How to adapt to culture in Oman

That it looks exactly like something straight out of the Arabian Nights. With vast stretches of beaches to the bustling city life, Oman has everything that would attract the tourists. However, you will likely experience cultural shock if you're a first-timer in the city. Here's a guide on how you can adapt to the culture in Oman.

Get to know Oman's culture

Although Oman is an Islamic country, it is much more liberal than the others of its kind in the Gulf Region. Nevertheless, the Omanis take pride in flaunting their national clothes, which you will observe from the everyday attire of the country's natives. Even though they adhere to their cultural dress code, they have embraced western culture as well. With an assortment of western and Middle Eastern restaurants in its capital city, there is a blissful amalgam of both cultures visible in Oman. However, as a visitor, it would be best if you can familiarise yourself with the nuance of the Islamic culture in this country. As a newbie to exploring this country that is immersed in the culture, it is crucial that you remain respectful about their culture. The Omanis may come across as quite laidback and open-minded; however, make sure that you be cautious about the way you dress and behave when visiting Oman.

Dressing in Oman

You may think that there might be a lot of burkha-clad women in Oman. But believe it or not – the Omani women don't cover their heads unless they are visiting mosques. However, they wear conservative clothes such as long-sleeved shirts paired with pants or ankle-length skirts. If you're a female traveller, it is advisable that you refrain from wearing clothes that are either too revealing or too tight out of respect for the Omani culture. Make sure that your skin is covered up to at least your knees at all times. Even when it's scorching outside, try to wear light-cotton clothes instead of shorts or crop tops. Women are strongly advised against wearing bikinis on Omani beaches.

Behaving like a local in public

Although the Omanis have embraced the European culture in small bits, they are yet to be exposed to the ways of European lifestyle. Aside from keeping yourself covered, couples will need to refrain from public displays of affection in public. However, holding hands is deemed fine, and the natives wouldn't take it as an offence. Also, remind yourself to be polite even when asking directions from an Omani. If you need to consume alcohol, make sure that you do it within the confines of one of the Oman hotels the likes of Al Falaj Hotel, as drinking in public is considered an offensive act in this country. You would want to snap a few photographs to cherish the memories of Oman. Still, you need to make sure that you don't include any of the natives in the background without asking for permission first, especially Omani women. Apart from the obvious concerns, you should adhere to the general guidelines of the country, such as not spitting, smoking, or littering in public.

How to communicate with the natives

In general, people in Oman are quite friendly, laid-back, and hospitable. If they form an alliance with you, they'd probably invite you over to their home, possibly for lunch, in which case, you should take a gift for them. Before entering a native household, remember to take your shoes off. Men are usually addressed as 'Sayed' and women as 'Sayeeda.' Although it isn't considered a must to address the natives in these terms, if rightly used, they would respond well. You will be offered dates and Omani coffee when you visit the house of a local. You can make conversation by inquiring after their health, business, and family. However, be careful enough to refrain from questioning about the women in the house and passing snide comments about their sultan, religion, and government.