Before moving to Oman, people should be aware of the local lifestyle. The Omani way of life is a unique blend of traditional Omani culture and modern influences, shaped by the country's rich history, diverse geography, and evolving economy.
In general, the Omani lifestyle is very relaxed. As it is commonly said, you have a watch, but they have time!
The Omanis are known for their warm hospitality and generosity. Locals often invite other local guests and neighbors into their homes and offer them food as a sign of respect and friendship.
The Islamic culture in Oman
Islam is the national religion and plays an important role in everyday life. A call to prayer from mosques marks the day, and Friday is observed as a weekly day of rest and prayer.
There are many mosques in each neighborhood, all of them calling for prayer five times per day, and most of them also host the weekly Friday prayer.
Major Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are widely celebrated with family gatherings, parties, and charity work. All major retail companies remain open even during public holidays, but it is better to avoid shopping the week before such a celebration, as it tends to be overcrowded. Oman's National Day, celebrating its independence is also an important event that features parades and fireworks. It falls on the 18th of November but is generally celebrated the last weekend of the month or the first of the next one.
Good to know:
It is important to know that all bars and places selling alcohol are closed during religious holidays.
Business culture in Oman
Government entities and banks in Oman mainly work only between 8 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. Similar schedules are followed by many schools, which operate from 7 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. However, private companies generally operate between 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Fridays, and Saturdays are the official weekends.
Dress code
Expatriate men should wear suits, and women should choose a modest dress or business suit.
Traditional clothing is still widely worn and remains mandatory for many official positions or occasions. Men typically wear a dishdasha, a long, generally white robe, while women often wear an abaya and a headscarf, mostly black. Traditional dress is common everywhere in the country.
Islamic values
Omani business culture is a blend of traditional Omani customs, Islamic values, and modern business practices. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential to interacting successfully and building strong business relationships in the country. Islam plays an important role in Omani life and business practices—Islamic values such as honesty, humility, and respect guide professional relationships.
Good to know:
Businesses often stop operating during prayer times (for about half an hour), and Friday is considered a holy day when many businesses are closed or have reduced opening hours.
Business meetings
Omanis prefer to do business with people they know and trust, making networking and relationship building a key component of business relationships. Many informal meetings run after working hours or during weekends at cafes or restaurants. They tend not to be formally considered working hours but play an essential role.
Good to know:
When exchanging business cards, it is common to offer and accept them with both hands or the right hand and take a moment to look at the card before putting it away.
Business meetings often begin with the offer of coffee and appointments, and meetings typically include social discussions before getting down to business.
Avoid consuming alcohol or items that may be considered inappropriate due to Islamic customs, especially during meetings, unless you have been invited to do so by your local guest.
Respect and politeness
Omanis tend to communicate indirectly and politely. It is important to be respectful and avoid confrontational or aggressive behavior. Business discussions are often conducted diplomatically, and a negative response may be conveyed subtly. It is important to show respect, especially to seniors or dignitaries.
Good to know:
It is common to address people by their titles when they have one.
Punctuality
While punctuality is important, meetings often start late. It is polite to arrive on time, but be extremely patient if others do not. They will always come up with an excuse for being late.
Hierarchy
Oman has a hierarchical business structure. Understanding the chain of command is important, as decisions are often made at the top. Seniority and age are respected, and senior officials usually have the final say on decisions.
Negotiations
Negotiations can take time, as Omanis place a premium on careful consideration and agreement. It is important to be patient and flexible, allowing time for discussion and reflection. Although oral agreements are respected, agreements must be documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
Gift-giving
Although gift-giving is not part of a business transaction, it is appreciated as a sign of goodwill. If you give a gift, it should be modest and not too lavish.
Business language
Arabic is the official language of Oman, and English is spread in business, but understanding a specific basic Arab sentence is profitable and can be evaluated. If you use official documents, you may need a specialized translation service to ensure clarity and understanding. Oman places great importance on corporate social responsibility.
Urban and rural lifestyles in Oman
Oman's urban and rural lifestyles vary greatly, with cities such as Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah offering a combination of modern amenities, shopping malls, international restaurants, and entertainment options. In contrast, rural areas remain more traditional in their lifestyles, with an emphasis on farming and fishing. One can easily feel like traveling back in time when venturing into Oman's rural areas.
Families in Oman
The family plays a central role in Omani society. Extended families often live close to one another, and there is a strong sense of community: social gatherings and family events are common, and many cultural practices revolve around these community ties. Many children still tend to purchase land or a house in the same neighborhood as their parents and other siblings.
The local cuisine in Oman
The Omani cuisine reflects the country's coastal geography and historic trading ties.
Popular dishes include shuwa. It is slow-cooked meat marinated with species and wrapped with palm tree leaves. It is usually prepared for special occasions, such as Eid feasts. It is traditionally simmered in an underground sand oven for up to 48 hours. The meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful thanks to the slow cooking process. Shuwa is usually served with rice and vegetables or salad.
Makboos is a spiced rice dish similar to biryani. It is made with basmati rice, chicken, lamb, or fish, and a mixture of spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. Vegetables such as tomatoes and onions are often used in this recipe.
Samak simply means fish, and in Omani cuisine, it is often grilled or fried with a special blend of spices. Omani cuisine relies heavily on seafood due to the country's long coastline.
Marshi is also a traditional Oman dish with fried kingfish. The fish is marinated in spices and is often served with a tangy lemon or lime sauce.
Salona is a fragrant stew of meat (generally chicken or lamb), vegetables, and a mixture of spices. It may contain ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots. Salona is often served with rice or bread.
Harees is a delicious dish popular during Ramadan. It is made from wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb. Wheat is soaked, boiled, and mixed with meat to get a thick porridge-like consistency, which can also be slightly spicy and sweetened with sugar or honey.
Khubz refers to different types of traditional Omani bread, often flat and unleavened.
A popular bread-based snack is Rgag, a thin, crusty bread that resembles a large biscuit filled with cheese, Oman Chips, eggs, zataar, or even chocolate.
Halwa is a traditional sweet dessert that is different from Halwa found in other regions. It is a gelatinous, aromatic dessert made of sugar, rose water, saffron, and various nuts.
Dates and coffee are staples and are often offered to guests at some offices, shops, and houses.
Food delivery
Food delivery services in Oman have been increasing significantly in recent years, providing customers with a wide range of local and international dishes. Currently, many restaurants and cafes provide home delivery services directly or through third-party platforms.
Talabat is Oman's leading food delivery platform. It offers dishes from a wide range of restaurants, from local Omani cuisine to international fast-food chains. The app allows users to order food, track their delivery, and pay for their order online or with cash.
Most platforms charge a low nominal delivery fee, which ranges from OMR 0.500 to OMR 1, depending on the distance and restaurant. Delivery time usually ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the restaurant and location. Please note that delays may occur during peak hours.
Food delivery services are most popular in the capital, Muscat. Small cities and rural areas can provide direct delivery from local restaurants, but the possibility of using food delivery platforms is more limited. In addition to restaurant food, some platforms also offer grocery delivery, bringing items from supermarkets and hypermarkets directly to your home.
The outdoor culture in Oman
Oman's diverse desert, mountain, and coastal landscape offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Even if it is always possible to enjoy cooler weather in the Dhofar region during the summer months, outdoor activities are mostly enjoyed in the winter.
Popular activities include camping, hiking, and diving, and the country's natural beauty, such as the Hajar Mountains and Wahiba Sands, attracts locals and tourists alike, especially during public holidays. Most locals enjoy long evening gatherings and tend to nap after work when they finish not too late, as smaller businesses are generally closed between 2 and 4.30 p.m.
