Can you drink alcohol in Oman?
Despite being a Muslim country, Oman is not a dry country. You can drink alcohol in Oman. However, it is not as freely available or as visible as it is in the UK, Europe, the US and the parts of the Asian continent.
Below are some frequently asked questions and things to know about the availability of alcohol in Oman.
But before the good stuff, I’d like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It’s a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.
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Is drinking alcohol legal in Oman?
Yes, drinking alcohol is not illegal in Oman like it is in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, but there are strict rules about where you can buy and consume it.
Where can you buy alcohol in Oman?
It is possible to buy and consume alcohol in some very specific places.
You cannot find alcohol on sale in supermarkets or corner shops and it cannot be openly drunk in public.
Tourists can find alcohol in Oman’s international hotels and some local ones that hold a special license. It is less likely to be available at independent inns and accommodation without restaurants.
Some places to stay in Oman will ask you not to consume alcohol, such as The Suwgra on Jebel Akhdar, even if you bring you own. This is because they don’t hold a license and it might offend the owners and other guests.
Expats and Omanis can buy alcohol from designated shops if they have a government-issued license. That’s a license for the individual, not just the shop. These must be applied for from the government, so is not an option for tourists.
So, if you are visiting Oman the only real way to buy and consume alcohol, should you wish, is by buying it at an international hotel or bringing it with you.
Bringing alcohol into Oman
If you want to bring your own booze to Oman, you can do so when arriving by air. Pack a well-wrapped bottle or cans in your suitcase but do not exceed the duty free allowance (see below).
It’s also possible visit duty free at the airport when you arrive. Here are the duty free allowances at Muscat airport.
Muscat and Salalah International Airports have duty free shops between baggage reclaim and customs. they are open 24/7.
It is not possible to bring alcohol across land borders from the UAE. This will be confiscated.
Is alcohol expensive in Oman?
Yes. You pay upwards of 5 OMR per drink at international hotels once the service charge and tax are added.
If you plan to have a drink during your stay buy alcohol at the airport duty free shop as it will work out cheaper. Mixers like tonic water, cola, lemonade and ginger are available at supermarkets.
Boozy brunches in Oman
Something you’ll find a lot of western expats doing on Fridays is a hotel brunch.
These are all you can eat buffets with bottomless drinks for a set price and duration. They happen in the afternoon, so not at traditional brunch time, and typically cost between 20 OMR and 30 OMR per person.
While it sounds expensive they can be one of the most economical ways to be served alcohol in Oman.
My go-to app for finding the latest brunch deals is Muscat Where-To.
Is alcohol served on Oman Air?
Yes. You can request to be served lager, wine or spirits during inflight dining on Oman Air.
Is alcohol served in Oman during Ramadan?
During Ramadan it is only possible to buy alcohol in international hotels and some may limit sales during Ramadan. Check with your hotel.
It is however still possible to buy alcohol from the airport duty free as you arrive in Muscat or Salalah. However, duty free shops may not be open 24 hours.
Read more about visiting Oman during Ramadan.
Are there days when alcohol is not served in licensed hotels or restaurants?
Yes. The Oman government prohibits the sale of alcohol the night before religious holidays, like the Islamic new year and prophets days. This is announced in the days before the holiday.
Is drink driving an offence in Oman?
Yes. It is illegal to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.
Anyone found drink driving could be fined up to 500 OMR and sentenced to one year in jail.
Find out more about driving in Oman.
Do Omanis drink alcohol?
Yes, although many who do wouldn’t admit it. Drinking alcohol goes against Muslim religious teachings and is culturally acceptable behaviour. However, it happens.
Smoking is also frowned upon which means you very rarely see people doing it in public.
For more tips and information about visiting the Sultanate see my guide for tourists travelling to Oman.
Wanderlust Chats
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