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 | Oman Local Customs | Tips 1 - 10 of 46 |  |
 by traveldave
Inland areas are much more conservative, and activities and styles of dress that are acceptable in the coastal areas are not appropriate.
Despite the openness toward other beliefs, Islam is nevertheless an important aspect in the lives of the citizens of Oman. Mosques are to be seen everywhere, from the largest cities to the smallest towns, and the call to prayer is heard throughout the country five times per day. Most Muslim women still wear the abaya, a full-length black covering. However, the hard-line fanatacism that is present in many Muslim countries is so far not present in Oman, and it is a safe country to visit in what can be a volatile part of the world. Leave a Comment
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 by traveldave
Although some of the Shihuh live along the coasts, most live in the rugged mountains of the peninsula's interior. The land in which they live is rocky and arid, with very little vegetation. However, the Shihuh are able to use the small amount of rain that falls, mainly in the winter, to grow limited amounts of barley, wheat, and date palms. They also herd goats, whose meat and milk are staples. Most of the cultivated areas are high on the plateau of the peninsula, but the people live a couple of thousand feet below in the wadis.
Visitors to the wadis of the Musandam Peninsula will see the typical stone hovels that the Shihuh and their goats live in (pictured here). They are called bayt al qufl, which means "cave house," since they are partly underground. The houses are constructed by putting a roof made of timber or stone over a stone-lined rectangular pit dug into the ground. The entryway is usually a small window-like opening less than three feet (one meter) square with a wooden door.
Nowadays, the Shihu are no longer hostile to outsiders, but neither are they particularly friendly. Leave a Comment
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Oman is an extremely religious and conservative society. They follow a conservative branch of Islam called Ibadi Islam thus making them dedicated followers of their religion. The dress code should be at all times shorts below the knee and t shirts at best for men with women wearing baggy pants and quarter length shirts. Outside Sohar, Muscat and Sur men shouldnt wear shorts and women shouldnt wear t shirts or shorts despite what the ignorant British expat Oil workers say or do. I have lived in this country in a very very conservative town and I have tried my best to respect the culture the best I could and I have been rewarded with countless friendships. My biggest pain is going to Muscat etc and seeing people dressed in shorts and tank tops.It irritates me sooo much because Omanis are too damn friendly to be rude. Point? You are in an Islamic country with a conservative branch of Islam = cover up please. Leave a Comment
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Many tourists think that they can safely interact with women in the Gulf because they base it on their experiences in more liberal societies such as in Lebanon or some areas of Egypt or Jordan. Make no mistake, Oman is one of the most conservative countries on earth and the only way you will interact whatsoever is when you speak with cashiers etc in the service industry. You should never speak or confront women in public as this is a major taboo. Women can speak with local women but women only interact in public with their family members. Just take the lead from your surroundings and you will do fine. Leave a Comment
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 Fishing boats at Oman by victorwkfLeave a Comment
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Be careful when you walk into a restaurant in small towns. The culture of Arabs is that they dont want offend you, they will never tell you that you are in the wrong. Make sure if you are in smaller towns that you go to the correct area of the restaurant. There are family sections and if you dont know you may cause major problems with the owners(they will feel uncomfortable and local customers may feel out of place with a foreigner sitting there or near them). Leave a Comment
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 display in french-omani
museum, muscat by TomorrowsAngel
Womens' traditional clothing is made up of 3 main parts. The dishdasha (below the knee dress), the sirwal (baggy trousers), and the lihaff (embroidered headdress). All are worn in any colour.
When going outside, Omani women usually wear an abaia, a long and thin black cover worn over the lihaff. Although it is unusual to see a woman wearing the khima’r (veil), a burkha (face mask), is often worn in more conservative areas, especially among the Bedouin women. Omani women may wear as many as ten rings on their fingers, as well as bangles, heavy earrings and necklaces. Most Omani women dye their hands and feet with henna, like other Middle Eastern women Leave a Comment
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 omani men by TomorrowsAngel
I think a lot of other people also wear it on a daily basis also.
The main item that Omani men wear is the dishdasha (long dress shirt) , which is collarless unlike that worn in the rest of the Gulf.
A knotted tassel hanging called a farakha/kashkusa hangs from the top of the dishdasha. Rosewater or sandalwood perfume is sprayed on it.
The wizar (tunic) is worn underneath the dishdasha.
A massar (turban), or kumma (embroidered cap), is worn on the head. The massar may be worn on its own, or over the kumma.
The white dishdasha is the official colour for government workers and is most common overall. In the winter, darker clothes are preferred, especially among the Bedouins.
Darker dishdashas are also worn by Baluchi men. . Leave a Comment
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 sultan al qaboos with
francois mitterand by TomorrowsAngel
Sultan Al Qaboos is separated, and has no children. The Oman constitution says that the heir to the throne must be chosen by the royal family within 3 days of it 'falling vacant'. Leave a Comment
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 A typical white building in
Oman by victorwkfLeave a Comment
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