Clothing & Ramadan

Clothing — Show Respect

Oman is tolerant but conservative. The right clothing is a sign of respect and is appreciated:

• Women: Cover shoulders and knees in public. Loose, light clothing. No crop tops, no miniskirts. At the hotel pool/beach: bikini is normal. Have a scarf to cover up for mosques and conservative areas
• Men: Long pants or Bermuda shorts (short shorts are frowned upon). No bare chest except at the beach/pool
• Mosques: Women: headscarf, long sleeves, long skirt. Men: long pants, covered shoulders. Remove shoes. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque provides free robes
• Desert & Mountains: Sturdy footwear, sun protection, light hiking clothing. It can get cool in the desert at night — bring a fleece

Ramadan

During the Islamic fasting month (date varies annually, moves forward 11 days each year):

• Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset — no eating, drinking, or smoking in public
• As a tourist, you are not required to fast, but public eating, drinking, and smoking is considered disrespectful. In hotels, service is normal, some hotels set up separate dining areas
• Many local restaurants close during the day and open for Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset)
• Iftar is a special experience: If invited, participate! Many hotels offer special Iftar buffets
• Attractions have shorter opening hours
• Alcohol is available in hotels, but discreetly — many bars close during Ramadan
• The pace of the country noticeably slows down — plan accordingly