Is Oman Safe For Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience & Safety Tips

Wondering if Oman is safe for solo female travellers or what solo female travel in Oman is really like? You’re in the right place.

When I first told people I was heading to Oman alone, I was met with raised eyebrows, concerned looks, and the inevitable: “Is it safe though?” It’s a question I’ve come to expect anytime I mention travelling solo, pretty much anywhere that is not considered “western” (especially as a woman). 

But after travelling to more than 30 countries solo, I’ve learned that safety is rarely about the destination and more about understanding the context and culture. And after a week exploring Oman’s stunning wadis, ancient cities, and coastal gems, I can tell you that yes, Oman is incredibly safe for solo female travellers.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Oman is a country where tradition and modernity exist side by side, and while I was treated with respect everywhere I went, understanding the culture and setting your boundaries is key to having a confident and comfortable trip.

In this post, I’ll break down exactly what solo female travellers need to know from safety insights and modesty tips to how I navigated Oman without public transport.

Whether you’re dreaming of a desert escape, a dip in crystal-clear waters, or planning your perfect Oman itinerary without a car, this guide will help you travel with confidence.

_{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and has been partially sponsored by Husaak Adventures.  If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post, I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you.}

A Quick Note on Safety, Discomfort, and Being a Woman Who Travels Alone

Before we go any further, I want to share something I include in most of my solo travel guides and say that safety is a deeply personal and subjective thing. What feels completely fine to one traveller might feel unsettling to another (and both of those feelings are valid). There’s no universal rulebook for how to feel safe, especially as a woman travelling alone.

It’s also important to understand the difference between feeling unsafe and feeling uncomfortable. During my time in Oman, I was occasionally stared at. It wasn’t aggressive or threatening, and to be honest, it felt more like curiosity than anything else. But I’ll admit, it did take me back a little. Whilst these stares weren’t dangerous or sinister, they did feel uncomfortable (and that’s a very important distinction worth making). Being out of your comfort zone isn’t the same as being in a dangerous situation.

That said, I also want to be clear… you can do everything “right” and something bad can still happen. As women, we’re often taught that if we follow the rules, such as dress modestly and don’t walk alone at night, then we’ll be safe. But the truth is, sometimes things go wrong because of bad timing, bad luck and someone else’s bad actions. It’s not your fault.

I also think it’s important to acknowledge that just because I had a safe and positive experience, it doesn’t mean every woman will. I’ve heard from a few expats living in Oman that there have been incidents of sexual harassment (particularly during wadi hikes) and that these are often underreported or quietly swept under the rug. I didn’t experience this myself and have no first-hand evidence but it’s definitely worth being aware of. 

How Safe Is Oman Really?

Let’s cut to the chase, it’s good to know that Oman is one of the safest countries in the world. That’s not just based on how I felt walking its streets solo, but backed by actual data.

According to the Oman Observer, Oman ranks 5th globally for safety, while Global Finance lists it as the 25th safest. Either way, it consistently scores well thanks to its low crime rate and political stability.

As a solo female traveller, I experienced zero harassment (not even catcalling, which is something I have grown to expect). 

I was stared at occasionally, but it felt more like intrigue than intimidation as I was mistaken for being Middle Eastern myself more than once.

Oman has a deep-rooted culture of hospitality. It’s one of the reasons why Oman is often considered one of the best countries in the Middle East for solo female travel.

And this means women travellers are often treated with a level of respect that you’re probably not used to in other parts of the world…especially if you’ve travelled solo in places such as India, where this isn’t always the case.

That said, understanding and honouring local customs plays a huge part in maintaining that mutual respect, and I’ll share more on that in the next sections.

For more detailed tips on navigating Muscat and exploring the city solo, check out my 24 Hours in Muscat and Best Things To Do in Muscat guides.

My Personal Experience Travelling Solo in Oman

I spent a week solo travelling through Oman in February, and honestly, it’s one of the trips I felt safest on. I explored a mix of cities, coast, and desert spots such as Muscat, Nizwa, Wahiba Sands, the Daymaniat Islands, Wadi Hawar, which are some of the top places to visit in Oman for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

I didn’t use public transport at all, and that’s not because I didn’t want to, but because the public transport infrastructure is simply not geared toward tourists at this stage. Instead, I joined a few group tours and hired a trusted private driver. This mix of options gave me the flexibility to explore some of the best parts of the country without the stress of navigating unknown roads alone as someone who is not a confident driver even at the best of times. 

