Packing for a trip to Oman is a bit different to sunshine destinations in Europe and the Caribbean. If you’ve found your way here because you’re wondering what to wear in Oman as a tourist I’m going to share my experience.
This post includes my suggestions as a UK expat living in the Sultanate, including what I have worn in Oman as a woman and insider tips on items everyone should pack to make your travels more comfortable.
Your dress code for Oman in a nutshell
Oman is a Muslim country where it is expected that you dress conservatively.
If you’ve thinking you know the score because you’ve been to neighbouring destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, think again.
Having travelled between Oman and the UAE I was surprised at how much more acceptable it was there to dress as you would during the British summer time, with arms and legs exposed.
However, Oman is more conservative and becomes even more so during Ramadan. You don’t need to buy an abaya or dishdasha to fit in, but if you bare too much flesh it will be seen as disrespectful.
This is more important for women than men, but if you’re a guy don’t think you can click away now.
In general, strappy tops and vests are a no no and you should keep knees covered. The only exception is if you are in a chain hotel where Western clothing is OK.
There are specific rules for visiting places of worship like the Grand Mosque in Muscat (see more on this below). Women might also draw negative attention in rural areas such as the desert, wadis and mountains if you do not wear long trousers/skirts and shirt sleeves.
Here’s some specific advice on what to wear in Oman:
What to wear in Oman for sightseeing
As I mentioned earlier, covering shoulders and knees is expected when out in public in Oman.
Long or cropped trousers, t-shirts and shirts made from cotton with robust sandals or trainers are the ideal clothes for exploring. Don’t forget your hat and sun glasses too.
Ladies: chub rub style shorts are your friend when wearing dresses in the heat!
And for everyone, I want to reemphasise the benefit of loose cotton clothing. Wearing tight fitting clothes is not only culturally insensitive, you are also more likely to get heat rash – ouch!
If you are planning on exploring the Sultanate’s amazing landscape then you’ll want to read my post about wadis in Oman where I provide more detailed advice on what to wear for outdoor adventures.
Long sleeve rash vests or swim suits are recommended.
What to wear at the beach in Oman
If you are visiting a public beach then it is expected that you cover up. If you are going to swim, shorts and a rash vest are acceptable for men and women.
Long sleeve, UV protective swim suits or rash vests are a must for kids.
If you are at a private beach attached to a hotel you can wear Western swimwear unless the hotel has specific rules about attire.
Be aware that bikinis may draw negative attention as there will be guests from all over the Arabian Peninsular.
What to wear on boat trips
If you plan to go on a boat trip to the Daymaniat Islands off the Muscat coast you will want to come prepared with the right clothing for your half day trip. Also don’t forget a towel. These aren’t supplied.
I’d recommend wearing light clothing over your swimwear. Unless you are chartering a yacht there is no changing room.
For women, wear a long beach dress or a sarong and T-shirt that you can easily take when you reach the islands. For men, swim shorts and a t-shirt are acceptable.
Bring a rash vest to protect you from the sun when you are in the water. Don’t forget plenty of factor 50 sunscreen too.
Hats are a good idea for when the boat is stationary but will fly off while you are speeding towards the island. Sun glasses are a must.
Snorkelling masks and fins are usually supplied but you can also bring your own.
What to wear to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an awe inspiring place to visit in Muscat. But in order to step inside its grounds you must be wearing the right clothing.
Men, women and children need to fully cover their legs and arms. Women must also cover their hair, so bring a scarf.
If you do arrive in clothes that don’t meet these requirements you can hire an abaya (for women) or dishdasha (for men) at the entrance.
I’d recommend wearing shoes that are easy to remove. You’ll need to take them off to enter the prayer halls.
Read more about visiting in my full post about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It includes lots of facts, things to look out for and a free activity sheet for kids.
What should children wear in Oman
Children under the age of puberty can pretty much wear what they like in most situations (the Grand Mosque is the exception). Just make sure it’s practical.
My children spend most of their days wearing long shorts, trousers and t-shirts.
What to pack for a holiday in Oman
So, as well as clothes, what do you need to pack when traveling to Oman?
Travel documents
Here are the important travel and identity documents to pack for your trip to Oman:
- Passports – they need to be at least six months in date from the day you arrive
- Bring a photo copy of your passports as you may be asked for these at immigration and it’s a good idea to have a copy with you at all times.
- Your travel insurance – I recommend having a digital and printed copy.
- A copy of your accommodation bookings.
- Your return ticket or a booking for onward travel.
You might be asked to show evidence of all of these for your whole family at immigration. Printed copies are best.
Currency
Oman’s currency is the Omani Rial or OMR. Check the current exchange rate.
You’ll find most hotels and restaurants accept cards. But if you are visiting an area where there is limited mobile signal, such as Wahiba Sands, you need cash.
If you don’t buy this before you travel you can find cash points at hypermarkets, in shopping malls and on commercial streets in the cities and larger towns.
Medication
If you use over the counter medication bring it with you as you may not find comparable medicines in Oman and leaflets are likely to be in Arabic.
If you take prescribed medication bring no more than a month’s supply with you along with your prescription. Some drugs are banned in Oman so it’s important to be able to prove what you bring is for personal use if asked.
Other things to pack for Oman
You can buy most things you might forget to pack. In my experience, there’s always something that drops off the list!
However there are some specific things I’d advise bringing on your family holiday in Oman:
- Packets of tissues and hand sanitiser – you’ll need these for trips to public toilets. You buy these here but bring a stash to get you started.
- Water shoes – handy if you plan to explore a wadi in Oman and for use at beaches and swimming pools where surfaces get hot.
- Factor 50 sun cream – brands we recognise are very expensive here and cheaper alternatives have left us with sun burn.
- Face and body creams – I have noticed whitening ingredients in many body lotions and face creams in Oman.
- Tampons – you can find plenty of sanitary towels in Oman’s supermarkets but there are very few tampons available.
- Swim shorts and rash vests – not only are these practical in the climate they are also more culturally acceptable.
If you are travelling with a baby then nappies, wet wipes and other essentials can be picked up in supermarkets. We have spotted that they are more expensive than in the UK, so bring some with you to save money.
Things like baby formula and food are available but the ingredients may be different in Oman, even if the brands are familiar. Rules on sugar are more relaxed here.
Also pack Calpol – this is not available in Oman. The alternative here is liquid Panadol and it tastes terrible.
Things not to bring to Oman
Here’s some items NOT to pack in your bag:
- Drugs – there are severe penalties for bringing any amount of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances into Oman.
- Do not bring e-cigarettes or vaping products to Oman – they are illegal here.
- Drones – don’t bring one unless you plan to apply for a license to use it in Oman (it will probably take longer to process the paperwork than you have in the country). Anything that looks like a drone or large camera will be picked up when your bags are scanned at the airport.
- Pornography – leave ‘light reading’ at home.
Take a look at my tips for travellers to Oman for even more advice on how to plan your visit.
More essential reading before visiting Oman
As well as reading my guides about what you need to know about driving in Oman and what to pack, I can recommend buying the Lonely Planet guide to Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsular.
I bought this before our move here and found it invaluable as an introduction to the country and culture.
Before you go
Here are the latest posts on Oman Wanderlust: