Oman Workplace Culture Guide: Etiquette, Customs & Business Norms

Understanding Oman Workplace Culture

Oman is the quiet achiever of the Gulf — a country that has modernized thoughtfully under the guidance of the late Sultan Qaboos and now his successor, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Unlike the rapid, headline-grabbing development of Dubai or Riyadh, Oman's transformation has been steady and deeply rooted in preserving Omani cultural identity. The result is a workplace culture that is unmistakably Gulf Arab in its hospitality and relationship orientation, yet distinctly Omani in its patience, gentleness, and emphasis on consensus.

With expatriates comprising approximately 42% of the population — the lowest ratio in the GCC — Oman has the most balanced citizen-to-expat ratio among Gulf states. This means professionals work alongside Omani nationals far more frequently than in Qatar or the UAE. The Omanisation program aggressively promotes local hiring, particularly in banking, insurance, HR, and government-adjacent roles. Understanding and respecting this context is fundamental to professional success in the Sultanate.

Work Week and Hours

Standard Work Week

Oman operates on a Sunday-to-Thursday work week, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Government offices typically work from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while private sector hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a one-hour break. The Omani Labor Law caps working hours at 45 per week or 9 hours per day — notably, the daily maximum is slightly higher than most GCC countries.

Oman's work pace is noticeably slower than Dubai or Riyadh. This is not inefficiency — it reflects a cultural value placed on deliberation, thoroughness, and avoiding hasty decisions. Government offices operate at a measured pace, and private sector businesses that deal with government approvals must adjust their timelines accordingly. The oil and gas sector (Oman's economic backbone through PDO, OQ, and associated contractors) operates on its own schedules, often including rotational shifts for field workers.

Ramadan Working Hours

During Ramadan, Omani labor law mandates a reduction of working hours to 6 hours per day for Muslim employees. Non-Muslim employees may be required to work regular hours depending on the employer, though many companies reduce hours for all staff. Government offices shift to approximately 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Ramadan in Oman is observed devoutly and quietly. The country's Ibadi Muslim majority (a distinct sect from Sunni and Shia, unique to Oman) observes Ramadan with sincerity but without the intense social fanfare of Saudi Arabia or Kuwait. Iftar gatherings are more intimate, centered on family and close friends. Professional iftar events exist but are fewer and more subdued than in Dubai or Doha. Non-Muslims are expected to avoid public eating, drinking, and smoking during fasting hours.

Business Dress Code

Oman has a conservative dress code that reflects the country's traditional values and the pride Omanis take in their cultural identity:

• Men in corporate settings: Business suits are appropriate for formal meetings with government officials and senior business leaders. However, the dishdasha (traditional long robe) with a massar (turban) or kumma (embroidered cap) is the standard formal attire for Omani men and is worn in all professional settings. Omani traditional dress is distinctively elegant — the dishdasha often features a tassel (furakha) with scented oil.
• Women in the workplace: Modest professional attire is required. Clothing should cover arms to the wrist and legs below the knee. Many Omani women wear abayas and hijab in professional settings, but non-Omani women are not expected to cover their hair. Bright colors and patterns in conservative cuts are acceptable.
• Government interactions: Strictly formal. Men should wear suits for any government-facing meetings. Women should opt for the most conservative professional attire available.
• Tourism and hospitality: Smart professional attire. Oman's growing luxury tourism sector (Alila Jabal Akhdar, The Chedi, Six Senses Zighy Bay) maintains high presentation standards.

Oman is less aggressively hot than Kuwait or inland Saudi Arabia due to coastal breezes and higher elevation in some areas. However, Muscat and coastal cities are extremely humid from May through September, making lightweight fabrics a practical necessity.

Meeting Culture and Communication

Relationship-First Approach

Omani business culture is deeply relationship-oriented, with an emphasis on warmth and genuine personal connection. Meetings begin with extended greetings, inquiries about health, family, and well-being, and the offering of Omani coffee (qahwa) and halwa (a traditional Omani sweet). The halwa offering is particularly significant in Omani culture — it symbolizes welcome and friendship.

Omanis are known for their exceptional hospitality, even by Gulf standards. Invitations to homes for meals are genuine expressions of friendship and should be accepted graciously. When visiting an Omani home, remove shoes at the door, bring a small gift (dates, sweets, or a gift from your home country), and be prepared for a generous and unhurried meal.

Hierarchy and Decision-Making

Omani organizations are hierarchical, but the hierarchy operates with a softer touch than in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait. The Ibadi tradition of shura (consultation) means that leaders often seek input from multiple stakeholders before making decisions. This consultative approach extends the decision-making timeline but generally produces well-considered outcomes with broader buy-in.

Government bureaucracy in Oman is methodical. The Sultanate's administrative processes prioritize thoroughness over speed. Multiple approvals, document verifications, and review cycles are standard. Professionals who demonstrate patience and respect for the process fare significantly better than those who attempt to fast-track or bypass procedures.

Communication Style

Omanis are among the most gentle and courteous communicators in the Gulf. Direct confrontation is avoided at all costs. Negative feedback is delivered obliquely, often through stories, analogies, or third-party references. A Omani colleague saying "perhaps we could explore other options" is typically indicating significant disagreement. Pushing through such signals damages trust and relationships.

Arabic is the official language and is used in all government correspondence and legal proceedings. English is widely spoken in the business community, particularly in oil and gas, banking, and tourism. Oman's education system produces bilingual graduates, though Arabic proficiency is a meaningful career advantage for expats seeking to deepen their integration and access government-related opportunities.

