Oman stands out as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world, inviting travelers to explore its stunning landscapes and rich culture with confidence. To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, understanding Omani cultural norms, safety practices, and practical travel tips is essential.

Safety in Oman: Tranquility Meets Vigilance

Oman consistently ranks among the safest countries globally, with a low crime rate and a reputation for hospitality. Travelers can enjoy peaceful streets and warm local interactions, but basic caution is advised. Keep valuables secure when leaving them in vehicles or on beaches, and avoid driving at night in rural areas to stay safe. Roads in Oman are well-maintained, and respecting traffic rules, especially roundabouts, ensures a smooth journey. Downloading offline maps ahead of time aids navigation across the country’s breathtaking vistas.

According to the Global Peace Index, Oman is among the top 10 safest countries worldwide, further reinforcing its appeal as a worry-free travel destination.

Mastering the Omani Rial: Currency Confidence

The Omani Rial (OMR) ranks as one of the strongest currencies globally, outranking even the Euro and British Pound. Divided into 1000 Baisa, currency notes range from OMR 1 to OMR 50, with smaller denominations like 100 and 500 Baisa used for minor purchases. While coins are common, smaller denominations like 5 and 10 Baisa may not be widely accepted.

Cash remains king in many markets, though credit and debit cards—particularly Visa and Mastercard—are accepted in hotels, malls, and major stores. ATMs are plentiful in urban areas, airports, and gas stations, offering convenience to visitors. Travelers are advised to install a currency converter app that works offline to facilitate seamless purchases.

A Guide to Omani Etiquette: Respect and Warmth

Omanis are known for their generosity and hospitality. Showing respect to local customs enhances the travel experience and fosters meaningful connections. Visitors should dress modestly, avoiding revealing attire, especially in religious places and during Ramadan. While women aren’t required to wear headscarves outside mosques, modest clothing is appreciated.

Photography is another important cultural consideration. Always ask permission before photographing locals, and avoid sensitive sites like government buildings and airport areas. Recreational drones are prohibited to protect security.

Simple gestures such as greeting with “Salam” (peace) open doors to friendliness and trust. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, so maintaining respectful behavior is key to a harmonious visit.

Shopping Smarts: VAT Refunds for Tourists

Oman offers an attractive value-added tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists spending over OMR 25 on qualified goods purchased within the past three months. Items like cigarettes, food, beverages, and fuel are excluded from refunds. Tourists residing outside the GCC and staying less than three months are eligible.

Refunds can be claimed at airports, land borders, and ferry terminals before departure. For purchases above OMR 500, the Oman Tax Authority’s website allows online refund applications, while the Oman Tax Refund App streamlines the process. Packing purchases in carry-on or checked luggage and collecting all tax receipts ensures a hassle-free claim.

Essential Contact Numbers and Practical Tips

• For emergencies, dial 9999.
• Need a taxi in Muscat? Call +968 9914 3222 or use apps like Marhaba and Oman Taxi.
• Keep in mind the working week runs Sunday through Thursday; embassies and consulates often close or operate reduced hours during Ramadan.

This preparedness guarantees peace of mind and swift assistance when needed.

Customs Declaration: Know the Rules

Travelers leaving Oman must declare any cash, currency, or negotiable instruments exceeding OMR 6,000 (about $15,582). This declaration complies with Omani customs and ensures transparency in financial transactions.  For inquiries, visit https://customs.gov.om or call +968 8008 0022.

For more information, Click here

Oman stands out as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world, inviting travelers to explore its stunning landscapes and rich culture with confidence. To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, understanding Omani cultural norms, safety practices, and practical travel tips is essential.

Safety in Oman: Tranquility Meets Vigilance

Oman consistently ranks among the safest countries globally, with a low crime rate and a reputation for hospitality. Travelers can enjoy peaceful streets and warm local interactions, but basic caution is advised. Keep valuables secure when leaving them in vehicles or on beaches, and avoid driving at night in rural areas to stay safe. Roads in Oman are well-maintained, and respecting traffic rules, especially roundabouts, ensures a smooth journey. Downloading offline maps ahead of time aids navigation across the country’s breathtaking vistas.

According to the Global Peace Index, Oman is among the top 10 safest countries worldwide, further reinforcing its appeal as a worry-free travel destination.

Mastering the Omani Rial: Currency Confidence

The Omani Rial (OMR) ranks as one of the strongest currencies globally, outranking even the Euro and British Pound. Divided into 1000 Baisa, currency notes range from OMR 1 to OMR 50, with smaller denominations like 100 and 500 Baisa used for minor purchases. While coins are common, smaller denominations like 5 and 10 Baisa may not be widely accepted.

