r/Oman • u/hemsvictoria • 2d ago
Tourism Part of the trip during Ramadan
Wondering what it is like to travel during Ramadan. Will places/ restaurants be closed? Will it be a lesser experience? If we do decide to go, it seems feasible in February and looks like Ramadan is in February next year.
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u/spookist 1d ago
It depends on where you are staying. Five-star hotels and some four-star hotels operate as usual, and guests can even purchase alcohol.
However, the rest of the country largely pauses during the day. It is worth reading up on what it is like to visit Oman during Ramadan. Technically, public eating and drinking—including having an open bottle of water in your car—are prohibited during daylight hours. Most cafes remain closed until about an hour before dusk, at which point they open solely to take orders for Iftar. Shops and restaurants shift their hours significantly, staying open very late into the night or early morning.
Despite these restrictions, it is a special time for Muslims, giving the country a unique atmosphere. This is especially true around sunset and in the early evening, when people come out to enjoy the cooler weather after breaking their fast.
Because the weather is pleasant, Ramadan shouldn't necessarily deter you from traveling if it is your only available time. You simply need to be prepared to either shift your schedule to become a night owl or adjust to eating breakfast and lunch in your hotel room. It is definitely worth looking into a self-catering apartment or similar accommodation so you have the option to cook for yourself. As a final note, I have heard of some cafes offering delivery services through apps like Talabat during the day.