Despite being solo, I never felt vulnerable. There were no street-level safety concerns, and to my own surprise, I actually felt quite comfortable walking alone at night.

One thing I will say is that I didn’t go solo camping. Whilst camping is one of the best things to do in Oman, I didn’t feel comfortable doing it myself (because I can’t even put up a tent by myself, let alone anything else), which is why I booked a group tour to experience this part of Oman. 

That being said, I know women who have solo camped in Oman and had no issues.

What Solo Female Travellers Should Know About Safety in Oman & Oman Travel Tips

While Oman is known for being one of the safest destinations in the Middle East, travelling solo as a woman still comes with its own set of considerations. These aren’t reasons to worry, they are just tips and tools to help you feel more confident and empowered on your trip.

Choosing Transport Wisely

Getting around Oman requires a bit of planning. Unlike countries with better public transport for tourists, Oman is much more DIY, and that can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what you’re doing. 

Here are your best options:

Hire a private driver

This is 1 of the 2 options I chose for getting around Oman and would genuinely recommend to other solo travellers. Having a private driver meant I could fully relax and focus on the experience, without having to navigate the roads and directions.

If you decide to go down this route, just make sure your driver is vetted and trustworthy. One of the easiest ways to find someone reliable is to ask your accommodation for a recommendation. I can also personally recommend my driver, Marwan, who was super friendly, took me to lots of local hot spots and ultimately made me feel very safe as a solo female traveller in Oman. You can contact Marwan at [email protected] (make sure to say Christina sent you).

This option does tend to cost more than renting a car, but for us solo female travellers, I think the added comfort and security are worth every penny. 

Join organised tours

Another option which I can personally recommend is joining a group tour. Companies like Husaak Adventures (whom I booked an amazing tour with) run a range of awesome trips from guided hikes and camping in the desert to mountain treks and snorkelling off the coast.

These tours are particularly ideal if you’re short on time and prefer having someone else handle the logistics because everything will be arranged for you. 

They’re also a good option if you’re travelling solo but want a bit of company for certain parts of your trip. Group sizes tend to be small, so it’s easy to get chatting to people. I joined the “Sands & Splash” tour with Husaak, which I would happily recommend to anyone and everyone. 

If you’re thinking about joining a group tour, I reviewed my entire experience with Husaak Adventures here.

Rent a car

If you’re confident behind the wheel and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, hiring a car in Oman is a good option. Women can absolutely drive solo here, and it’s very easy to pick up a rental car.

Omani roads are generally well-maintained, but if you want to explore some of the best bits of the country, then it’s definitely worth hiring a 4×4, especially if you want to visit the desert and the mountains. 

If you do plan on driving solo, remember that outside of the city, petrol stations can be few and far between, and to make sure that you avoid driving after dark. 

Solo Camping In Oman

Wild camping in Oman is legal, and one of the most unique off-the-beaten-path experiences in the Middle East. Camping in the desert or on secluded beaches in Oman is legal and, for the most part, completely free, and many solo travellers (including women) have done it safely.

However, as I’m sure you’ll already know, this isn’t a risk-free activity. I personally chose not to do this as I was 100% comfortable with it, but if this is something you want to do, then make sure to consider the below:

• Camp in popular areas like Wahiba Sands or near Jebel Shams, where there are other campers and nearby lodges.
• Let someone know your exact location and check in regularly.
• Avoid wild camping near villages unless you’ve checked with locals.
• Be aware of wildlife, sudden temperature drops, sandstorms and flash flooding.

While camping in Oman is a unique experience, doing it solo is not essential to enjoy Oman. If you do really want to enjoy some camping in Oman, then consider some of the guided tours I mentioned earlier.

Download an eSIM Before You Go

It’s a good idea to download an eSIM before arriving in Oman so you’ve got reliable data from the start. I used Airalo and had reception the entire time (even out in the desert). It made navigating my way around Muscat and checking in with my friends and family a lot easier. 

