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Oman Holidays – Introduction
If you’re on the lookout for a new holiday destination in 2024, why not consider an Oman holiday? Oman holidays can offer the traveller a unique experience in an amazing part of the Middle East, which is an up-and-coming destination and will offer something for every tourist.
If you’d like to find out more about holidays to Oman, this is where we can help; keep reading and we’ll tell you what you need to know.
Holidays to Oman – key facts
Here are some key facts you’ll want to consider before planning holidays to Oman.
- Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
- Oman shares borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- The capital city of Oman is called Muscat and has a population of 1.7 million people.
- Oman is +4 hours ahead of GMT.
- The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial.
- You can expect a flight from Europe to last around 5 to 7 hours.
- Muscat is around a 4 hour drive from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates
Oman Holiday – what to expect?
Weather
As you would expect from a country located in the Middle East, Oman gets very warm indeed during the summer months. If you are planning an Oman holiday, the best months to visit are between October and April.
Temperatures in the summer months in the southern parts of Oman (Masirah island, Bar Al Hickham, Khaluf (the sugar dunes) are however much cooler than the north due to strong cool winds. This time of year, tends to attract quite a few kite surfers to the region.
Languages
Arabic (عربی) is the national language of Oman; however, English is also widely spoken across the country.
Currency
The Omani Rial is divided into 1,000 Baisa and comes in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rials, and 500 and 100 ba
Vendors in Oman widely accepted payment methods include Visa, American Express and Mastercard.
Accommodation
Where will you stay on your Oman holiday – this is a key consideration when planning any holiday!
The type of hotel you can choose depends on where in Oman you’re staying, but we have provided some top picks from key locations below.
Muscat
| Hotel name | Rating |
| Jumeirah Muscat | Superb |
| JW Marriott Hotel Muscat | Superb |
| Season Inn Hotel_Al Hail | Superb |
| HAFFA HOUSE HOTEL | Very good |
| IntercityHotel Muscat | Very good |
Salalah
| Hotel name | Rating |
| Millennium Resort | Good |
| Star Emirates Downtown | Pleasant |
| Tulip Inn Majan Hotel | Very good |
| Salalah International Hotel | Superb |
| Salalah Gardens Hotel | Very good |
Sur
| Hotel name | Rating |
| Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve | Good |
| Resort Sur Beach Holiday | Pleasant |
| Arkan Al Barzah Hotel Apartment | Fabulous |
| Sur Grand Hotel | Very Good |
| Wadi Shab Beach Villa | Good |
The hotels above are just a sample pick of what’s available across Oman and further research will be needed on which one will best suit your requirements and budget. Additionally, you can check in to any guest house in Muscat city; Nomad Guest House Muscat is one of them.
Oman holidays 2024 – what will you get up to whilst on holiday?
If you choose an Oman holiday in 2024 you should be prepared for a holiday like no other! An Oman holiday isn’t somewhere for those who wish to party their nights away and sleep all day, it’s for those with a sense of adventure, who are willing to explore the outdoors and take part in some adrenaline-raising activities.
The following list isn’t exhaustive but will give you a flavour of some of the things you can do whilst on an Oman holiday in 2024.
Beaches
Oman is home to some truly epic beaches scattered all across the country. For a full rundown of some of the best beaches to visit in Oman, please take a look at our other article ‘Best Oman Beaches’ which will tell you everything you need to know.
This quick overview will provide you with some details on Oman’s beaches.
Turtle Beach
Home to nesting turtles and an array of different wildlife, this one isn’t to be missed whilst visiting Oman.
Pebble Beach
Somewhat different to a sandy beach, as you would expect, Pebble Beach is full of pebbles which isn’t ideal for spending the day lying down on, but can provide a different alternative to a sandy beach.
Al Fizayah beach
This secret beach is like something out of a film scene and you’ll be gutted you missed it if you don’t decide to visit. With some steep slopes leading up to this beach.
Culture
Next up on your list of holiday activities could include taking in some local culture – let’s be honest it’s not every day that you’re going to be visiting the Middle East, so why not learn more about the place? Here are some top cultural picks to get you started.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Visiting this Mosque will leave you in awe at the amazing artwork and architecture. It won’t be every day you’ll get to witness something as grand as this Mosque so whilst in Oman you need to take the opportunity. Non-Muslims are also allowed to enter the Mosque but must remember to be respectful.
More information can be found on wikipedia – Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Royal Opera House
If music is your thing, then be sure to check out the Royal Opera House. You can also see shows and performances at the Royal Opera House if you can book tickets. This is well worth a visit especially if you’ve been fortunate to visit opera houses in other countries and wish to compare.
