What to Wear in Oman as a Woman Tourist

If you are a female traveling to Oman for the first time, you may be wondering what to pack. This article will outline exactly what to wear in Oman as a woman tourist, including what not to wear, too!

Oman is one of those countries that still has an air of mystery about it. In the US, we really don’t hear much about Oman, and instead are more familiar with it’s neighbors like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Because of that, first time tourists usually don’t know what to expect or how to plan. Luckily, I’ve created this Oman packing list to help, as I’ve been traveling the Gulf for more than a decade!

Let’s dive in to this practical guide on how to plan a wardrobe for Oman.

Monica, a woman traveling Oman wearing a long dress and black scarf in a mosque. — @thisrareearth Wandering the beautifully patterned open-air hallways of the Grand Mosque.

Table of Contents

General Advice for Tourists in Oman

The first rule of thumb when it comes to what to wear in Oman as a woman is to dress conservatively. Oman is a Muslim country, and modesty is key in public spaces.

This typically means covering up – no matter the season – and avoid showing shoulders, legs, and midriff. I would advise female tourists to wear full length skirts, shirts, and clothing at all times.

Local women will all be wearing long black abayas, and I rarely see the colorful pastel pinks and patterns that I often see in Dubai and in Kuwait.

While some visitors may be tempted to wear tank tops and shorts due to the heat, I would advise to cover more of your body when out and about, showing respect for local customs. In a hotel or resort, however, more casual clothing would be fine in most cases.

The weather in Oman can be very hot, even in the winter months. I was most recently in Oman in November, and the sun was shining strong with temperatures in the upper-80’s.

So, when thinking about clothing for Oman, opt for loose, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics. Light-colored clothing will also help you stay cooler than dark or black clothing, which tends to absorb more heat.

So, whether you’re spending a week in Oman or just a quick weekend in Muscat – plan to pack conservative clothing.

Let’s jump into my detailed Oman packing list for women, and then I will address clothing for specific places, like mosques and beaches.

Monica wearing conservative clothing as a woman in Oman's orange desert. — @thisrareearth Just after sunrise, on the glowing orange sands in Oman’s desert.

Oman Packing List for Women

Here is exactly what I packed for Oman. I will link to the exact articles of clothing I have when possible, and in some cases will link to the closest available option.

Palazzo pants – an Oman clothing staple for me are loose and comfy palazzo pants. This black pair is ideal because it goes with everything! A pair like this is great for casual days.
A loose kimono – an absolute must for Oman! Kimonos are ideal for the Middle East because they camouflage your curves under loose flowy fabric. I own many but this is one of my favorites.
A long dressy kimono – I love to carry a couple of options personally, and this one has many color choices.
Light, thin scarves – definitely carry a scarf on you at all times, whether for entering mosques or for general modestly. I specifically love this one because of how breathable the fabric is in hot weather.
Long dresses – a maxi dress is a simple, easy choice for Oman, and this one is even better due to its long sleeves. I wore a maxi dress and a kimono to the Grand Mosque.
A maxi skirt – similar to wearing a maxi dress, a flowy skirt will keep your skin cool even under the hottest sun.
Loose t-shirts – you likely already own some, but throw them in your bag to avoid skin-tight tops and make sure that shoulders and cleavage remain covered.
One casual hoodie – I always bring one no matter the season, both for the plane and for use in the country. It’s for quickly covering up, but choose a thin fabric if you visit in the summer.
Leggings – I actually do wear leggings in the Middle East! The trick to wearing tight pants is to pair it with a long loose top and / or a kimono that covers your waist and curves completely.
A wide brim hat – necessary if you hike or visit wadis or the desert. I didn’t really wear it around the cities and villages though.
Rugged sandals – these have a nice versatile look and can be worn both in the city and for hikes. I wore them the entire time in the cities as well as for hiking to wadis.
Strappy sandals – lastly, have these on hand for the days you need a break from the chunky sandals above.

