If you are curious about visiting Oman as a female, one of your first thoughts might be – is Oman safe for women travelers? This article will address considerations and safety for women traveling Oman.
Traveling to Oman might seem daunting to some, especially in a region of the world often portrayed negatively by the media. If you are a woman, then your concern is likely greater.
However, after traveling through Oman many times over the last decade, both as a solo female and at times with a male, I have great news. Oman is not only welcoming to tourists, but is also consistently rated as one of the safest destinations in the Middle East.
And, that safety is extended toward women travelers, without a doubt.
Below, I’ll share all of my thoughts and insights on what it’s like to travel to Oman as a solo female, and as a woman, in general.
5 Oman Essentials for Women
✅ A breathable and lightweight scarf
✅ A loose kimono for easy modesty
✅ A long flowy skirt for comfort and coverage
✅ Rugged trekking sandals if you plan to hike or visit wadis
✅ A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
Attitudes Towards Women in Oman
One aspect of traveling in Oman that might surprise you is the respect and kindness shown by the locals.
While Oman is a conservative country – much more so than Dubai or even Kuwait – the people are generally very welcoming to tourists, including female travelers.
Oman also has a high expat population (40%) so Omani citizens are fairly used to seeing people of all nationalities. I have never once been subjected to harassment or scams in Oman, though I certainly stood out due to my blonde hair and green eyes.
Omani people are generally polite and respectful, and I found all interactions to be pleasant, whether I was a passing customer in a shop or simply striking up a conversation.
While local women don’t have perfect equality with men in all areas of life, Omani women and men are considered equal in the workplace. It is becoming increasingly common to see women succeed in roles within education, business, government, and more.
So, whether you’re spending a quick weekend in Oman or are here for a longer journey, you will likely feel respected.
Is Oman is Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Oman is undoubtedly safe for solo female travelers. My first visit to Oman was as a solo female, and I navigated the country with relative ease (despite being slightly on guard in a new-to-me area at that time.)
That safety extends to large cities like Muscat and Salalah, and to the separate geographical area of Musandam, Oman, too.
With its low crime rate and political stability, the country provides a sense of security that is rare in many places, especially in the Middle East. In fact, Oman has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The risk of theft or petty crime like pickpocketing is nearly nonexistent.
As a solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe or harassed during my time in Oman. In fact, it felt exactly the same whether I was in Oman as a solo traveler or if I was traveling with a man. This is exactly what I found traveling in Saudi Arabia, too, for what it’s worth.
You May Also Like: 21 Essential Travel Safety Items for Solo Travelers
What to Wear in Oman as a Woman
➡️ Pro Tip: I have an entire post giving detailed instructions on exactly what to wear in Oman as a woman. It speaks to cities, wadis, resorts, and more. Read it here!
When traveling to Oman, it’s important to dress modestly to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention. While Oman is more liberal than some of its neighbors, it’s still essential to cover your shoulders, arms, and knees when out in public.
Loose-fitting and conservative clothing like maxi dresses, long kimonos, and palazzo pants are ideal for the hot climate. Women are also expected to cover their hair when entering mosques, so a scarf is a practical accessory to pack.
On beaches or in private hotel pools, swimsuits are acceptable, but it’s advisable to cover up with a sarong or similar garment when you’re not in the water. When staying in luxury resorts or private beaches, the dress code is more relaxed, but it’s always best to be mindful of the cultural context.
Any Uncomfortable Situations While Traveling Oman as a Woman?
I’ve only had one slightly uncomfortable experience in Oman ever, and it was honestly not a big deal. But I will share it as it pertains to clothing choices and culture.
While on a day trip from Muscat to Wadi Shab on my most recent visit, I had a fellow tourist from India try to secretly film me on his phone.
I was wearing casual palazzo pants for the hike, but of course planned to swim in my bathing suit, which I was wearing underneath. When the time came to take the pants off, this drew his attention and he took his phone out.
Once he saw that we were aware of what he was trying to do and that we were looking his way, he stopped. And that was it.
It was a non-incident to be sure, but it does highlight that people who live in or even visit Oman will not necessarily be used to Western bathing attire. So keep that in mind.
Getting Around Oman as a Woman
Public transportation in Oman is limited, especially outside of Muscat. That being said, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Oman, and you should see as many as you can!
If you’re traveling between cities or to remote destinations, you have two options.
- Renting a car – This is an easy option in Oman, and driving is relatively relaxed. If you’re DIYing the trip, then this is a great option. Women are permitted to drive in Oman, and you will have no issues doing so. Note that I always get the best car rental prices here!
- Booking tours – For those who want their vacation to include a break from driving, your best option is to book day trips and tours. I have an entire article about the best day trips from Muscat, but my top two recommendations are this full day trip to Wadi Shab and this boat trip to Dayminiat Islands.
➡️ Pro Tip: check out all the best day trips from Muscat Oman here.
Note that driving a rental car in the desert is not advised (nor likely allowed.) It takes expert knowledge to drive on the sand dunes.
Challenges of Traveling Alone in Oman
Although Oman is welcoming and safe, it may pose some challenges for solo female travelers that are extroverts. Oman does not attract large numbers of tourists, and hostel accommodations are few and far between.
If you are a social butterfly, you might find yourself feeling isolated, especially in more remote areas.
The absence of hostels also means that budget accommodation options are limited, So, shoestring travelers should be prepared to pay a bit more than hostel prices.
That said, Oman doesn’t have to be expensive and note that hotels are much cheaper than say in the United States.
➡️ Pro Tip: for reasonable accommodation prices, book your hotels here.
Conclusion: Is Oman Safe for Women?
Traveling to Oman as a woman or a solo female is a highly rewarding experience. The country’s safety, welcoming feel, and rich culture make it a unique destination for those willing to step off the beaten path.
With careful planning, respect for local customs, and an open mind, Oman offers a wealth of experiences for women travelers!
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