Clothing in Oman

Dressing appropriately in Oman is extremely important. Women should wear loose clothing with arms and legs always covered. If a skirt is worn it should at least be below the knee but wearing trousers is a preferable option. A headscarf also needs to be worn in the more conservative areas. The dress code is less strict for men, although it’s not a good idea to wear shorts, ripped jeans or slogan t-shirts.

Cuisine

Omani cuisine is influenced by various global cuisines including Arabic, Persian, Indian, African, etc. Rice is the staple of the cuisine. Fish, lamb, and chicken are other important parts of the diet. Omani dishes are usually rich in herbs, spices, and marinades. Everyday meals feature curry, cooked fish, chicken or meat, rice, and vegetables. Some of the traditional Omani dishes include harees (wheat mixed with chicken or meat and cooked to form a paste), kebabs, machboos (rice cooked in meat or chicken broth with added saffron), Shuwaa (a festive-occasion meal of roasted meat or chicken marinated with a spicy date paste), etc. Kahwa is a popular Omani beverage. It is coffee served with cardamom powder. Tea and yogurt drinks are also popular.

Religion

Oman is a Muslim country and uniquely a muslim country where Shia or Sunni islam is not dominate. Between 60 and 70 percent of Omanis are Ibadi, a denomination of Islam that is conservatively-moderate and tolerant. Most Omanis adhere to common Islamic practices including: the prescribed five prayers per day; and strict Ramadan practice (including the forbidding of non-muslims to eat and smoke in public). Despite the prevalence of Islam, some ancient folk rituals and superstitions are practiced as well.

Forts

Oman is also famous of its many forts and castles that were built in different times and circumstances. The glorious forts have witnessed many important wars and changes in the Omani history. Thus, the sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, works at maintaining and protecting such sites by a range of reformations and continuous repairing. It also works to facilitate the way of reaching and identifying these sites. The Sultanate’s membership in the culture and heritage committee in UNISCO helped to protect its heritage from ruin. Moreover, archaeology department at Sultan Qaboos University in cooperation with international delegations are conducting a number of studies and surveys related to Omani cultural heritage. Oman is also endowed with many museums, castles, forts, and mosques that enrich its culture.