Monica in a long tan dress nd black scarf - the ideal dress code for women in Oman. — @thisrareearth Plan to dress conservatively, and covered head to toe, when visiting mosques.

What to Wear When Visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

When visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, you need to follow a very strict dress code.

Women must cover their head with a scarf, wear long sleeves that cover the arms and wrists, and wear full length loose pants or skirts. At the mosque, these rules are strictly enforced, so make sure to dress accordingly.

Pro Tip: It is the same dress code as Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, fyi, if you have just traveled to Muscat from the UAE.

What to Wear in Resorts and Hotels in Oman

In private areas like your hotel pool or private beaches or resorts, the dress code is much more relaxed. Here, wearing a swimsuit and even a bikini is perfectly acceptable.

However, once you leave the beach or pool area, it will likely feel more comfortable to cover up. I always wear a long kimono for entering and exiting the beach or pool. I prefer to be respectful and to avoid unwanted stares.

Pro Tip: Get the best hotel prices in Muscat here! I booked hotels as well as private guesthouses this way and got the best prices available.

Monica on a sandy beach in Oman, dressing in a long kimono as part of her women's packing list. — @thisrareearth Even on the private beach, I preferred to cover up when not in the water.

What to Wear to Wadis in Oman

One of the best day trips in Muscat and beyond are the beautiful, natural pools of water called wadis.

When going swimming in public places like Wadi Shab (or even public beaches, for that matter)I recommend to cover up more than you would at a private pool.

You’re going to need to hike to Wadi Shab anyway, so the best choice is to wear your swimsuit underneath your casual palazzo pants and t-shirt. This is when your rugged hiking sandals or tennis shoes will be a must.

In general you will not have trouble while at wadis, but…..

Keep in mind that the other visitors may not be used to seeing bikinis and Western swimsuits, so it is possible to get unwanted attention regardless. Even with all precautions taken, I had a potentially uncomfortable experience at Wadi Shab myself.

You can absolutely wear a t-shirt and shorts to swim, especially if you are traveling Oman as a solo female. Locals will likely be wearing burqinis.

What Shoes to Bring to Oman

I brought three different sandals to Oman.

a pair of rugged sandals for hiking wadis
a pair of strappy sandals for walking around town
a pair of flip flops for beaches and hotels

If you’re planning to visit wadis or spend time in the mountains, you absolutely need shoes with good tread that grips. And note that there are moments where your shoes may get wet (hence the rugged sandals).

Also, keep in mind that when you visit mosques, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering. So sandals that slip on and off easily are important.

FAQs on What to Wear as a Woman in Oman

Here, let’s expand on some frequently asked questions about the women’s dress code in Oman.

What do the local women wear in Oman?

Omani women typically wear a long black abaya (a loose dress) and a black head scarf. In specific regions you may see a wider range of color or embroidery, but in my experience this is less common in Oman than say Afghanistan.

Can you wear leggings in Oman?

Women can wear leggings in Oman, but they must be paired with long and loose tops and/or kimonos. You will want to conceal your hips and waist when wearing leggings in Oman.

Can you wear bikini in Oman?

Yes, women can wear bikinis in Oman, particularly at hotel pools and beach resorts. You can wear a bikini at Oman’s wadis, though keep in mind that some other swimmers might not be used to seeing a bikini.

Can you wear shorts in Oman?

The only areas I would recommend wearing shorts are in your hotel or beach resort, or for swimming in wadis. Shorts are not typically worn in public in Oman, and you will likely get some unwanted stares.

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I hope that this has helped you plan according to the Omani dress code for females! When considering what to wear in Oman as a woman, modesty and respect for local culture are key.

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is ideal for staying cool in the heat, and covering your shoulders and legs will show respect for the local customs.

Whether you’re visiting a mosque, relaxing at a private beach resort, or exploring the souqs, dressing appropriately will help you enjoy your trip while honoring Oman’s traditions.

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