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Destinations/Middle East/Oman

Discover Oman

Oman is the Gulf at its most graceful — frankincense, wadis and silent desert nights.

Frankincense, forts and wadis — Gulf luxury without the megacity rush.

Capital

Muscat

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Best Time

October to April

Vibe

Authentic, calm, luxurious

Budget

$$$

Why Oman

Oman is the Middle East's quieter star — authentic, beautiful, deeply welcoming, and one of the safest countries in the world.

Oman is the Gulf with the volume turned down and the dignity turned up.

Must Try

  • Halwa (rose-and-saffron sweet paste) with coffee
  • Majboos — Omani spiced rice with meat
  • Camel milk in the interior

Must Visit

  • Muscat's old town and Royal Opera House
  • Nizwa's Friday goat market
  • Wahiba Sands desert camp

Before You Go

  • Modest dress is standard; bring a scarf
  • Friday and Saturday are the weekend
  • Driving is the easiest way to see the country

Local Legend

Frankincense — the resin from boswellia trees — has been traded out of Oman's Dhofar region for over 5,000 years. It was once worth more than gold and helped fund the rise of the ancient world's great cities.

Explore by Category

What to Visit in Oman

Cities

  • Muscat

Landmarks

  • Nizwa's Friday goat market

Nature Spots

  • Wahiba Sands desert camp
  • Wadi Shab by canyon swim

Stories from Oman

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first-day

Local insight

A Nizwa souk vendor offered frankincense from his own hills, lit a small piece on a clay burner, and walked travellers through a hundred conversations about the difference between Hojari, Sacra and Najdi grades. Travellers bought all three.

hidden

A local legend

Frankincense — the resin from boswellia trees — has been traded out of Oman's Dhofar region for over 5,000 years. It was once worth more than gold and helped fund the rise of the ancient world's great cities.

sunset

The one line that stays

Oman is the Gulf with the volume turned down and the dignity turned up.

4 Quizzes about Oman

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Food Lover Quiz

Which Oman signature bite matches you?

Destination Quiz

Which Oman region should you visit first?

Culture Quiz

Test your Oman everyday habit know-how.

Adventure Quiz

What's your Oman explorer type?

On the map

Where is Oman?

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