Sports in Oman
Football is the most popular sport in Oman, both as a spectator event and a recreational activity. The Oman Football Association (OFA) was founded in 1978 and governs football in the country. The association oversees the organization of domestic leagues, cup competitions, and the national team. Oman's Premier Football League, also known as the Omantel League due to sponsorship, features the best clubs in the country. The Sultan Qaboos Cup is Oman's first knockout football tournament and is the equivalent of a national cup. The Oman national team represents Oman in international competitions. The team has made significant strides over the years, including participating in the AFC Asian Cup and the Gulf Cup.
Good to know:
Oman won the Gulf Cup in 2009 and 2017, marking significant achievements in the country's football history.
Oman has invested in youth development to nurture local talent. OFA and various clubs run football academies and youth leagues to develop young players.
Oman has several football stadiums, the most notable of which is the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, which hosts major national and international matches.
Football is widespread among the Omanis. National team and popular club matches attract passionate fans, sports are widely discussed, and important matches are broadcast on television and radio. Despite its popularity, Omani football faces challenges such as limited financial resources, competition from other sports, and the need for increased professionalization.
Good to know: Before sunset, all beaches across the country get filled with locals coming to play. Many private football grounds, generally with artificial grass, can also be found in all neighborhoods and can be rented per hour.
Other common activities
Camel racing and traditional boat racing are also popular, but only in rural areas. In the cities located on the coast, fishing is not only a commercial activity but is also practiced by many locals and expatriates. There are even some specialist companies that take guests on fishing trips.
Nightlife in Oman
Oman's nightlife isn't very active, and people tend to have private gatherings. Most of the nightlife is in international hotels and complex facilities. These establishments cater to expatriates and tourists by offering a wide range of alcoholic drinks with limited availability in public areas. Bars and lounges often host live music, DJs, and theme nights, creating a lively and sociable atmosphere during weekends.
Oman is more conservative than its neighbors, but a few nightclubs, mostly located in hotels, offer dance music and entertainment. These clubs are subject to local regulations and often have specific rules, such as dress codes and age restrictions. It is important to respect local habits and traditions, especially in gender behavior and interaction.
Good to know:
Restaurants and nightlife are limited during the sacred month of Ramadan — for example, you need to observe special rules prohibiting food and drinks during the day.
Omani traditional music and dance performances are often featured at cultural events and in specific locations, providing an insight into the country's traditions. Muscat and other cities have cinemas showing international and regional films. Additionally, Muscat's Royal Opera House offers a variety of cultural performances, including opera, ballet, and classical music.
Oman offers a wide range of outdoor evening activities, from beach barbecues to desert camping and stargazing. These activities are popular among locals and expats looking to reconnect with nature.
Good to know:
Modest dresses are generally expected, especially in public places. International places are more relaxing, but we recommend that you dress in a conservative way.
Alcohol
Alcohol is regulated in Oman and is generally only available in licensed establishments, such as hotels and some restaurants. Drinking alcohol in public places and outside of designated areas is prohibited. However, it is possible for non-Muslim expatriates to purchase a liquor license and be able to buy alcohol in the few designated stores located in the major cities. It is valid for two years and is capped at 10% of your monthly gross salary registered with the Ministry of Labor. Application and payment can be made online through the Ibraz mobile application.
Shopping in Oman
Shopping in Oman provides a traditional and modern experience, a combination of the rich cultural heritage of this country and the growing influence of Cosmopolitan. If you're looking for a gorgeous brand, unique handicrafts, or fresh products, there is always something in Oman's shopping scene, though many people still tend to go to the UAE for shopping. Shopping centers often offer restaurants, stores, and entertainment, and some of them include food courts, restaurants, and cafes that open until the evening.
Good to know:
In traditional bazaars, it is customary to bargain, but in shopping centers and supermarkets, prices are fixed.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shopping malls and department stores, but it is recommeded that you carry cash when shopping in bazaars and smaller shops. Many stores, especially in traditional markets, close at midday and open in the late afternoon or in the evening. As Friday is a public holiday, some stores may have limited opening hours. Whether you're in search of luxury brands, traditional handicrafts, or everyday essentials, Oman's diverse shopping landscape caters to all tastes and budgets.
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