realise there's a lot more nuance.
The locals are bloody wonderful
I stand by my opinion that the Omani are some of the nicest and most welcoming I've met.
My darling guide in Nizwa and Muscat, Mahmood, is probably the best example. What started as a little half-day tour with a handful of people somehow turned into a sort of friendship, and we're still connected a couple of years later.
I value that a lot more because when I travel alone in certain places (calling out Europe and North Africa), quite a lot of men are kind for ulterior motives. Sometimes, it’s harmless, but I’ve been in too many situations where it’s just creepy. In Oman, I found them to compliment at a distance or just to be warm in a friendly way. Surprising all things considered, but that’s why I rather visit somewhere and then make a judgement, than base my ideas on the bullshit people splutter out.
Food that’s under appreciated
On a lighter note, let’s give the cuisine a mention too because I wholeheartedly believe it doesn’t get enough love.
Rice dishes, breads, dates, dips, salads, meat, little snacks: ok maybe it’s similar to other neighbouring countries but who the hell cares? I basically spent ten days eating things and going “oh my god, what's this?” and enjoying every bite.
Some of my favourite meals weren't even the fancy ones. It was the local food I had during those tours, little places I stumbled across and things people recommended along the way.
And yes, I am still thinking about that fattoush.
Let Oman surprise youOman isn't Dubai. It isn't Qatar. It isn't Saudi Arabia. And it doesn't need to be.
It has its own culture, its own pace and its own way of doing things, so don't arrive expecting the version you've seen on Instagram. And don't arrive expecting it to fit into whatever idea you already have of the Middle East.
Let it surprise you.
Talk to people. Ask questions. Try the food. Dress respectfully. Be curious. Because I went expecting to like the diving and architecture, ended up falling in love with the people too.