Summer dresses for beach time in Florida, jeans and jumpers for Paris. But when it came to packing for Oman, I had a lot of questions. In summer in Muscat, temperatures can reach 40 degrees or higher , meanwhile in the Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains in winter, temperatures drop to as low as 6 degrees. During my trip, I noticed that most women both locals and tourists were respectful of the Omani culture and covered their legs to below the knees, along with their shoulders and chest. Unlike in Dubai , where I saw a lot of tourists in western style clothing shorts, miniskirts, strappy tops most women in Oman dressed conservatively.
Omani women were often dressed in abayas traditional Omani ankle length robe. I saw a few in niqabs just showing their eyes , but they may have been from Saudi Arabia where the traditional dress is more conservative for women. I arrived at Muscat Airport in loose trousers, a t-shirt and trainers… and yes I look a little tired after the flight! As mentioned, temperatures vary from beach areas in Muscat, to the mountains and deserts.
I was surprised by just how cold it was at night once I was at altitudes of over m in the mountains. Rules are relaxed, even on the hotel beaches. Pack swimwear, shorts and light dresses. Read my guide to the best luxury hotels in Oman here. Some of the restaurants I visited were highly air-conditioned, and I actually felt cold a few times! It took me by surprise when it was over degrees outside. At the entrance there are people checking you have dressed respectfully.
Thankfully I passed! Women must cover their heads with a scarf, wear full-length trousers or a long skirt, and not show their arms. I wore lightweight trousers, trainers, a t-shirt and a cardigan, plus a scarf around my head.
I saw some women visiting in sturdy sandals and that seemed to be acceptable. I also packed a bikini so I could enjoy the pool at our hotel, Dunes by Al Nadha. We also went quad biking on the first day, and for that I knew that jeans, trousers or a skirt would be a little uncomfortable.