It’s also good to know that there are stores in the airport arrival hall where you can purchase both physical SIMs and eSIMs, so if you’re not fully prepared with an eSIM, you don’t need to stress.

Don’t Tell Strangers Where You’re Staying

This might sound obvious (but it’s easy to forget when you’re just having a casual conversation), make sure that you don’t share the name or location of your accommodation with people you’ve just met. Whether it’s a local or another traveller, there really is no need to reveal where you’re staying (unless there are some sort of extenuating circumstances). 

In my case, I did have an issue where I was enjoying a day at the Shangri-La in Muscat, which was 40 minutes away from my accommodation. I couldn’t get a taxi home (as no one was accepting my request), and one of the staff members who was ending his shift kindly offered me a lift home, therefore, I did have to tell him where I was staying. In this case, I used my gut instinct, and I could tell that he was a really lovely man (and he was), and it just reinforced to me how kind Omani’s are. In these instances, trusting your gut and doing what you are comfortable with is SO important.  

On top of this, be sure to be careful with what you post on social media. Avoid posting your hotel or guesthouse in real-time, and don’t geotag your photos or stories until after you’ve checked out. 

Let Your Family and Friends Know Your Whereabouts

When you’re travelling solo, it’s a good idea to check in regularly with someone you trust. While you don’t need to send constant updates, simply letting your friends or family know your general itinerary and dropping them a message when you move locations can add that extra layer of comfort. 

If you’re heading off-grid for a bit into the mountains or out to the desert, just give someone a heads-up in advance. That way, if there’s ever an emergency, someone back home knows where you were last. 

Bonus Tip: I’ve included this and other smart solo travel practices in my post on 20 Things To Know Before Visiting Oman it’s packed with cultural tips, tech tools, and practical know-before-you-go advice.

Use Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t just for lost luggage or flight delays; it’s also great for everything from medical emergencies to cancelled tours. I have been using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for the last year (including during my trip to Oman), and I have had a super positive experience with them as I’ve had to make a claim not once but 3 different times. 

Carry Cash 

While Oman is fairly modern when it comes to payments, cash is still essential in smaller towns and at local markets. I found that most mid-range hotels, restaurants, and tour companies accepted cards, but buying snacks, tipping guides, or picking up souvenirs often required cash.

ATMs are widely available in cities like Muscat and Nizwa but are less common once you’re off the beaten path. I’d recommend withdrawing some Omani rials when you first arrive and keeping small notes handy for day-to-day use. 

Use Offline Maps and Save Key Information

Even with great mobile data, there were moments, especially in the mountains or the desert, when the signal dropped out completely. Over the last few years, I have made a habit of downloading offline maps via Google Maps before heading anywhere new (just in case).

I’d also recommend saving the addresses of your accommodations, important phone numbers, and booking confirmations somewhere easily accessible, either in a notes app or as screenshots. 

Be Aware But Don’t Be Afraid

One thing I always remind myself of when travelling solo is that you can be alert without being anxious. Oman genuinely felt calm and welcoming but I still trusted my gut when making decisions, and stayed aware of my surroundings (just as I would anywhere).

It’s important to remember that confidence goes a long way. I recommend walking like you know where you’re going (even if you’ve just pulled up Google Maps), and don’t feel obligated to engage in conversations that make you uncomfortable. It’s true that most of the time people are just being kind but you don’t owe anyone your time or details.

FAQ About Solo Female Travel in Oman

Final Thoughts: Is Oman Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

Absolutely. Oman might not be the first place that springs to mind for a solo adventure, but it’s genuinely one of the safest, most rewarding destinations I’ve visited, even after spending just one week in the country. The landscapes are stunning, the people are warm and respectful, and I know you’ll have the most wonderful time. 

If you’re a woman over 30 wondering whether solo travel in the Middle East is right for you, Oman is a great starting point. With the right prep, some cultural awareness, and this practical Oman travel guide for solo travellers, you’ll likely feel more empowered than anxious.

If you’ve been researching Oman safety tips for solo female tourists, I hope this post has given you real, honest answers based on my personal experience and before you go, don’t miss these 20 Things To Know Before Visiting Oman. If you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!