The culture of Oman is strongly tied to Islam, with the majority practicing Ibadhism. Omani culture is also influenced by its diverse geography, with communities in coastal and interior regions developing distinct traditions. The traditional national dress, foods, and maritime heritage reflect Oman's Arab and coastal influences, while some minority languages reflect ties to Yemen and East Africa. Omani society is generally conservative and traditions, with hospitality and modest dress expected.

1. Omani Culture

2. The culture of Oman is steeped in the religion of Islam. Oman has developed its own subsect of Islam, known
as Ibadhism, however other strands of Islam such as Sunni and Shi'a are also practiced. With this in mind, the
Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, and other Islamic festivities are very important events in the Omani culture.

4. Orientation
 Identification : Although Oman has existed as a distinct nation for several thousand years,
the modern state—the Sultanate of Oman—is a creation of the last two centuries. The
traditional territorial concept of Oman was altered in this period by the independence of the
northwestern part of Oman as the United Arab Emirates and the absorption into the sultanate
of the southern region of Dhofar. Although the names of both Oman and Dhofar are clearly of
great antiquity, their original meanings and sources are uncertain. While most northern
Omanis share a common Arab, Muslim, and tribal culture, the people of Dhofar remain
culturally distinct and often feel culturally closer to neighboring regions in Yemen to the
west.
 Location and Geography : The Omani culture owes much to the geography of the country.
The cultural heartland lies in the interior, in the valleys of the mountainous backbone which
parallels the coastal plains and the interior plains. Seas to the north and east and deserts to
west and south have served to isolate the country from the outside world. At the same time,
Oman's presence on the Indian Ocean has fostered a long maritime tradition which has
enriched the culture through the settlement of many Baluchis (the Indo-Iranian people
of Baluchistan) along the northern coast and the interaction with East African cultures.
Traditionally, Oman's capital was located in the interior but Muscat (Masqat), now the
principal seaport, has served as the capital since the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Northern Oman is separated from southern Dhofar by several hundred miles of desert, which
results in the cultural distinctiveness of the Dhofaris.

6.  Demography : Oman's only census (1993) revealed a total population of 2 million, of which
1.5 million were Omanis. There were 175,000 residents of Dhofar. Census figures were not
broken down into ethnic or linguistic categories, although it can be estimated that several
hundred thousand Omanis were of Baluchi origin. About half the Omani population belongs to
the Ibadi sect of Islam and a similar number belong to mainstream Sunni Islam. There are
several small communities of Shia Muslims. Population growth is estimated at nearly 4
percent per year.
 Linguistic Affiliation : Arabic is the principal language spoken by Omanis, who have spoken it
since the immigration of Arab tribes nearly two millennia ago. The Omani dialect generally is
close to modern standard Arabic, although coastal dialects employ a number of loanwords
from Baluchi, Persian, Urdu and Gujarati (two Indo-Aryan languages), and even Portuguese.
The mountain peoples of Dhofar, as well as several small nomadic groups in the desert
between Dhofar and northern Oman, speak a variety of unique South Arabian languages that
are not mutually intelligible with modern Arabic. Minority groups speak Arabic as well as their
own languages at home, and English is widely spoken as a second language.
 Symbolism : The national symbol employs a pair of crossed khanjars,the traditional daggers
that all Omani men wore until recently (and still wear on formal occasions). This symbol is
integrated into the national flag and appears in nearly all government logos.

8.  National Dress
For men the national dress is an ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves
called the dishdasha. There are several accessories including a muzzar (a type of
turban), an assa (a cane or stick) and a Khanjar.
The Khanjar is a ceremonial curved dagger that is a symbol of male elegance and
are worn at formal events and holidays.
 The Dhow
An enduring symbol of Oman is the traditional Dhow. These dailing ships have been
around for several centuries, there is evidence of an Omani Dhow reaching China
in the 8th Century. the dhows are still in operation primarily used for fishing,
exporting and tourism. The main ports of Sohar, Sur, Salalah and Muscat all
maintain a large fleet. Sur also has an extensive dhow building industry.

10. People and Society of Oman
 Oman’s population is about 2 million. Though most Omanis are Arabs, the long
trading history of Oman has led to an intermingling and intermarriages of
Omani Arabs with other ethnic groups. There is an Indian merchant
community in Muscat since 200 years. There about 300,000 expatriate
workers from the Indian sub continent who comprise 50% of the total work
force in Oman. There is a sizeable Indian and Pakistani population in the
north coastal areas. In the north, Omani people with Persian and Baluchi
ancestry are common.

12. Society’s Do’s and Don’t’s
 Most of Oman adhere to strict Islamic principles and are conservative and
traditional. Omanis are very hospitable and friendly but are very sensitive about
many issues. Taking photographs anywhere in Oman is resented while taking
pictures of women is completely out of bounds. It is suggested that you dress
conservatively and modestly in rural areas. Don’t drink alcohol in public places to
avoid problems with the police. During the month of Ramadan, eating, drinking or
smoking in public is banned.
While women can drive and walk around unescorted in Oman, women travelers,
especially single women, may feel uncomfortable in cheaper urban lodgings. They
should avoid opening their room door if anyone knocks at night, and ignore stares
and catcalls on the street. All restaurants have family rooms and it is suggested
women tourists eat in the family room. Women can avoid unwanted attention by
dressing conservatively, covering up as much of the arms and legs as possible and
not wearing bikinis on the beach. Though it is not necessary for foreign women to
wear scarves, in rural areas you will be respected if you do so. Single foreign
women are an unusual sight throughout Oman, so do be careful about dressing
conservatively.

14.  Oman has a very orderly society, and so as long as you dress properly and
avoid doing anything that the police may misconstrue as spying, you are safe.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosques in Oman.
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken in large cities and
business circles. You will find street signs, and restaurant menus in both
Arabic and English. Expatriate workers speak in Urdu, Hindi and Farsi. Though
Arabic is used for education, official purposes and the media, there are
several regional dialects. The ethnic Baluchi population in Mutrah (Muscat)
speaks Baluchi, derived from ancient Indo Iranian language. Many locals in
Salalah and other southern coastal towns in Oman speak a Dhofari dialect;
some residents of the isolated peninsula of Musandem speak Kumzari, a
Creole mixture of Hindi, Farsi and Portuguese.

17. Bibliography
 Culture of Oman. (n.d.). Retrieved January 03, 2017, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Oman
 Oman. (n.d.). Retrieved January 03, 2017, from
http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Oman.html
 Culture of Oman. (n.d.). Retrieved January 03, 2017, from
http://www.omansultanate.com/culture.htm
 People and Society of Oman. (n.d.). Retrieved January 03, 2017, from
http://journeymart.com/de/oman-people-society.aspx