So, I am bringing to you now another one of the “things you should never do” series. As you know, this all started with a post on “8 things you should never do in Barcelona”, and continued with “12 things not to do in Seoul”. In this case, we are focusing on Muscat. I hope these points help you have the best Oman Holidays possible!
In order to write about this location, I looked for an expert on the topic: Rahma from the Sane Adventurer!
What to do In Muscat and what you should never do to have the perfect Oman holidays
Oman in the Middle East is one of the very few countries that have maintained links with its traditional Arabian culture and Bedouin values. The capital city of Muscat in Oman is the center of arts. And culture and Arabesque architecture are combined in the city. You can find from low-raised urban buildings to the traditional Arabian architecture monuments. This demonstrates the country’s approach to modern infrastructure infused with the cultural Islamic roots of the nation. As tourism is finally making its mark in Oman, tourists often forget about the cultural norms of Oman resulting in hefty penalties and fines. With strict law and order and Islamic cultural values in Muscat, here are the eight things not to do in Muscat.
‘Immodest’ Clothing
Clothing has always been a major debate among travelers while visiting any country in the Middle East. Though countries like Dubai and Israel have shown great acceptance towards the western culture. However, that is not the case in Oman. While visiting Muscat, both men and women should abide by the dressing norms in the country. These are related to the Islamic values being practiced in Oman. For women, it is important to wear clothes covering from shoulder to knees. Also, a bikini is a definite no at all the public beaches. Though, it can be worn at the private resort beaches without any issues. Men should always refrain from venturing shirtless in the public places. It will offend the residents eventually ending up in a modesty lecture from a local.
Say No To PDA
While considering the things not to in Muscat, Public Display of Affection should be written in bold Red. It is one of the biggest crimes in the city. The Omani laws for all kinds of PDA are extremely strict. Although it may be at a mall or on the beach. Involving in PDA can result in years of imprisonment and hefty fines if proven. This is one of those crimes in Muscat which is not pardoned upon any condition. Many malls and parks also have signs installed at the entrance clearly mentioning the intolerance of PDA in the public. So, it is highly recommended to not even consider getting romantic while in public in Muscat!
Eve-teasing/Stalking Women
Omanis are very considerate and respectful towards the women in the country. In Muscat, both the local and the expatriate women are highly respected by the men. Eve teasing and stalking women is a serious crime in the city. Therefore, any kind of inappropriate behavior is noticed towards the women can result in strict penalties by the law. Moreover, the local Omani men are very conscious towards the well-being and safety of the women in the city. They won’t refrain from interfering if any sort of inappropriate behavior towards the women in public is noticed.
Photographing locals without consent
Omanis are generally very friendly, hospitable and kind people. They’re always willing to welcome the foreigners in the country. However, they tend to get offended very soon if photographed without their consent. One of the most important things not to do in Muscat is to photograph a local woman. As the local Omani women are very conscious of them being photographed, even seeking approval for a photograph from a local woman will result in her getting offended. In order to photograph a local man, one should always proceed with a smile and ask respectfully for their consent. In most of the cases, the answer would be a yes with a big smile.
Littering The City
Muscat is one of the cleanest capital cities in the Middle East region. This is courtesy to the strict rules and regulations made by the Muscat municipality. This ensures that the citizens don’t litter the beauty of the city. Moreover, the municipality has made great efforts for dumping rubbish at the public places. Littering the public places in Muscat is a huge offense. It can result in a fine of $1000 or even more if it involved littering at the public beaches.
Eating in public during Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of fasting which the Muslims in Muscat observes every year according to the Islamic calendar. During the month of Ramadan, the Muslim people fast from sunrise to sunset and then break the fast with a grand feast in the evening. As 100% population of Oman is Muslim, therefore, Ramadan is a great deal in the country. During Ramadan, all the restaurants are advised to remain closed during the day time, while the Muslims are fasting. The restaurants only open at the fast breaking time and remain open till the sunrise. When the fast for the next day starts. Eating in the public places during the fasting time in Ramadan is a great offense and a sign of disrespect towards the locals.
Disrespecting Mosques
Muscat is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the whole world. For the Muslim people of Muscat, mosques are the center of their belief and religious values. And they should be respected by everyone. It is forbidden for any non-Muslim to enter the mosques apart from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in Muscat, which is an epitome of Arabesque architecture in the country. The non-Muslims can visit it, however, dressing modestly is mandatory. Women should cover their head with a headscarf before entering. Also, it is important to turn off the music when near a mosque and talk in a soft tone as a sign of respect towards the mosques.
Drinking Alcohol in Public
One of the major things not to do in Muscat is openly consuming alcohol in public. Due to the Islamic values in the city, alcohol is not readily available at the majority of the restaurants and cafes in Muscat. Moreover, it is not easy to bring alcohol into the country. The city government has licensed certain restaurants and pubs which are eligible to serve alcohol. However, it can only be consumed within the premises of the places where alcohol is being served. If found getting drunk in the public will end up into an immediate visit to the jail, eventually leading into being deported from the country! Moreover, during the month of Ramadan, even the licensed places are not permitted to serve it.
You can read more about Oman by The Sane Adventurer here.
going to Oman next winter so this is very timely. Great information. Thanks.