Updated: October 2019

Oman, a small and incredible country along the Arabian Ocean is not a popular tourist destination, let alone be for solo female travelers. When considering the countries to visit apt for solo traveling, it is highly unlikely to choose a destination from the Middle East. All thanks to the Middle Eastern cultural stereotypes related to women.

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If you don’t know already – I am an expatriate born, grown up and still living in this wonderful country of Oman. I have traveled across the country millions of times – with friends and family and many times alone too. Before writing this guide, I take full confidence based on my long experience of traveling in Oman for sharing my honest thoughts and tips on traveling in Oman for solo female travelers. Today I want to burst the misconceptions out of the bubble related to solo travel in Oman.

Unlike its ‘more happening’ neighbor Dubai, Oman is a calm and quiet yet incredibly naturally diverse country. The versatile land of Oman offers history, culture, nature and a unique vintage Arabian vibe to the visitor. Though solo female travelers may find visiting an Islamic country a bit too hard to handle, Oman is a perfect blend of cultural values and contemporary vibes to make your solo trip worthwhile.

Check Out The Cheapest Flights To Oman

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Solo Travel Oman: How Safe Is Oman?

If a female traveler has already been to Jordan or Egypt, then they’re most likely to expect the same random stares and catcalling from men in Oman too. Gladly though, the reality is very contrasting! Oman is termed as one of the safest countries to travel for solo female travelers in the Middle East. The crime rate in Oman is almost non-existent due to strict legal penalties and punishments. You can easily walk on the street without getting stares from strangers.

Moreover, as tourism has finally started buzzing in the country, the locals are getting more acceptable towards seeing tourists around. In general, Omani’s are undoubtedly the most hospitable and polite people you will find in the Middle East. They’re very kind and always eager to help especially when seeing a foreign lady in need of assistance. Also, as there are a huge number of expatriates in Oman, more often you will find yourself being treated just like any other resident of Oman.

Irrespective, of how safe a country is, it is always practical to be aware and careful. Take the general precautions and avoid getting into dark alleys especially at the night. The best way to keep safe and happy while traveling is by getting covered under a Travel Insurance.

Solo Travel Oman: Rights of Women In Oman?

Women in Oman are educated, modern and free to fulfill their desires. Just like UAE, there are no restrictions and conservative approaches from society and the law towards women. They are free to drive, work, travel and practically do whatever they want without a ‘male guardian’. Also in general, women are respected in public and treated in a special manner. Every place has a ‘Women only’ section to cater the ladies exclusively. There is also a separate women/family seating area in public buses and in restaurants too.

All You Need To Know About Oman Solo Travel

Solo Travel Oman: Important Helpline Numbers

All important helpline numbers can be found here.

Royal Oman Police – 9999

The ROP (Royal Oman Police) helpline support will deal with everything; crime reporting, ambulance service, and fire rescue.

No Network Coverage – 112

The No Network Coverage number can be used in case you’re at a place with no mobile networks. The calls to ‘112’ are diverted to ‘9999’

Embassy Number

It is always a good practice to save your home country’s embassy or regional office number in the country you are traveling to. You never know when it can come in handy.

Solo Travel Oman: Important Apps To Download

Mwasalat Taxi App

‘Mwasalat’ is the Uber in Oman. It is a government-run transport service and the best and the safest transportation option while traveling solo.

Marhaba Taxi Oman

Marhaba is another taxi service in Oman which is now owned by Mwasalat. So downloading the Mwasalat app will actually serve the purpose for the tourists.

Talabat Oman

Talabat is a food ordering and delivery service app for Oman. It covers almost all of the international and local food joints in Oman. The availability of the app is however restricted to Muscat and Salalah only.

SIM Details

‘Omantel’ is the biggest network service provider in Oman. Details about Omantel Tourist Pack can be found here.

Solo Travel Oman: What To Wear In Oman

Do I need to bring a Burka to Oman? And a headscarf too? These are the most common questions that come to every female traveler’s mind before visiting Oman. The answer to these questions is a big NO! Oman, though being an Islamic country; does not have conservative dressing rules for women like Saudi Arabia. You are NOT obliged to wear a burka or cover your head in public. However, it is still highly recommended to dress modestly respecting the religious and cultural norms of the country.

A modest dress can be anything covering from the shoulders to knees. Though you can wear something different while visiting the beach, but by remaining within the limits of ‘modesty’. A two-piece is not acceptable under any case! However, you are free to wear a swim dress within the premises if you’re staying at a resort or a luxury hotel.

For more information on What To Wear In Oman – Check out this detailed guide

Solo Travel Oman: Best Places To Stay In Muscat

First thing first, it is important to know that Oman is a no-hostel country. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you have look for a decent affordable hotel to stay at. However, finding this ‘decently affordable’ hotel in the prime tourist spots of the city could be a little tricky. The biggest tourist spot in Muscat is Muttrah, but all you can find there to stay are 2-star hotels or very ordinary guesthouses.

