Do's:

• Enjoy local food, Oman is a great place to explore, so plan your sightseeing.
• Ensure you are insured by a good travel insurance company prior to your arrival and protect all your valuables especially in crowded areas such as Muttrah Souk.
• Do accept refreshments when offered, as it’s considered rude to decline. 
• Do understand that what counts as “public” versus “private” space may be different when compared to where you come from. For example, be conscious of the photos you take. Obviously, we expect and encourage tourists to take photos in scenic areas; but it is frowned upon to photograph people in “public” areas without their permission. That’s because even outdoor areas, especially in local villages, are considered “private” space by the locals.
• Do respect the faith of those who live in Oman. Although many religions make their home in Oman, the majority of the residents are Muslim. The main school of Islam in Oman is Ibadism, a practice that emphasizes fidelity to sharia; it’s also a practice that tends towards moderation and tolerance of other views and religions. It’s polite to show local religious customs the same consideration.
• Do return the courtesy and respect shown to you. This is the best way to make friends among the locals!

Don'ts:

• Do not show your physical affection openly with your spouse or partner.
• Do not discuss religion/sex/politics.
• Do not eat/drink anything during their fasting period. Generally, all eateries are closed during Ramadan fasting time.
• Local women, generally do not cover their faces like other Muslim women in other Gulf countries. Still, there is a segregation between genders in all gatherings - eg. schools, colleges and even in functions.
• It is safe for women to go around alone - at least in cities.
• While the moderate western dress is normally worn by expats here - most revealing dresses are to be avoided.
• It is considered an offense to offer alcohol to an Arab if you are not sure if he takes it in the first place.
• Don’t walk on a prayer mat or in front of any person at prayer and try not to stare at people who are praying.
• Don’t try to enter a mosque without first asking permission. It’s unlikely that you will be allowed in.
• In Saudi Arabia, don’t try to enter the Holy sites of the areas surrounding Mecca and Medina. The roads are well signposted to notify everybody of this restriction. Do not get anywhere near a prohibited area if you are a Non-Muslim as no one will offer assistance.
• Avoid blasphemy, particularly in the presence of Muslims and in Saudi Arabia. Remember that there are many non-Gulf Arabs working in Dubai, who aren’t always as relaxed or tolerant as the locals.
• If in a situation an Arab can have a loss of face ensure you avoid getting him into that.
• Never refer or summon people by using a finger, as this is considered very rude.
• Avoid shouting and displays of aggression or drunkenness at all times, as such behavior is rarely tolerated.
• During the holy month of fasting, Ramadan, do not dare eat, drink, or smoke anywhere where you can be seen during the day time. Also, don't do anything noisy or kiss or make out in public.

The very fact that there is an active nightlife in Muscat surprises many tourists. The beaches, cafes, and restaurants are great in the evenings, as is the Muttrah area with the Souk which is vibrant and alive on the weekends. You also have the Opera House and some fantastic parks which are wonderful to walk around even late in the evening. Other nightlife is an amazing coffee shop-like place with men sitting around smoking shisha and watching a football match or a movie. Many of the Omanis drink, and as an expat, there are a lot of clubs and such which offer great places to drink and chill out. The pubs and bars are good places to enjoy a drink.

• The Grand Mosque in Muscat is probably the topmost tourist destination in Muscat itself. It’s a massive, beautiful mosque completed in 2002. It’s on the outskirts of the city and a taxi ride away. It’s worth noting that tourists are only allowed in from 9  to 11 a.m. Inside the Mosque, there is a dress code and a specific area for both men and women to pray. There is an enormous carpet inside and shoes cannot be worn. The Mosque will be the highlight of a trip to Muscat.
• The Al Bustan Palace is a Ritz-Carlton property and has hosted some of the biggest VIP’s on Earth in the last few decades including Michael Jackson and Bill Clinton amongst many others. It’s a six-star property and it literally resembles a palace in size, scale, and outright beauty.
• To get to Wadi Shab take a 90-minute drive into the mountains and along the coast. Then it’s a solid hour walk after a short dinghy ride to cross an inlet. It gets very hot so do bring your own food and water It’s also a tough walk and older people should definitely be very careful or avoid.
• The Muttrah Corniche, a sidewalk along the harbor, runs for a mile or so from the fish market out to the Muttrah Fort. Along the path, there are sculptures as well as fountains and gardens that seem out of place in this arid landscape. It’s the perfect place to see the Sultan’s impressive yacht, as well as other exotic boats which may be in the harbor.
• The Muttrah Fort - On a rocky outcrop above the harbor is the Muttrah Fort. Dating from the 1580s, this fort was one of nearly a dozen military forts built along the Arabian coastline by the Portuguese. The fort is closed to the general public but has incredible views of the corniche and the harbor.
• The Muttrah Souq is the market, part tourist market and part local market. You can also enjoy a middle eastern cruise here.

• Enjoy excellent scuba diving all the year round
• Head out to sea for some whale watching
• Make a splash with some watersports
• Spend a night under stars
• Golf is a game that is gaining popularity in Muscat

From cooking pots to jewelry, Oman is full of authentic handmade crafts that reflect the Omani culture and heritage. Here are the top Omani souvenirs: 

• Pottery
• Omani Mandoos
• Frankincense
• Palm baskets and crafts
• Omani silver jewelry
• Omani clothes
• Omani silver crafts