Safest cities in Oman
4 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in OmanTerrorist attacks in Oman cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Developments in the Middle East continue to affect public opinion in Oman. In October 2023, there was a small, peaceful demonstration outside the British Embassy. Further unannounced demonstrations are possible throughout the country. Stay alert and avoid large crowds.
Crime
- Sexual assaultPersonal attacks against foreign nationals, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but happen. Take care when walking or travelling alone, particularly at night. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See advice for women travelling abroad.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDAlways carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and keep the original in a safe place. If you live in Oman, carry your Omani ID.
- RamadanRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
- Alcohol lawsTourists and visitors can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. The legal drinking age is 21.
- E-cigarette and vape bansIt is illegal to import or use e-cigarettes or vape products in Oman.
- Blood test following arrestIf you are arrested, the authorities may require you to take a blood test, particularly if they suspect you have used drugs or alcohol. If you refuse, you could be arrested for your failure to comply.
- Dress codesYou should dress modestly in public areas including in shopping malls. Your clothing should cover the tops of your arms and legs (below the knee), and underwear should not be visible.
- Unmarried couplesIt is illegal to live with or share a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex if you are not married or closely related.
- Illegal drugs penaltiesThere are severe penalties for importing, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs, even residual amounts. In some cases, offenders could get the death penalty. There is no distinction in Omani law between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ drugs – both are treated with equal severity.
- Public offencesIt is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including while driving. You can also be charged with obscenity for social media posts or shared photos or videos.
- PornographyIt is illegal to create, import or share pornographic images and videos, even if created for personal use with the consent of those involved.
- Using cameras and binocularsIt is illegal to photograph some government buildings and military sites. Do not photograph people without their permission. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood – particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.
- DronesIt is illegal to fly drones or any other remote-controlled flying device without a valid licence or in restricted airspace.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Oman. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
- Financial crimes and unpaid billsForeign nationals must pay all debts and traffic fines before leaving Oman. You can check if you have outstanding traffic fines via the ROP app or online service: Royal Oman Police Website - Online Services - Traffic Offense Payment.
- Child custody casesThe border authorities may prevent children from leaving Oman if they are the subject of a child custody dispute.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Swimming safetySee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
- Hiking and mountaineeringWhen hiking in Oman, be sure to follow marked hiking trails.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Oman, see information on driving abroad.
- Reporting traffic accidentsIf you are involved in a serious traffic accident and do not need emergency treatment, you must stay with your vehicle and call the Royal Oman Police on 9999.
- Rules of the roadRules of the road in Oman include:
- Driving conditionsDriving can be dangerous outside Muscat. There is a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden, severe floods in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.
- Desert and mountain travelRoad trips to the desert and mountains can be dangerous unless you’re in a well-equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicle. You should always:
- Sea travelThe safety of tourist boats may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Tropical cyclonesTropical cyclones from the Indian Ocean sometimes affect Oman in July and August, disrupting services and utilities.
- Flash floodsFlash floods can cause injuries and deaths. Wadis (dry riverbeds) in Oman are prone to flash flooding after heavy rainfall from October to March.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Oman, updated 2026-07-22 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 0.14 /100k2023
- Income inequality
- no data
- Human development
- HDI 0.8582023
- Income
- $39,390/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 10.6 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 77/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 65/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 52/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 2.3/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.76GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 46.9 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 91%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 2.0 doctors /1k1.0 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Tsunami
- 9.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Cyclone
- 3.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 2.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 1.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Oman (as of 2025). This describes the law on the books, not necessarily enforcement practice.
How Oman compares
| Measure | Oman | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.1 /100k | 2.4 /100k | −2.2 /100k — better for Oman |
| Income inequality (Gini) | no data | 35.2 | — |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.858 | 0.763 | +0.095 — better for Oman |
| Road deaths | 10.6 /100k | 15.4 /100k | −4.8 /100k — better for Oman |
| Rule of law | 65/100 | 52/100 | +13/100 — better for Oman |
| Corruption perceptions | 52/100 | 39/100 | +13/100 — better for Oman |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 46.9 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +27.2 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 2.3/10 | 3.8/10 | −1.5/10 — better for Oman |
| Measure | Oman | Asia median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.1 /100k | 1.8 /100k | −1.6 /100k — better for Oman |
| Income inequality (Gini) | no data | 33.5 | — |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.858 | 0.766 | +0.092 — better for Oman |
| Road deaths | 10.6 /100k | 15.3 /100k | −4.7 /100k — better for Oman |
| Rule of law | 65/100 | 52/100 | +13/100 — better for Oman |
| Corruption perceptions | 52/100 | 35/100 | +18/100 — better for Oman |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 46.9 µg/m³ | 26.7 µg/m³ | +20.2 µg/m³ — better for Asia median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 2.3/10 | 3.7/10 | −1.4/10 — better for Oman |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.