Culture

Even though Oman is a modern country, western influences are quite restricted. The Ibadi form of Islam is fairly liberal in comparison with Sunni Islam and Shi'a Islam. In common with most Middle Eastern countries, alcohol is only available in some hotels and few restaurants.

National Dress

Today, traditional clothing is worn by most Omani men: an ankle-length, collarless robe called a dishdasha that buttons at the neck with a tassel hanging down. Traditionally this tassel would be dipped in perfume to offset the infrequency of baths. Today the tassel is merely a traditional part of the dishdasha. There are several accessories including a muzzar (a type of turban), an assa (a cane or stick) and a Khanjar: a ceremonial curved dagger that is a symbol of male elegance and are worn at formal events and holidays.

Women wear hijab and abaya. Some women cover their faces and hands, but most do not. On holidays, such as Eid, the women wear traditional dress, which is often very brightly coloured and consists of a mid-calf length tunic over pants.

The Dhow

An enduring symbol of Oman is the traditional Dhow. These sailing ships have been around for several centuries: there is evidence of an Omani Dhow reaching China in the 8th century. The dhows are still in operation primarily used for fishing, exporting and tourism. The main ports of Sohar, Sur, Salalah and Muscat all maintain a large fleet. Sur also has an extensive dhow building industry.

Music

The country's coastal location has had an important effect on its musical heritage, with Omani sailors interacting with, and bringing back music from, Egypt, Tanzania and elsewhere. More recently, a Portuguese occupation has left its own marks, whilst geographic neighbours such as the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran have also had a profound influence. In contrast to other Arab countries, Omani traditional music has a strong emphasis on rhythm.

Traditional music marks all the stages in the life of an Omani, including birth, circumcision, marriage and death. In contrast to many Arab countries, all Omanis participate in music, including men and women, young and old.