Population
As of 2019, the population of Oman is 5,036,065.
Official language
Arabic
Languages spoken
Traditional Arabic is the first language for the Saudi Arab population (0.6%). 45.9% of the population speak Arabic Oman, 16.8% speak Arab Gulf and 2.6% speak Arab Dhofari. Among the immigrant population, where original languages are spoken, there is a combination of South Baluchi (4.9%) Malayalam (4.7%), and Bengali (4.2%) among others. English is also widely spoken, especially among the immigrant population, while Omanis who previously lived in the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda - called 'Omani Africa' - speak French.
People
Approximately 75% of the population in Oman are Arabs and the remaining population are predominantly Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Sinhalese and Filipino. This diversity of ethnicities contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of Oman.
Religion
Oman is a predominantly Muslim country, although around 13% of the population practices Hinduism. Of the practicing Muslim population, three-quarters follow Ibadi - a tolerant school of Islam that prevails in Oman - while the remaining quarter follow Sunni, the traditional branch of Isla and the largest denomination. The prevalence of religion within Oman adds to the richness of the country and if you wish to visit a mosque, our team can offer recommendations on where to visit and how to visit respectfully. Respect for Islamic customs is crucial, especially during Ramadan, which significantly influences the cultural experience.
National Holiday
November 18th: Anniversary of Sultan.
Holiday Schedule
Muslim religious holidays, including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (which marks the end of Ramadan), Eid-Kabir (the commemoration of Abraham's sacrifice), Mouloud in May (the celebration of the Prophet's birth), and the El Hijriya (Muslim New Year), vary each year based on the lunar calendar.
New Year's Day is celebrated on the January 1st. [EM1]
July 23rd marks the day of rebirth - the beginning of Sultan Qaboos's reign - and the National Day is celebrated on November 18th.
History
Ancient settlements in Dhofar provide glimpses into Oman's early history. The tale of modern Oman unfolded in the seventh century as Arabisation and Islamisation swept through the region. The following century saw the cultural landscape shaped by the adoption of Ibadism while the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid (766-809) aimed to convert the masses to Sunni orthodoxy.
Omani sailors thrived in commerce, establishing agreements with India and East Asia due to their strategically significant position on trade routes. However, the Portuguese - using their sailing ships, caravels - seized control around Africa in the 15th century. By capturing Muscat (1508) and Hormuz (1519), they solidified their presence along vital trade routes.
The Omani tribes successfully ousted the Portuguese from Muscat by the mid-17th century, leading to Oman's expansion down the east coast of Africa. The nation evolved into a maritime trade stronghold with a prosperous slave trade, boosting the wealth of the Arabian merchants. In 1798, Britian signed a treaty of friendship with the Sultan contributing to Oman's historical alliances.
The Omani capital shifted to Zanzibar and in the mid-19th century the 'empire' was divided into the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. In 1891, Oman and Muscat became a British Protectorate. Civil war erupted between 1915 and 1920, prompting Sultan Taimur bin Faisal (1913-1932) to seek British assistance.
In 1955, during a period of unrest and the discovery of oil in the oasis of Bureimi, the successor to Sultan Taimur called in British troops. The 1951 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation granted Oman independence from Britain. A Marxist guerrilla movement initiated the Dhofar War, lasting until 1976 and culminating in the defeat of the British-supported Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. Meanwhile, Sultan Said ibn Taimur (1932-1970) was overthrown by his son in 1971, leading to the abolition of the protectorate and the renaming of the nation from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman to simply Oman. This period marked the beginning of widespread modernisation and prosperity under the new leadership.
Policy
Oman functions as a parliamentary monarchy, integrating democratic advancements such as women's voting eligibility in 1994 and elections by universal suffrage in 2003, with an autocratic paternalism tradition. The Sultan holds multiple roles, acting as the head of state and prime minister, controlling the army, directing the economy, and overseeing legislative work.
Famous Omanis
the current Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said (born 1940), orchestrated a coup in 1970 which overthrew his father. He has led the move in Oman towards more modern politics incorporating pro-Western policies, which have been well received in the country. He is known for his love of European classical music.
Jabir ibn Zaid al-Azdi (died in the early eighth century) was an Omani student and a founding figure of Ibadism who contributed significantly to Oman's cultural and religious development.
Wilfred Thesiger (1910-2003), a renowned British explorer and travel writer, undertook adventurous expeditions in Arabia, mapping mountainous parts of Oman. Among his most popular writings is Arabian Sands, which recounts his travels in the Empty Quarter of Arabia.
Etiquette
Tipping is discretionary but warmly received. We work closely with all our partners, ensuring that everyone is paid a fair wage but, as always, if you feel that someone has gone above and beyond in their service, then a tip is always a welcomed addition. If you want to tip then we recommend around £1-£2 per person per day for drivers (or £6 for private drivers) and double for guides. Leaving £1-£2 for baggage handlers at hotels is a welcome gesture, but on the whole, you can align your tip with the local economy. Hotels and most eateries will add a discretionary service charge to bills and if they don't then the standard is 10%.
Oman is a Muslim country with a high level of religious presence in public spaces. Respect local customs in dress, especially when visiting mosques or public beaches. The local dress is a dishdasha - a long tunic worn by men and women that covers them from the neck down. When visiting mosques be sure to take off your shoes and for women, don't forget to cover your arms and legs. While bikinis cannot be worn on public beaches, they can be worn on private ones and within hotel spaces.
During Ramadan, avoid public eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. Follow customary practices when invited to homes, such as removing shoes before entering, and be prepared to stay a while at the home. If you have a tight schedule, the best option is to politely decline the offer. If you've gone for a meal with a local family, then wait for the host to say 'bismillah' (praise to God) before beginning, and remember to use your right hand when eating.
When it comes to marketplace etiquette, haggle with a smile and avoid demanding discounts. And,as back at home, don't take photos of people without asking and don't give sweets or toys directly to children.
If you're heading out on a desert adventure, then be sure to listen to your guide and their advice on best desert practices, especially when it comes to wildlife to stay clear of such as vipers and scorpions. To be on the safe side, avoid turning over stones and make sure that you camp away from bushes. But fear not; on the whole, sighting are rare. Make sure to also dispose of your toilet paper correctly and ensure that anything you take to the desert you bring back home with you.
Shopping
Don't miss a trip to Muttrah Souk to experience the scents and colours while shopping for trinkets, jewels and fabrics. Bargain politely, and seek out items like the Bedouin khanjar, a traditional knife with a curved blade within a wrought sheath. Historically, the act of pulling the sheath was a sign of vengeance and death in Oman whereas today it is part of men's ceremonial dress attire.
Food
Oman's diverse food scene reflects influences from Indian and eastern Mediterranean cuisines. Biryani - a traditional Indian dish - is considered the national dish. Local restaurants offer a variety of tasty treats, including barbecued meats sprinkled with Omani spices, dates filled with tahini or ground coconut, and super-sweet halwa with honey sugar and rose water. For the ultimate foodie experience, speak to our local Concierge who can nab you a table at the best restaurants in town.
Drink
It is safe to drink the tap water in Oman. Coffee holds cultural significance in Oman and if you're invited to a local's home for qahwa (an Arabic word for coffee but also used as a verb by Omanis when inviting someone over) take up the offer, as you'll be treated to a delicious cup of coffee, accompanied by dates, halwa and cakes. Alcohol is not widely available in Oman but international hotels and some restaurants in Muscat serve it.