Cash remains king in many markets, though credit and debit cards—particularly Visa and Mastercard—are accepted in hotels, malls, and major stores. ATMs are plentiful in urban areas, airports, and gas stations, offering convenience to visitors. Travelers are advised to install a currency converter app that works offline to facilitate seamless purchases.

A Guide to Omani Etiquette: Respect and Warmth

Omanis are known for their generosity and hospitality. Showing respect to local customs enhances the travel experience and fosters meaningful connections. Visitors should dress modestly, avoiding revealing attire, especially in religious places and during Ramadan. While women aren’t required to wear headscarves outside mosques, modest clothing is appreciated.

Photography is another important cultural consideration. Always ask permission before photographing locals, and avoid sensitive sites like government buildings and airport areas. Recreational drones are prohibited to protect security.

Simple gestures such as greeting with “Salam” (peace) open doors to friendliness and trust. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, so maintaining respectful behavior is key to a harmonious visit.

Shopping Smarts: VAT Refunds for Tourists

Oman offers an attractive value-added tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists spending over OMR 25 on qualified goods purchased within the past three months. Items like cigarettes, food, beverages, and fuel are excluded from refunds. Tourists residing outside the GCC and staying less than three months are eligible.

Refunds can be claimed at airports, land borders, and ferry terminals before departure. For purchases above OMR 500, the Oman Tax Authority’s website allows online refund applications, while the Oman Tax Refund App streamlines the process. Packing purchases in carry-on or checked luggage and collecting all tax receipts ensures a hassle-free claim.

Essential Contact Numbers and Practical Tips

• For emergencies, dial 9999.
• Need a taxi in Muscat? Call +968 9914 3222 or use apps like Marhaba and Oman Taxi.
• Keep in mind the working week runs Sunday through Thursday; embassies and consulates often close or operate reduced hours during Ramadan.

This preparedness guarantees peace of mind and swift assistance when needed.

Customs Declaration: Know the Rules

Travelers leaving Oman must declare any cash, currency, or negotiable instruments exceeding OMR 6,000 (about $15,582). This declaration complies with Omani customs and ensures transparency in financial transactions.  For inquiries, visit https://customs.gov.om or call +968 8008 0022.

For more information, Click here

Oman has launched a new ‘Golden Residency’ visa programme to attract foreign investors and create a more investor-friendly business environment. Announced on August 31 by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the initiative aims to reinforce Oman’s status as a prime destination for global investment.

Mubarak bin Mohammed Al-Douhani, Director General of Planning at the ministry, highlighted that the programme is designed to provide a stable and dynamic business climate with high-quality, long-term growth opportunities for investors.

In addition to the Golden Residency scheme, Oman will introduce the ‘Majid Companies’ initiative and an electronic authentication service for transferring commercial registration ownership through the ‘Invest Oman’ platform, according to Oman's News Agency.

Key Features of Oman’s Golden Visa:

The programme offers two investment residency options based on real estate, commercial investments, and long-term bank deposits, valid for five or ten years and renewable, pending applicants meet specific criteria. Applications are processed through the ‘Invest Oman’ online portal.

• Tier 1:
  Investment of at least 500,000 Omani riyals in a limited liability company, public joint-stock company, or government bonds
• Or purchase property in Oman worth at least 500,000 OMR
• Or establish a company employing a minimum of 50 Omani nationals (no minimum capital required)

This tier grants a 10-year renewable residency permit. The fee for the residency card is 551 OMR.

Tier 2:

• Investment of at least 250,000 OMR in a limited liability company or public joint-stock company
• Or purchase property in Oman valued at 250,000 OMR or more

Additionally, expatriate workers currently living in Oman who wish to retire may apply for an Extended

Residence permit by demonstrating a fixed monthly income of at least 4,000 OMR.

The Tier 2 permit is valid for five years and renewable. The residency card fee is 326 OMR.

This new visa programme reflects Oman’s commitment to fostering a robust investment climate and encouraging long-term economic partnerships.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unveiled “Nusuk Umrah,” an innovative digital platform that enables Muslims worldwide to directly apply for Umrah visas and book pilgrimage services online without the need for intermediaries.

Accessible via the website umrah.nusuk.sa and the Nusuk app available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, the platform offers a comprehensive suite of services from electronic visa issuance to hotel bookings, transportation, cultural tours, and various support options.