Bait Al Zubair
This small museum is a nice place to spend a few hours learning more about Omani culture. Bait Al Zubair has lovely displays across daggers, clothing, jewellery and more so you’ll be able to get a true sense of history. The on-site café also serves excellent refreshments and should be enjoyed as part of your experience.
Adrenaline
This section is for those who love to get their pulse racing and experience the outdoors and all the magnificent benefits that go along with physical activity.
Jebel Akhdar
This mountain range is situated 2000m above sea level making it one of the highest points in eastern Arabia. Jebel Akhdar offers countless amounts of hiking routes, traditional Omani villages as well as breathtaking views and canyons. Please note that only four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted to drive to the summit.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams, also known as the “Oman Grand Canyon” is the country’s highest point, with specular views and cool temperatures this mountain range also remains a popular visit in the summer months. Jebel Shams offers 2 fantastic hikes. The Balcony Walk taking around 2-3 hours & The Summit hike 6-8 hours.
Oman Grand Canyon
Wadi Guhl (Oman’s Grand Canyon) has to be the top choice for any hiking enthusiast visiting Oman. The sheer vastness and depth of this canyon will leave you in a state of awe! Be prepared to take your own provisions and get them walking boots on for a fabulous hike.
Wadi Shab
Whilst not technically a beach, Wadi Shab is a must-visit whilst in Oman. For all the explorers Wadi Shab provides the perfect opportunity to explore caves, grab selfies in front of waterfalls, hike, and submerge yourself in turquoise- coloured water pools.
Camping in Oman
Oman is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best camping experiences in the world. You can pitch your tent high in the stunning Jebel mountains, relax on majestic beaches with miles of white sand, or set up camp in beautiful wadis surrounded by lush date plantations.
Holiday Oman – things to be mindful of
When holidaying in Oman it’s important to remember that you’re visiting a Middle Eastern country and therefore must abide by their laws. Here are some top tips for your Holiday in Oman.
- Drinking alcohol and being drunk in public places is banned.
- Be respectful of their behaviour and do not exhibit aggressive or loud behaviour.
- Follow the rules of Ramadan respectfully if you visit during this time.
- Be prepared for any outdoor adventures you undertake. Planning any adventures is advisable!
- Learn the lingo – no need to be fluent but help yourself by learning pleasantries.
- The people of Oman are friendly – be respectful to their good nature.
Oman tour – Places to visit
Oman tours are a popular way to visit the country and choosing to participate in a tour means you can see the best of what the country has to offer and benefit from local tour guide knowledge.
As part of an Oman tour, you could visit some of the wonderful cities and towns, including, Muscat (capital city), Salalah, Nizwa and Sur. Each place has its unique appeal and will bring a different element to your Oman tour.
Alternatively, you could embark on an outdoor Oman tour which would see you visiting secluded beaches, hiking across mountains and valleys, or even visiting the Oman Grand Canyon!
Nomad Tours offers a comprehensive range of tour packages. Feel free to explore the options listed on Oman Camping and Adventure Tours page.
Related Questions
Key questions and answers about Oman holidays.
Is it safe to go on holiday to Oman?
Yes, it is safe to go on holiday to Oman. The local people are very friendly towards tourists and there is also a very low crime rate, which makes it ideal as a holiday destination. You should however remain respectful to local culture and dress appropriately.
Is Oman a good holiday destination?
If you’re looking for an action-packed and outdoor-themed holiday then Oman would make a great holiday destination. With a very hot climate and some fabulous beaches, there’s also plenty of opportunities to relax and spend time swimming in the sea.
How many days are enough to travel to Oman?
We think that a trip length of 10 days is perfect for travelling to Oman. This gives you enough time to travel from your country, settle in and explore some of the wonderful sights that Oman has to offer without rushing.
Is it cheap to travel to Oman?
The cost of travelling to Oman depends on where you’re flying from and how you choose to travel. The time of year you choose to visit can also play an important factor in the price. For example, you could expect to pay much more during Ramadan than any other time of year.
Is Oman cheap for holidays?
Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Oman is on the expensive side and is ranked in the top 10% for travel costs. Hotel prices vary from very expensive to mid-range prices but you do get a great experience no matter where you stay. On average you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000 per week per person to holiday in Oman.
When to visit Oman?
When to visit Oman depends on what you want to get out of the holiday, but Oman experiences very hot weather between April and October. There is very little rainfall across the year so there’s no need to worry about any outdoor activities being disrupted because of bad weather. Between November and March are generally cooler and provide an ideal for more strenuous activities.
