Tips on traveling to Oman as a woman

Traveling to Oman

Oman is by far the most charming and hospitable country in the Middle East, but we must not forget that it is also one of the most conservative. This means that traveling to Oman as a woman will always be different from a man and for this reason, I decided to contact Katie Silcox, an expert traveler who has traveled extensively through Oman.

According to Katie, Oman is a safe place for women traveling alone, but it's not always easy to navigate.

In her guest message today, she will explain all her tips on visiting Oman as a woman.

First of all, Oman is safe for women traveling alone.

• I visited a lot of countries and continents as a single woman, both in the Middle East and in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Honestly, I can say that it was in Oman that I felt most secure.
• The reason is a combination of things we will explore throughout this article, including the country's attitude towards women, the friendly nature of the locals, and the security of the country in general.
• If you are thinking of traveling to Oman as a solo traveler, you must go there.
• This is one of the safest places to do it.

Oman is a safe country overall, including for solo women travelers

If you have traveled a lot in the Middle East, you will certainly know that the reality of security problems in many countries in this country - or certainly in specific regions of many countries - is not the one described in the Western media.

If you are new to the Middle East and you do not know yet, that's good too. Indeed, if this is the case, Oman would be an excellent starting point as a solo traveler in the Middle East.

In fact, in a report published in 2018 by the World Economic Forum, Oman is ranked as the 4th safest country in the world. This security rating is due in part to the country's low crime rate, but also to the general stability of the country, in part to the importance it attaches to cultural and religious tolerance and education.

Attitudes to women in Oman

Omanis generally have a lot of respect for each other and for tourists.

No, it does not matter if you are a woman - forget all misconceptions about attitudes towards women in a Muslim country. The Omani population respects themselves, including women.

With regard to tourism, however, Oman sees a relatively small amount, which may give rise to some curiosity, especially in the more remote areas. But unlike the other countries, I went to, this curiosity was not synonymous with worry.

Standing out as a tourist did not mean I was considered an easy target for scams, it did not mean I was viewed negatively, and that certainly did not mean I was called to cat.

In fact, on the contrary - during most of my time in Oman, via Muscat, Salalah, Jebal Akhdar, and the Wahiba Sands, I was treated like any other inhabitant of the country - often without any external recognition of my status as a tourist.

On occasion, when I was treated differently, it was with incredibly positive intentions.

The people in Oman are friendly and will want to help you

These positive intentions?

I'm talking about my interactions with people and how they just wanted to help me and make sure everything was fine for their country.

On my first trip to Oman as a single woman; I remember very well keeping my head down as much as possible and trying not to interact with men on the street.

Then one day, while I parked a car, I noticed a man by the window trying to help him by guiding him. Naively, I wondered what his intentions might be and what he might want from me after leaving the safety of my car.

• Did he want money?
• Would he try to pick up my phone number?
• Ask me to go see his store?
• Trying to take me for a coffee?
• I got ready and got out of the car - he smiled sweetly, nodded, and walked away. That was it; he just wanted to help.
• It was then that I both lowered my guard and started to see what the country really was rather than the sometimes reserved aspect of a solo traveler.

 What to wear in Oman as a woman

As in many Muslim countries, you should think about what you wear in Oman.

The country is tolerant, but respect for local standards is both respectful and will help you stay safe, avoiding any possibility of unwanted attention from the inhabitants and/or authorities.

Located in the Persian Gulf, the climate in Oman can be very hot, which can make it difficult for the traveler who is not used to traveling in such climates.

In most areas, I would recommend wearing linen pants and a loose-fitting top that covers your shoulders.

If you visit masjids, you will also need to cover your hair.

That said, there are reservations. Oman has many luxury hotels and private beaches. If you visit one of them, the rules are totally relaxed. Swimsuits at the pool or beach are acceptable, and almost everything happens in the hotels themselves.

 Best places to stay in Oman as a solo female

Speaking of hotels, let's discuss where you stay in Oman as a woman.

This is where things get a little more complicated.

As a solo traveler, there is no problem staying alone in a room, but Oman is not easy for budget travelers. Oman does not have the concept of a hostel and many of its hotels tend to be more expensive [read: 5 stars].

If you are ready to spend your money on a 5-star hotel, there are many options. Otherwise, you'll find mid-range hotels in the Omani capital, Muscat, but you'll probably find it hard to do so.

Airbnb options are available and - remember that we talked about the country's security in Oman - you do not have to worry about staying alone in a rented room or house. A few charming little guest houses are also scattered throughout the country.

Finally, many visitors to Oman also opt for a tent in the trunk of their vehicle and to camp at night under the stars. Although the wild camp in Oman is legal, it's not something I've ever tried with a solo traveler. If you plan to do so, keep in mind that Oman is safe from your comfort level for a balanced vision.

Getting around Oman as a solo female traveler

• To get around in Oman efficiently, you will need to rent a car and we suggest a 4 × 4.
• Public transport is not efficient in Oman, especially outside Muscat.
• Women have the right to drive alone in Oman, and there are many places to rent a car in Oman, including at the airport. In Oman, they drive on the right side of the road and many key connecting roads across the country are very well paved.
• However, a 4 × 4 is your best car rental option because off-road terrain can be more difficult to manage, especially in the desert and mountain areas. This should be obvious, but Oman has zero tolerance for drunk driving - do not do it.

Exploring the culture

Oman has a rich and beautiful culture, and I guarantee you that taking the time to meet the local people will leave you with very good memories.

As a solo traveler to Oman, I appreciate the fact that talking with locals is not always easy and can sometimes seem daunting. I know that I often ask myself the usual questions, especially when I start a conversation with a man.

1. Will he have a bad impression?
2. And if he tries to find me alone?
3. And if he follows me?

Of course, I cannot guarantee every single person in Oman, but I felt safer here than in most other countries; it is more than likely that you will simply have an interesting conversation and learn new things.

As with all solo trips, be aware of your surroundings and read the directions you are given; if you feel that you have the wrong impression or are uncomfortable for any reason, move away.

In rural areas, many people do not speak much English. Try to learn a few words in Arabic before leaving. A simple hello, (Marhaba), how are you (Kefak/Ek), and thank you (Shokran) will certainly be appreciated!

• The advantage of being a solo female in Oman vs being a man
• Traveling to Oman as a single woman can have advantages.
• By the very nature of your sex, you will probably have the chance to see a part of the country that tourists cannot see.
• The Omanis are very hospitable. If you are lucky, you will be invited to an Omani family for dinner with family or friends. If you are a man, it means that you will be dining around delicious food and you will experience the culture of food and hospitality in Oman, but you will have to stay in your room.

If you are a woman, chances are you will live much more - you may be able to explore more than the bed and breakfast and become familiar with the everyday life of the Omani home.

Outside the guest room, women remove the abaya to prepare dinner dishes or to take care of their children. A visitor is much more likely to be invited to experience all of this - and if you are, be sure to watch and pick some delicious Middle Eastern cooking tips!

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