The colorful culture of Oman

As the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, Oman's culture is widespread within its borders. Each region has its own history and personality, and you can't help but wonder how much diversity there is in the country.

Until the 1970s, Oman was a major port for travelers, leading to the assimilation of many cultures into their own. When Sultan Qaboos bin Sayyid Al Sayyid came to power in 1970, he decided to unify Oman's national identity, thereby creating a unique and welcoming culture.

Food of Oman

The food of Oman draws its influence from India, Africa, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Their dishes usually include a meat base of chicken or lamb with a portion of rice.

Mashai is a hearty plate of fried kingfish from the coast of Oman with aromatic lemon rice, and ruz al mudhroub is a rich rice dish served with fried fish.

Arsia is a rice dish with well-cooked lamb, served with a sour sauce called torchet. A similar version of this dish is kabsa, which features spicy rice with saffron and meat.

Hares Lahaam, an Arab delicacy, features roasted lamb in a generous portion of ghee. Due to its location in the Middle East, Omani food also includes delicious kebabs and shawarma.

Omanis have an assortment of traditional desserts, such as Luqaimat, which are deep-fried balls of flour flavored with cardamom and halva, although the halva is wheat-based and slow-cooked over a wood fire.

Religion in Oman

Oman's religion is Islam. Approximately 75% of the population profess the Islamic branch known as Ibadism, making Oman the only country in the world in which Ibadism dominates.

In keeping with the strict nature of Ibadism, Omani mosques are simple, little decorated, and have no minarets, unlike their Muslim neighbors. According to their religion, Ibadis do not drink alcohol, and modesty is the norm.

Women and men cover their shoulders, arms and legs while in public. During the month of Ramadan it is relatively quiet in Oman, and during this time it is forbidden to eat, drink or play loud music in public.

The country ranks high in religious tolerance. Non-Muslim religious communities include Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, Buddhists, and Christians. Most non-Muslims in Oman are foreign nationals or migrants.

Social customs and how to behave in Oman

Omanis are humble but hospitable people. Public displays of anger are not tolerated, nor are cruel or rude gestures. They believe in proper behavior in public to maintain a good reputation.

As a result, it is important to avoid any situations in which Omanis might lose face in front of their peers. They will perceive this as a personal weakness, which reflects poorly on both parties.

If you want to be photographed with the locals, be sure to ask permission first, especially when it comes to Omani women. If they are not comfortable with being photographed, it is better not to bring such an idea forward.

The locals are very warm and hospitable. They invite you into their home, where they usually serve dates and Omani coffee. When visiting their home, it is customary to carry a small gift and to take off your shoes before entering the premises.

The official address for men is "Sayed" and "Sayeeda" for women. It is important to greet the locals correctly, as politeness is very much appreciated.

Although not mandatory, locals respond well to visitors who know at least a little Arabic, as it shows a conscious effort to learn their culture. They are especially precise about punctuality, so keep this in mind when doing business.

Omanis prefer polite conversations about family and health before talking about business. However, when asking questions about family, remember to be tactful and limit your interest in women.

They do not appreciate sarcastic comments about religion or the sultan and will not take kindly to any remarks against the ruler. In fact, these conversations can sometimes be considered treasonous. For this reason, try not to discuss the Omani government, its officials, or the Sultan in conversation.

Since Oman is a Muslim country, social interactions are usually segregated by gender. Handshakes are the most appropriate greeting, especially among business partners. Respect for elders is an important part of the culture in Oman, make an effort to shake hands with the most senior person before anyone else in the meeting.

Although customs are gradually changing, it is advisable to limit interactions such as shaking hands, smiling, and interacting with the opposite sex unless they make the first move.

On public transportation, men will also mostly refuse to give up their seats to women.

Traditional clothing in Oman

In keeping with the high temperatures in the country, traditional Omani clothing is loose for ventilation but covers the body to maintain modesty. Men wear ankle-length dresses called dishdasha, while women usually wear a burqa or full-length skirt with a headdress called a lihaf.

Both sexes wear a kohl, which emphasizes their eyes and provides protection from the sun. As for accessories, men walk around with a traditional dagger called a kanjar and a cane called an assa. Women prefer intricate earrings and necklaces, as well as bracelets.

Since tourism is the main economic activity in Oman, locals are used to tourists and expatriates in their cities. Nevertheless, they remain traditional in their beliefs, and it is better to remain respectful of their culture.

Oman is a beautiful country with kind people and spectacular scenery, and you will find that the culture here is based on tradition, community and unity.