In spite of the development that Oman has seen during the last decades, the way of life of Omanis remains largely traditional and in accordance with Islamic values. This is evident if one looks at the way they dress, eat, celebrate and most importantly their charming and hospitable behaviours.
The Omani culture owes much to the geography of the country. The cultural heartland lies in the interior while Oman's presence on the Indian Ocean has fostered a long maritime tradition, which has enriched the culture.
In Oman, the extended family is the basic social unit, headed by its eldest male member. And even though sexes are traditionally segregated, men and women now work together in private and government offices but wear distinctive clothing.
The dishdasha, an ankle-length, usually white robe, worn with either an embroidered skullcap or a turban, has been the standard male attire and still is. The dishdasha has been and still is the Omani traditional as well as official dress code. We are glad that our tradition in this regard still remains intact and this is evident when we see people either in office or outside wearing dishdashas.
Khanjar is also another wear that Omanis feel proud of. It is the traditional dagger that all Omani men wore and still wear on formal occasions.
Women commonly wear colorful dresses with ankle-length trousers underneath. But this is changing due to the modern designs but obviously keeping their bodies fully covered hence keeping the Islamic values alive.
Qahwa (Omani coffee) is both an important beverage and the focus of everyday social interaction mostly among men. Qahwa has been an important part of our culture for generations and no social interaction is complete without it. In fact, the new generation has done away with other traditional ways of life but not qahwa and it continues to be an important part of our culture.
Dates are also important to the diet and to the ritual of hospitality in Oman. Equally important is Halwa, a sweet confection based on clarified butter, sugar, and spices. Both are served to guests with qahwa and this ritual has been there forever in Oman for the old and younger generations.
Although the dominant cultural group in Oman is Arab, the culture has been very tolerant of other groups and Oman has not seen any ethnic, sectarian, or linguistic conflicts and all the people of Oman consider themselves as one and this is a very unique feeling.
As far as how Omanis live their daily lives, most Omani homes have formal rooms for men and their visitors, while women generally socialize in each other's private quarters and when people meet for any occasions like births, marriages, and deaths, the gatherings are marked by clear gendered space.
Marriage rituals entail elaborate celebrations for women only, for men only, and, when space is open, with segregated sitting areas. On all occasions, food is always served.
In general, Omanis are polite and upon meeting, greetings are exchanged before a discussion can ensue. It is considered rude to just engage in the conversation before greetings and I am glad that this trend has been there even for the younger generation and I hope it continues as it shows how Omanis are respectful before anything else.
Foreigners in Oman are generally made to feel very welcome, although in return they would be expected to abide by Omani cultural norms.
Visitors who come to Oman feel safe and I can make out that they enjoy Omani culture more than anything else and the better part of it they respect it even though it is very different from theirs. Humbleness of local people here also makes them feel at home. Till next, enjoy Omani hospitality.
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