I would not like to quote Muttrah as the ideal area to stay for a solo female traveler. The best bet is to stay in the area of Al-Khuwair, which is a fifteen minutes’ drive from Muttrah. Al-Khuwair is an extremely lively area with malls and a lot of local and international food joints in the vicinity. There are a number of good budget hotels and hotel apartments to stay with grocery shops and hypermarts within a walking distance. Major tourist attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Avenues Mall, Muscat Grand Mall, The Royal Opera House, and Al-Shatti Beach are all within a short drive away.

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Solo Travel Oman: Eating Norms

The big cities in Oman are widely equipped with all the major international fast food joints. Also, as I already mentioned due to a high number of expatriates in the country, there are tons of Indian, Pakistani and Filipino food restaurant. The smaller cities and towns do not have any international restaurants but locating a McDonalds or KFC is not that hard in Oman. All the restaurants (except fast food joints) have a separate seating area for families. Feel free to hop in the family area and avoid getting into the ‘men only’ section of the restaurant especially if you’re dining in at a small local coffee shop or a restaurant.

Solo Travel Oman: All About Public Transport

Public transport in Oman can be one of the most frustrating things during your entire Oman traveling journey. In blunt words, it is just not great! Also, there is no Uber or Careem to be found here. The only transport company in Oman is Mwasalat. The Mwasalat bus service is perhaps the most convenient way of getting around Muscat or traveling from Muscat to the other cities in Oman. More details about Mwasalat Bus Service can be found here.

Hitch-hiking is illegal in Oman but just like every other restricted thing, it does happen. A more favorable option than hitch-hiking is using the Mwasalat Taxi app (similar to Uber) or the orange taxis, which is a sharing cab. I would not really recommend using the Orange Taxis when traveling solo because there have been some cases of harassment lately, involving the orange taxi drivers. Mwasalat taxi is the best safest option to commute.

Solo Travel Oman: Places To Visit To Not Feel Lonely In Muscat

Traveling solo in Oman can often get pretty lonely. As the population of the country is pretty less and tourism has not strike Oman with its full force yet, chances are high that you might feel like the only tourist in the country. Here is a list of Ten Awesome Things To Do In Muscat.

Book These Amazing Tours & Make Friends in Muscat!

Solo Travel Oman: Best group tours from Muscat

Group tours are undoubtedly the best way to get around a place when traveling solo. It may be for more security or just meeting new people, a group tour is my absolute favorite thing to do while solo traveling. Check out a list of all the Best Group Tours And Day Trips To Take From Muscat.

Solo Travel Oman: Traveling Beyond The Big Cities

As Muscat is the biggest and most populated city in Oman, so traveling solo within Muscat is quite easy. The same goes for other big cities like Nizwa, Salalah, and Sohar. However, moving into the more remote parts or small towns of Oman, traveling solo as a female could get you a few heads turns every now and then. It gets more important to be cautious about what you are wearing, what time of the day you should return indoors and just being more alert while traveling in the lesser visited parts of Oman. Nothing major to worry though, Oman is practically quite safe to travel alone.

Solo Travel Oman: Oman’s Laws And Norms In A Nutshell

Traffic Rules

If you chose to drive around Oman to explore it, which I would definitely recommend doing; be well aware of all the traffic rules. Oman is pretty strict when it comes to traffic rules; be it driving or pedestrian crossing. Failure in compliance with any traffic rule will end up with a severe penalty. Read Royal Oman Police guidance on Oman’s traffic rules here.

Say No To Alcohol

As Oman is a Muslim country so alcohol is not publically available. Also, it is not permitted to drink in the public. You can only drink at the designated cafes and pubs or within your hotel premises, however not all hotels serve alcohol, so inquire about it beforehand.

PDA Is A Serious Offence

Once again relating to the Islamic values of the country, public display of affection is a major offense here. It is good and always very safe to respect the religious and cultural norms of a country while traveling.

Fur Babies Are Not Welcome

It is rather sad to say that Oman is not at all a pet-friendly country. Pets are not allowed at almost all the hotels and eating places. Also, you will see signs at the beaches and on the entrance of malls and parks restricting pets to come inside. So better to leave your fur babies back home before coming to Oman.

Stay Aware, Stay Alert

For a female solo traveler, being aware of the surroundings is the most important thing. Irrespective of how safe a place is or how hospitable the people are, when you travel alone, you’re solely responsible to be assertive of everyone and everything around you.

Happy And Safe Traveling To Oman!

Book A Nice & Safe Hotel In Oman

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Want to know what else to do in Oman? Check out my complete Oman Travel Destination guides:

• 10 Best Wadis In Oman With Location Maps
• 6 Amazing Ways To Spend Winter In Oman
• The Best Diving Sites In Oman
• A List Of The Most Adventurous Hiking Trails In Oman
• The Most Beautiful Beaches You Should Visit In Oman
• How To Spend Khareef In Salalah
• Everything You Need To Know For Exploring Salalah

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