Travel Guide
Oman on the Global Map
Connecting continents and cultures at the crossroads of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Feel the senses of Oman
Your Essentials
Most international visitors arrive via Muscat International Airport, served by a wide network of global carriers including Oman Air, the national flag carrier based in Muscat and flying to more than 40 destinations worldwide. 
Here are approximate flight times to Muscat from key global cities:
- Paris, France ~7½-hour flight
- Beijing, China ~8-hour flight
- London, United Kingdom ~7¾-hour flight
- Cairo, Egypt ~4¼-hour flight
- Geneva, Switzerland ~10¼-hour flight
- Milan, Italy ~7-hour flight
- Saint Petersburg, Russia ~8-hour flight
- Frankfurt, Germany ~6½-hour flight
- Amsterdam, Netherlands ~7-hour flight
- Bangkok, Thailand ~6¼-hour flight
- Casablanca, Morocco ~7-hour flight
- Madrid, Spain ~8-hour flight
Oman Air is highly regarded for its service quality and connectivity across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, making Muscat a smooth arrival point for travellers from different regions. 
You can also reach Oman by road from neighbouring countries through official land border crossings, with well-maintained highways linking cities and regions across the country.
Oman is consistently ranked among the safest countries globally and is known for its calm, welcoming, and well-organised environment.
Visitors can expect a high level of personal safety, including when travelling independently or visiting remote regions. Normal travel precautions apply, and runners are encouraged to follow event safety guidelines at all times.
With people travelling alone, Oman is safe and tourist-friendly for solo travellers, with reliable infrastructure and services.
The event takes place during the Omani winter, which is generally mild and dry compared to winter conditions in Europe and other regions.
At lower elevations, including Muscat and Nizwa, daytime temperatures typically range between 18°C and 26°C, with cooler evenings and nights around 12°C to 18°C.
In the mountain areas, particularly along higher sections of the course, temperatures can be significantly lower. Daytime temperatures in the mountains may range between 5°C and 15°C, while night-time temperatures can drop close to 0°C, and in some exposed areas may fall below freezing.
Weather conditions can change quickly depending on altitude, wind, and time of day. Runners should be prepared for warm conditions during the day and cold temperatures at night, especially on longer distances, and must plan their equipment accordingly.
Mandatory equipment requirements are designed to account for these conditions and should be reviewed carefully before race day.
Oman is known for its welcoming, respectful, and hospitable culture, and visitors are warmly received across the country. Local communities along the race routes are accustomed to hosting international guests and sporting events.
Runners and visitors are encouraged to dress modestly in public areas outside race settings, show respect for local traditions, and be mindful when taking photographs of people or private property. Friendly interactions, greetings, and courtesy are always appreciated.
Arabic is the official language of Oman. English is widely spoken, particularly in hotels, restaurants, transport services, and tourist-facing locations.
International visitors should have no difficulty communicating during their stay or navigating travel and event logistics.
Entry to Oman is straightforward for many travellers, with a wide range of nationalities eligible for visa-free entry or visas on arrival.
To ensure a smooth journey, visitors are encouraged to review the latest entry requirements in advance through the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal.
Travelling to Oman is smooth and reassuring. Visitors are encouraged to arrange appropriate travel and health insurance to enjoy the journey with confidence, particularly when exploring the country’s diverse landscapes and mountain regions. Throughout race week, professional medical services and safety measures are in place to support participants, complementing individual preparation and readiness.
Oman offers a modern and convenient payment environment. The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), and credit and debit cards are widely accepted across hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, fuel stations, and retail outlets, especially in Muscat, Nizwa, and other urban areas.
Mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used. While cards comfortably cover day-to-day needs, carrying a small amount of cash can be useful in rare or remote situations. ATMs are widely available, and international cards are generally accepted.
Mobile connectivity in Oman is reliable, with strong coverage across cities and main roads, including the race region.
Visitors can easily purchase local SIM cards at Muscat International Airport, shopping malls, or official telecom outlets. Prepaid SIM cards with data packages are widely available and can be activated quickly by presenting a passport.
The main mobile network providers in Oman are:
- Omantel
- Ooredoo
- Vodafone Oman
Major international roaming services also operate in Oman, but local SIM cards are generally more cost-effective for extended stays. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and public venues.
Runners are advised to ensure they have mobile data access for navigation, shuttle coordination, and race updates during their stay.
Oman offers a wide range of accommodation options, from international hotels to boutique stays and traditional guesthouses. Official tourism and accommodation packages linked to the event will be announced in due course. Visitors are invited to return to this page for curated options designed to enhance the overall experience.
Oman’s National Day is celebrated on 20 November, and festive decorations and cultural celebrations often continue for weeks afterwards. Visitors during this period may enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, while daily life, transport, and essential services continue to operate smoothly.
Electricity in Oman uses Type G sockets, the same as in the United Kingdom. Visitors travelling from other regions may wish to bring a universal adaptor. Power supply is stable and reliable across the country.
The weekend in Oman falls on Friday and Saturday. On Fridays, some shops may open later or pause briefly around prayer times, while restaurants, hotels, and essential services continue to operate as usual. With light planning, visitors can move comfortably through the day.
Oman’s food scene is diverse and welcoming. Visitors will find international cuisine alongside traditional Omani dishes, with familiar Western and Asian options widely available.
Hotels and larger restaurants are well equipped to accommodate common dietary preferences, including vegetarian choices. Visitors with specific needs are encouraged to plan ahead when travelling to more rural areas.
