While Dubai faces a tourism boom, neighboring Oman remains quiet, yet it is gaining popularity among travelers seeking an authentic and “non-commercial” experience. The red desert, jagged mountains, quiet beaches with sea turtles, and ancient Bedouin traditions offer an experience known to very few.
Why now? Recent research by the data consultancy Mabrian points to Oman as a destination where cultural experiences are still central, while nature and adventure have recently become the main source of enjoyment for travelers. Soon, a new tourist visa coming into effect in 2026 will allow visits to Oman and other Gulf countries with a single approval – bringing adventure closer to holders of foreign passports more than ever. But even adventurous Israelis have hope, as Oman’s name has appeared several times in the promotion of the Abraham Accords.
Traditions, Nature, and Adventures
In Oman, travelers can discover Bedouin traditions in the desert, wander among red dunes, and try “dune bashing” or other adventure sports. Traditional tent camps offer desert nights with an authentic taste, including Omani coffee tastings, camel wool weaving, and activities with local Bedouin women.
It is a country where nature and culture live in perfect symbiosis. Sharqiya Sands, with red-golden dunes stretching across thousands of kilometers, gives a sense of a place forgotten by time. In the desert nights, the clear air and soft sand bring a calm that cannot be found in big cities. Even here, within the desert, one can glimpse the ancient life of the Bedouins – camel tours, preparing Omani coffee, weaving with camel wool, and lives conducted according to traditional laws.
Nature lovers will find in Oman a rare experience of diverse wilderness: Ras Al Jinz Reserve, on its shores, is home to green and endangered turtles, and the adventure continues with birdwatching trails in the mountains, dolphin and whale spotting on boat trips, and even searching for fragrant frankincense trees in wild wadis. The mysterious mountains and winding valleys invite hikes unlike any familiar route in the Middle East.
Oman is also a place where culture is alive and tangible. Visiting traditional tent camps allows one to learn about the daily life of Bedouin families, participate in activities like crafting desert tools, glimpse local cuisine, and understand how nomadic life persists in the modern era. All of this is experienced while maintaining mutual respect and an authenticity few have the chance to encounter.
Women and LGBTQ+ travelers report that Oman is considered a safe and welcoming country, yet still traditional. Some cultural awareness is important: Covering arms and legs when visiting mosques, dressing modestly in public areas, and following local etiquette make the experience smooth and safe. Alcohol is available in large hotels and restaurants, but elsewhere one should act according to local customs.
Oman’s magic lies in offering a true experience – not just landscapes, but also contact with people and traditions. It is the Muslim country you almost do not know, the wild jewel of the Arabian Peninsula, managing to remain authentic, untamed, and intriguing even as all its neighbors are swept up in commercial and tourism development.