Traditions & Customs
Traditions & Customs
Political Profile

Oman is a parliamentary monarchy headed by the Sultan Qabus Ibn Saïd since 1970. Over the years, several reforms have been undertaken with a view to modernizing the country. In 1990, the Sultan established the Majlis ach-Choura, an elected advisory committee. In 2003, he instituted the right to vote by direct universal suffrage for over 21s. Voter participation in the election was high; over 70% of all registered voters turned out to elect 83 representatives, among them two women. Several women are members of the present government, notably in the Ministries of Education and Higher Education.

The Economy

Eighty percent of Oman’s budgetary revenue comes from the exploitation and sale of hydrocarbons, principally petrol and gas. This revenue has enabled the Sultanate to invest massively in its infrastructure, notably its schools, hospitals and road networks. Tourism constitutes the second main source of income, boosted by the construction of hotel and tourist complexes.

Populations and Languages

The majority of Omanis are Arabs, but there is also an important Baloch (Indian) minority in the country. In the south, notably in the Dhofar region, most of the inhabitants are Jabalis, a people of sub-Arabian origin and language. As in the other Gulf countries, immigrant workers come mostly from India, Pakistan and Iran.

The official language of the Sultanate is Arabic. English is widely spoken, as is Balochi, Urdu and various other Indian dialects.

Religion

Unlike all the other Muslim countries, in which the Sunnism and Shiism branches of Islam are dominant, the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman and of the Royal Family is Ibadite Islam. As for immigrants of Indian origin, the vast majority of them are practicing Hindus.

How to Dress

Although the majority of Omanis are Ibadi Muslims, which is a moderate Islamic strain, in Oman, as in most traditional Muslim countries, you are strongly advised to dress decently. Shorts and short sleeves are tolerated in extreme heat, but you should avoid short (above the knee) or tight clothes out of respect for your hosts, particularly in town. You should show the greatest of respect in and around places of worship.

Photos

It is advisable not to photograph anyone without having politely obtained their permission. You are strongly advised not to take photos of women. If you are hell-bent on doing so, you must first ask for their consent, as well as that of their father or husband! It is illegal to take photos of public, diplomatic or government buildings.

Topics to Avoid

We strongly advise you not to criticize the Sultan, the religion or the cultural and religious traditions of Oman

Ramadan

As a matter of respect, you should be particularly considerate of local practices and customs during the months of Ramadan. It is thus forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.

Prohibited Substances

It is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol or to be drunk in public. A state of drunkenness can lead to arrest and would constitute an aggravating factor in the event of a road accident. Moreover, alcoholic beverages are not freely available, except in larger hotels and restaurants which hold a licence authorizing their residents to consume wine, beer or spirits on the premises. Please note that you are only allowed to take one bottle of wine or alcohol per person into the country – luggage is frequently inspected.

The possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden and reprehensible. A foreign national arrested on any of these grounds can find himself facing a long prison sentence, before being expelled from the country.

Videos of a pornographic nature will be confiscated
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