Exploring Oman doesn’t mean giving up convenience. Food delivery services are widely available, especially in Muscat and Nizwa, offering everything from traditional Omani flavours to international favourites. Popular platforms such as Talabat and TM Done make it easy to enjoy meals wherever you’re staying.
These services are ideal for rest days, late arrivals, or recovery periods, and operate reliably across most urban areas, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in Oman.
Healthcare in Oman is modern and well established. Pharmacies are easy to find in cities and towns and are well stocked with everyday medications. Visitors who rely on specific prescriptions are encouraged to bring sufficient supplies.
During race week, local hospitals and clinics in the surrounding region are informed and prepared, supported by on-course medical teams and event services to ensure care and peace of mind.
Mobile data and internet services work reliably across Oman, including in cities and along main travel routes. Common navigation and ride-hailing apps function normally, making it easy to plan transport and logistics.
WhatsApp is widely used locally as a messaging app, and runners will find it useful for everyday communication. However, WhatsApp voice and video calls require VPN access to function.
Internet-based calling and video conferencing platforms such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom work normally without restrictions. Apple iMessage works for messaging, but FaceTime calls may be limited.
Runners are encouraged to plan their communication needs accordingly during their stay.
Photography is generally welcome in Oman. Runners and visitors are encouraged to be respectful and to ask for permission before taking close-up photographs of individuals, especially in villages or private settings.
The use of drones is regulated in Oman. If you plan to bring or fly a drone in the country, prior official permission is required. Authorisation can be requested online through FlySerb, which facilitates the process for visitors.
Drone operations are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and additional information is available here.
Please note that certain areas may be designated as restricted or no-fly zones. Flying drones without the required permissions, or within restricted zones, may result in confiscation. Runners are advised to complete all permissions in advance and comply with local regulations at all times.
Car rental is straightforward and available online or at Muscat International Airport, including convenient airport pickup. Roads are well maintained, and driving is on the right-hand side.
For getting around cities and between locations without a car, Yango is widely used in Oman and functions similarly to Uber, offering point-to-point (A–B) rides through a mobile app. It is available on both iOS and Android.
Driving at night is generally safe on main roads. Extra caution is advised in rural or mountain areas, where lighting may be limited and livestock may be present.
Google Maps works reliably across cities, highways, and most rural areas and is commonly used for navigation.
Access to mountain areas, where the race operates, such as Jabal Akhdar requires a 4x4 vehicle. For safety reasons, a checkpoint is in place on the access road where drivers must present their vehicle registration, rental agreement, and identification. Only approved 4x4 vehicles are allowed to proceed beyond this point.
When driving in mountainous terrain, it is essential to:
- Use low-range gear when ascending or descending steep roads to maintain control and protect the vehicle’s brakes.
- Drive at moderate speeds and remain alert, especially on narrow or winding sections.
- Ensure the vehicle is in good mechanical condition, particularly brakes and tyres.
- Follow all instructions provided at checkpoints and by local authorities.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are permitted to access the mountain road and may proceed even if they are not 4x4, subject to checkpoint approval and compliance with safety requirements.
Drivers using rental vehicles are advised to confirm in advance that their rental agreement permits mountain driving and that the vehicle is authorised for use in Jabal Akhdar.
These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and to maintain smooth access to mountain regions during race week.
Electric vehicles are available for rent in Oman, particularly in Muscat and other major urban centres. Notably, EVs are uniquely permitted to access mountain roads such as Jabal Akhdar, subject to checkpoint clearance prior to the ascent.
Charging infrastructure is concentrated in urban areas, especially in Muscat and Nizwa city centres. Runners planning to use an EV are strongly advised to check charging station locations in advance and plan their routes carefully.
Google Maps and relevant charging apps can be used to identify station locations, availability, and real-time occupancy, helping ensure a smooth and well-planned journey.
Please note that race areas and remote mountain regions may not have charging facilities. To ensure a smooth journey, runners should allow sufficient battery range, plan charging stops ahead of time, and avoid relying on charging availability near the race routes or in rural areas.
This advance planning will help ensure safe and uninterrupted travel during race week.
The people of Oman
Welcoming, generous, and open to the world
Did you know?
- Oman is ranked among the world’s safest countries, consistently placing in the global top tier for safety and personal security.
- Oman has no mass tourism. Visitor numbers are carefully managed, which means uncrowded landscapes, preserved heritage, and a calmer travel experience.
- You can swim in natural wadis year-round, with freshwater pools hidden between mountains, often just minutes from villages and roads.
- Oman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, with settlements dating back more than 5,000 years.
- The country is home to landscapes found nowhere else, including exposed rocks from the Earth’s mantle, making it a geological rarity.
- Hospitality is a way of life, not a service. Visitors are often offered coffee, dates, or help without asking, especially in villages and smaller towns.
- Driving across Oman is surprisingly easy, with modern highways, clear signage, and well-maintained roads connecting cities, deserts, and mountains.
- Mountains, desert, and sea can all be reached in a single day, offering remarkable geographic variety within short travel times.
- English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, shops, cafés, and tourist areas, making navigation and communication straightforward for first-time visitors.
- Oman balances tradition with modern life seamlessly, where historic villages, active farms, and contemporary infrastructure coexist naturally.
Discover the area
Click below to explore nearby cities, accommodation options, and things to do during your stay.
