Society & Ibadism
Ibadism — Oman's Peaceful Special Position
Oman is the only country in the world where Ibadism is the predominant faith — and this has profoundly shaped the country. Ibadism emerged in the 7th century as a third stream of Islam (besides Sunnism and Shiism) and is characterized by remarkable principles:
- Tolerance: Ibadis consider Sunnis and Shias as brothers in faith, not enemies. "No Muslim is an unbeliever" is an Ibadi principle. This explains why Oman has never been involved in the Sunni-Shia conflicts of the region
- Modesty: Ostentation and bragging are considered reprehensible. Omani mosques are simple and elegant — no gold kitsch like in some neighboring countries
- Meritocracy: The Imam (religious leader) is elected based on worthiness, not lineage. A revolutionary concept in the 7th century
- Neutrality: Oman is diplomatically neutral and has been mediating regional conflicts (Iran-USA, Yemen, Israel) for decades. This neutrality is deeply rooted in Ibadi thinking
- Practical Piety: Ibadis place more value on lived piety than on theological disputes. "The deed counts more than the confession" is a guiding principle. This explains the pragmatic, undogmatic character of Omani society
What Ibadism Means for Tourists
Practically: The Ibadi influence makes Oman one of the most tolerant and relaxed countries in the Islamic world. No religious police, no strict gender segregation, no public pressure to believe. Churches (there are several in Muscat), Hindu temples, and even a Sikh gurdwara exist without problems. Women drive cars, work as ministers, and go unveiled. Alcohol is available in hotels. This openness is not Westernization — it is deeply rooted in Ibadi thinking and has existed since the 7th century.
Sultan Qaboos' Legacy
Sultan Qaboos bin Said (1940–2020) is the most important figure in Omani history. He transformed not only the infrastructure but also the society:
- Education: From 3 schools (1970) to over 1,000 schools and 30 colleges
- Health: From 0 hospitals to a modern healthcare system
- Women's Rights: Omani women can study, work, drive, and vote — significantly more progressive than in Saudi Arabia or the UAE
- Omanization: The program to replace foreign workers with Omanis — a balancing act between modernization and national identity
Traditional Clothing
In Oman, most men still wear the traditional Dishdasha — an ankle-length, usually white garment, completed with an intricately embroidered Kumma (round cap) or a Mussar (turban). At formal occasions, the Khanjar is added — a ceremonial, curved silver dagger worn at the belt and the national symbol of Oman (it also adorns the national flag).
Omani women often wear an Abaya (black cloak) over their clothing in public and sometimes a face veil — but this is not mandatory, and in cities, Western clothing is increasingly seen.
💡 Tipp
The Omanis are extraordinarily proud of Sultan Qaboos — speak of him with respect. Criticism of the monarchy is legally prohibited and socially taboo. On the positive side: If you praise Sultan Qaboos, you will immediately receive a warm smile and often be drawn into a long, heartfelt conversation.
Dishdasha, Kumma & Khanjar — The Omani Attire
The traditional clothing is not a relic in Oman — it is everyday life. Over 90% of Omani men wear the Dishdasha in public life. What you need to know:
Dishdasha
The ankle-length, straight-cut garment is usually white (in summer), but can also be in pastel shades (light blue, beige, gray — in winter). A tassel (Furakha) hangs from the collar, which is perfumed — a subtle scent accompanies Oman everywhere. The Dishdasha is tailor-made by the tailor (from 5 OMR) and is surprisingly comfortable in the heat: The loose cut allows air circulation, and the white reflects the sun.
Kumma
The round, flat cap is the daily headgear. Each Kumma is intricately embroidered — the patterns vary from region to region and from simple (everyday) to elaborate (festive days). A high-quality Kumma can take several weeks to make by hand and cost 20–50 OMR.
Mussar
The turban made from a long cloth is worn at formal occasions instead of the Kumma. The way it is wrapped reveals the region and status of the wearer. At state events, the Mussar is mandatory.
Khanjar
The curved silver dagger is the national symbol of Oman and adorns the flag and state emblem. At weddings, national holidays, and formal occasions, it is worn on the embroidered belt in front of the abdomen. The quality ranges from a simple souvenir (5 OMR) to a hand-forged masterpiece with a rhinoceros horn handle and engraved silver sheath (up to 5,000 OMR). The Khanjar is not a weapon — it is a work of art and status symbol.
Women
Omani women usually dress in public in an Abaya (black, floor-length cloak) over their actual clothing. Underneath, many wear colorful, richly embroidered dresses — this splendor is revealed at weddings and festivals. The face veil (Burqa) is mainly worn by older women and is not mandatory. Younger Omani women often wear a Hijab (headscarf) with fashionable clothing.
Greeting Rituals & Hospitality
Omani hospitality is legendary — and the greeting is a ritual that may surprise you as a Westerner at first: It can last up to 5 minutes.
The Omani Greeting — Step by Step
- As-Salamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you) — the basic formula
- Kif halak? (How are you?) — sincerely meant, not rhetorical
- Kif al-ahal? (How is your family?) — family is the top priority
- Kif as-sihha? (How is the health?) — further inquiry
- Al-Hamdu lillah, zain (Thank God, good) — the answer to almost everything
Each question is answered with counter-questions. A conversation between two Omanis who see each other again after some time can easily consist of 5 minutes of just greeting formulas. As a tourist, you are not expected to master all this — but a heartfelt "As-Salamu Alaykum" with the right hand on your heart will immediately earn you respect and sympathy.
Nose Kiss (Khashm)
Among close friends and relatives, Omani men greet each other with a nose kiss: The tips of the noses are pressed together two to three times. As a tourist, you will rarely experience this — but if an Omani offers it to you, it is a sign of great appreciation.
Hospitality in Practice
- Kahwa & Dates: Offered in almost every situation — in the hotel, in the shop, during a random encounter. Refusing the first cup is impolite. To avoid getting another, gently shake the cup back and forth
- Food: If you are invited to eat, say yes! You will be served more food than you can ever eat. This is intentional — an empty table would be a disgrace for the host
- Counter-invitation: You don't have to invite back immediately, but the gesture is appreciated. A small gift (sweets, toys for the children) is perfect
Vision 2040 — The Future of Oman
Since the death of Sultan Qaboos in 2020, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik continues the modernization of Oman — with a clear plan: Oman Vision 2040. The goal: To make Oman independent of oil before the reserves are depleted.
The Challenge
Oman has significantly less oil than its neighbors (estimated reserves last for 20–25 years) and less money than the UAE or Saudi Arabia. This necessitates faster and smarter diversification:
The Pillars of Vision 2040
- Tourism: From 3 million (2019) to 11 million visitors annually. New hotels, infrastructure, and events. Oman positions itself as a premium alternative destination to Dubai — more authentic, nature-oriented, quieter
- Logistics: The port of Duqm (on the east coast) is being expanded into a huge industrial port — China's "New Silk Road" uses Oman as a bridgehead
- Renewable Energies: Huge solar and wind farms in the desert. Green hydrogen as an export product
- Fishing & Aquaculture: The 3,165 km coastline is to be used more economically
- Omanization: Integrating more Omanis into the labor market (currently about 45% of the population are foreign workers)
For tourists, Vision 2040 means: Better infrastructure, more hotels, new attractions — but also potential changes to places that are still untouched today. Those who want to experience Oman in its current, perfect balance of modernity and tradition should not wait too long.
