Manners in Oman
Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country
Greetings
- Handshake
- Right hand placed on chest
- Saying "As-salamu alaykum"
Etiquette
- In public places, avoid skin exposure with conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees for both men and women.
- Friday is Islamic prayer day when many shops and offices close in morning.
- Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques, polite to step in with right foot first.
- During meals, use right hand only, left hand considered impure.
- Obtain subject permission before photography, women and military facilities prohibited.
- Excessive public displays of affection or intoxication prohibited by law.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, smoking in public during daytime.
- When giving gifts, hand over politely with right hand or both hands.
- Avoid topics criticizing king, royal family, religion in public.
- When offered mineral water or coffee, polite to accept at least one sip.
- Respect women-only sections when provided.
- Culture values camels and falcons more than cats and dogs.