Social etiquette

One of the kindest people in the world, Omanis are extremely courteous and friendly. However, you should also be courteous in return and abstain from acting in a way that would offend. Never disparage Islam, and it is illegal for anyone—including non-Muslims—to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music, or dance in public during the daytime holy month of Ramadan.

Rumors concerning the Sultan's personal life should not be discussed because it is against the law in Oman. You risk getting into trouble with the Royal Omani Police in addition to offending the residents.

In public, holding hands or kissing is not encouraged, and if locals observe visitors engaging in these behaviors, they may become slightly irritated.

It's likely that people may give tourists lingering looks, but in Oman, staring isn't rude; rather, it's a sign of curiosity. Similar to other places in the world, pulling out a camera or a pair of binoculars when you're close to a military base, an airport, or a government building would certainly get you in trouble, especially if a security guard with a machine gun is present. Certain military or governmental locations are off-limits to photography.