Public Holidays and Leave

Oman observes the following public holidays:

• Eid Al Fitr: 3-4 days (end of Ramadan)
• Eid Al Adha: 3-4 days
• Islamic New Year: 1 day
• Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: 1 day
• Isra'a and Mi'raj: 1 day
• Renaissance Day: July 23 (Oman's national day celebrating the 1970 accession of Sultan Qaboos)
• Oman National Day: November 18

Annual leave entitlement under Omani labor law is 30 calendar days per year after completing 6 months of service. Sick leave entitlement is generous: 10 days at full pay, 20 days at 75% pay, and 20 days at 50% pay per year. Maternity leave is 50 days at full pay.

Gender Dynamics in the Workplace

Oman has taken a measured approach to women's workforce participation. Omani women are well-represented in education (over 50% of university graduates), healthcare, banking, and government ministries. The country appointed its first female minister in 2003 and has steadily increased women's representation in senior positions.

Practical workplace considerations:

• Mixed-gender workplaces are standard in most private sector companies, banks, and government entities. Some traditional businesses may maintain more segregated environments.
• Physical greetings between genders should follow the other person's lead. Many Omani women will shake hands professionally, but a hand over the heart with a warm verbal greeting is always appropriate.
• Women in professional roles are treated with respect and their competence is recognized. Oman's culture places high value on education, and educated women are held in high regard.
• The hospitality and tourism sectors actively recruit women into guest-facing roles, aligning with Oman's growing tourism ambitions.

Networking and Relationship Building

Professional networking in Oman is personal and unhurried. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organizes business events and trade delegations. The Muscat Business District and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre host conferences and industry events that provide structured networking opportunities.

Informal networking is deeply ingrained in Omani culture. Coffee meetings at cafes along the Mutrah Corniche, business lunches, and social invitations to Omani homes are where relationships deepen. Oman's outdoor culture — hiking in the Hajar Mountains, desert camping, and wadi exploration — provides unique relationship-building settings that are distinctive to the Sultanate. Shared outdoor experiences build trust rapidly in Omani culture.

Insider Guide: Navigating Cultural Sensitivities

Ramadan Etiquette — The Complete Guide

Ramadan in Oman is observed with deep personal devotion but less social intensity than Saudi Arabia or Kuwait. Understanding the Ibadi approach adds nuance:

• Ibadi Ramadan practice: Oman's Ibadi Muslim majority observes Ramadan according to their own calculations, which may occasionally differ from Sunni or Shia timings by a day. Government announcements confirm the official start and end dates. Be aware that different colleagues may observe slightly different timings.
• Public behavior: Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours is prohibited and considered disrespectful. Oman enforces this socially rather than through aggressive policing — community expectation is powerful. Office kitchens and break rooms are available for non-fasting employees, but discretion is important.
• Iftar gatherings: Omani iftars are typically intimate family affairs rather than the large-scale corporate events common in Dubai. Being invited to an Omani family's iftar is a significant honor. Arrive promptly as the meal begins immediately after the adhan (call to prayer). Bring a gift of dates, fruit, or sweets.
• Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr): The last 10 nights of Ramadan hold special significance. Many Omanis spend extended time in prayer during this period, and work productivity may decrease further. Plan accordingly and avoid scheduling critical meetings during the final week of Ramadan.

Building Trust with Omani Stakeholders

Trust-building in Omani culture is a gradual, organic process that rewards authenticity:

1. Demonstrate cultural respect: Learn basic Arabic greetings, show interest in Omani heritage (frankincense, dhow building, silver craftsmanship), and ask about local traditions. Omanis are immensely proud of their cultural identity and respond warmly to genuine curiosity.
2. Patience above all: More than any other GCC country, Oman rewards patience. Business decisions are made after careful deliberation, and rushing the process is counterproductive. Following up gently (every 2-4 weeks) while maintaining a warm, personal tone demonstrates the right approach.
3. Shared experiences: Oman's natural beauty provides unique relationship-building opportunities. Accepting invitations to desert camping trips, wadi excursions, or mountain hikes shows willingness to engage beyond the transactional. These shared experiences create bonds that significantly accelerate business trust.
4. Respect Omanisation: Demonstrating genuine support for Omani national development, mentoring Omani colleagues, and actively contributing to knowledge transfer earns respect and trust from both Omani partners and government stakeholders.

Common Cultural Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing decisions: Oman's deliberate pace is intentional, not a sign of disinterest. Expressing frustration at the speed of approvals or negotiations is the fastest way to damage a developing relationship.
• Ignoring Omanisation: Companies and professionals who view Omanisation as an obstacle rather than an opportunity create friction with authorities and Omani colleagues. Frame your contribution as complementary to, not replacing, Omani talent development.
• Criticizing the Sultan or government: The Sultan holds deep respect in Omani society. Any criticism of the ruling family, government policies, or Omani institutions — even in private — can have serious consequences, both legal and social.
• Inappropriate photography: Oman's stunning landscapes invite photography, but photographing Omani people (especially women) without permission, military installations, or government buildings is not permitted. Always ask before photographing anyone.
• Confusing Ibadi with Sunni or Shia: Oman's Ibadi Islamic tradition is distinct from both Sunni and Shia Islam. Referring to Omanis as Sunni or making assumptions based on Sunni or Shia norms demonstrates ignorance. If curious, ask respectfully — Omanis are generally happy to explain their tradition.
• Environmental disrespect: Omanis are deeply connected to their natural environment. Littering, damaging natural sites (wadis, beaches, mountains), or showing disregard for environmental conservation is viewed negatively and may violate Omani environmental laws.