Pilgrims can either select from ready-made packages or customise their own itineraries through a user-friendly multilingual interface connected to government systems, ensuring a secure, smooth experience tailored to individual needs.

This development significantly simplifies the pilgrimage planning process, allowing millions of Muslims globally to arrange their Umrah journeys with greater convenience.

Officials highlight that Nusuk Umrah represents a significant leap in the digital transformation of religious travel, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to make Umrah and Hajj more accessible to Muslims worldwide.

How to apply through Nusuk Umrah:

• Register an account on the Nusuk website or mobile app.
• Provide personal information, including ID or passport number, phone number, email, nationality, and date of birth.
• Verify the account with a security code sent via phone or email.
• Select “Umrah Service” and choose preferred dates and times.
• Add companions if travelling with family or friends.
• Review instructions and accept terms and conditions.
• Make payment through secure online methods.
• Receive your e-visa within minutes, ready for your pilgrimage.

In a landmark move to enhance bilateral relations, Pakistan unveiled the ambitious “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” on Sunday, promising to deepen educational and professional collaboration between the two neighboring countries. The initiative aims to create lasting connections through scholarships, training programs, and institutional partnerships.

Over the next five years, the Knowledge Corridor will award 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students seeking higher education opportunities in Pakistan, with a quarter of these places dedicated to medical studies. The program also includes specialised training for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants. Furthermore, scholarships under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program have been ramped up from 5 to 25, signalling a significant increase in support.

This milestone coincided with the historic visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, marking the first trip by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years. During his two-day visit, Dar held extensive talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain that covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues including trade, culture, education, humanitarian concerns, and diplomacy.

Concluding the visit, both nations signed six pivotal agreements to formalize cooperation across multiple fields:

• Visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate smoother official engagements.
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a Joint Working Group aimed at expanding trade relations.
• An MoU between the Foreign Service Academies of both countries to bolster diplomatic training.
• Media collaboration through an MoU between Pakistan’s Associated Press and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
• Academic and policy research cooperation via an MoU linking the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
• Launch of a Cultural Exchange Programme designed to strengthen people-to-people connections.

The Foreign Office described these initiatives as a vital framework that will institutionalize cooperation and foster stronger ties in trade, education, media, culture, and diplomacy, all set against a backdrop of constructive and cordial interactions.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Dar met with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and senior officials to strategize on improving trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration. Notably, both sides agreed to revive the long-dormant Joint Economic Commission meeting later this year  the first such gathering in two decades.

The Foreign Minister also took part in a reception hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner, where he engaged with political leaders, academics, civil society, and business figures. Emphasizing the deep-rooted shared heritage, cultural bonds, and common Islamic traditions between the two countries, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a forward-looking and productive partnership with Bangladesh.

Regional concerns, such as revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and addressing the Palestine and Rohingya situations, were also central to discussions. Analysts have greeted the Knowledge Corridor and accompanying agreements as a milestone in multi-dimensional cooperation, setting a new tone for educational, trade, diplomatic, and cultural engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

This comprehensive framework not only signals a new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations but also sets the stage for sustainable and mutually beneficial growth across multiple sectors in the coming years.

In a proactive safety measure, Qatar Airways has issued a travel advisory banning passengers from carrying or checking in certain models of Anker power banks. This decision follows a recent recall triggered by concerns over potential fire and burn hazards linked to defective lithium-ion batteries.

The affected Anker models include those recalled in June 2025: Power Banks with model numbers A1647, A1652, A1681, A1689, A1257, as well as the popular Anker PowerCore 10000. Additionally, models A1642, A1647, and A1652 recalled in October 2024 are also prohibited on flights.

Qatar Airways has emphasized the importance of passenger vigilance, stating, "We kindly ask all passengers to verify any Anker power banks in their possession prior to travel. If your device is part of the recall, it is prohibited from being brought onboard."

The recall, issued last month by Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), highlights risks of internal short circuits that could cause overheating and potentially ignite fires. In response, the Ministry is coordinating with dealers to offer those affected a free replacement, gift voucher, or a refund for the purchase price.

This ban aligns with broader safety efforts across the aviation industry to prevent incidents caused by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. Passengers are urged to check their devices carefully and comply with the advisory to ensure safe travel.

Travelers planning flights with Qatar Airways should take prompt action to confirm whether their Anker power banks fall under the affected models and avoid bringing them onboard to avoid inconvenience and ensure safety throughout their journey.