Oman Gay Travel Guide: everything you need to know

We've wanted to visit Oman for years. We'd heard it's one of the prettiest of all the Gulf countries, with stunning landscapes and a truly authentic culture to explore. Plus, the idea of galloping across vast deserts like Lawrence of Arabia (minus the sunstroke and camel-related mishaps) sounded way too tempting…

But, like most LGBTQ+ travelers heading to the Middle East, we were a little… concerned. After all, Oman is a conservative Muslim country where same-sex relations are illegal. Not exactly the place to whip out the rainbow flags and dance to Lady Gaga in the streets…

So, I did what we always do before heading somewhere “tricky” — research, overthink, pack five different types of sunscreen, and then go anyway.

And I'm so glad I did! Oman turned out to be one of the most breathtaking, welcoming places I've ever visited. Towering mountains, ancient forts, magical wadis (natural pools), endless dunes, and a coastline that would make the Amalfi Coast jealous. The people I met were warm, curious, and incredibly respectful…as long as I respected their culture in return.

In this guide, I share what it's like traveling as a gay traveler in Oman, including legal stuff you need to know, vital practical info (like how to download Grindr safely!), and of course, all the epic experiences you absolutely cannot miss.

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Fast facts on Oman: why visit?

• Epic Landscapes: Golden deserts, emerald wadis, rugged mountains, and untouched beaches.
• Authentic Culture: Think ancient forts, frankincense-scented souks, and Bedouin traditions that haven’t been Disney-fied.
• Luxury Resorts: Private villas, infinity pools, and all the Arabian Nights glam you can handle.
• Adventure Playground: Dune bashing, canyoning, scuba diving, and wild camping under a million stars.
• Super Safe: One of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. Friendly locals, low crime, and zero stress.
• Low-Key Vibes: Unlike its glitzy neighbors, Oman keeps it real. No skyscraper ego trips here, just pure magic.

Gay rights in Oman

Let’s not sugarcoat it: being openly gay in Oman is illegal. The LGBTQ+ laws of Oman criminalize same-sex relations with punishments ranging from fines to prison time of up to 3 years. LGBTQ+ rights, as we know them, basically don’t exist here.

Public displays of affection, even between straight couples, are a big no-no, so discretion is key.

That said, Omanis are famously polite and private. While being openly out isn’t an option, most locals I encountered followed a “don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude. As long as you respect local customs and keep things low-key, you’re unlikely to face any issues.

Just remember: this isn’t the place for rainbow flag selfies or Grindr marathons. It’s about blending in, soaking up the beauty, and living your best secret agent fantasy.

Is Oman safe for gay travelers?

Oman is easily one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the Middle East. We even rate it as one of the most gay friendly Arab countries. Crime rates are low, locals are famously polite, and travelers are treated with warmth and genuine hospitality.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is essential. Being openly gay isn’t prevalent here. Public displays of affection (even for straight couples) are frowned upon. I kept things low-key, dressed modestly, and didn’t broadcast my private life. As such I had zero problems.

Respect the culture, keep a friendly but neutral vibe, and you’ll find Oman an absolute joy to explore.

Make sure you get a good VPN!

You'll need it to make calls on WhatsApp and to also access the other app ????

Oman has pretty tight laws banning a whole bunch of websites and apps, least of all Grindr. WhatsApp is also partly banned: you can use it to chat, but calls require a VPN, otherwise, it won't work. We usually use ExpressVPN or NordVPN in our travels, but sadly, the Omani authorities cracked down heavily on VPNs and banned most of them.

After a great deal of online research, scouring Reddit forums, I found Proton VPN. It was the only one that worked. It's inexpensive and also allows a free trial. Once connected, I was able to swipe away on the Grid and also make calls back home via WhatsApp.

How to meet LGBTQ+ locals in Oman

Quite honestly, I found it quite hard meeting LGBTQ+ locals in Oman compared to Saudi Arabia. There's no public gay scene. Everything happens under the radar and on the apps.

My Grid was dominated by economic migrants from South Asia, very few queer Omanis. Also, expect blank profiles, fake profile pictures, and disappearing photos. This is the Middle East, so everything has to be kept on the DL.

Best places to visit and top experiences in Oman

Oman feels like stepping into an ancient epic, only instead of battling monsters, you’re battling the urge to take a million selfies! It's easy to organize a tour via a site like Viator, Get Your Guide or from your hotel. If you want details of an experienced gay friendly guide, let me know and I'll send you details.

• Muscat: stroll the Mutrah Corniche at sunset, haggle for treasures at the Mutrah Souk (I treated myself to a pretty cat patterned pillow cover), and marvel at the grand Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque…that chandelier alone deserves its own Instagram account.
• Wahiba Sands: racing up dunes in a 4×4, watching the sunset paint the sands gold, and stargazing from a Bedouin camp…peak Arabian fantasy unlocked.
• Nizwa: explore the iconic Nizwa Fort and don’t miss the Friday goat market if you want peak Omani realness.
• Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid: emerald pools, waterfalls, secret caves. My pro tip: wear proper water shoes unless you fancy an awkward rock-slipping moment.
• Jebel Akhdar (“Green Mountain”): terraced farms, dramatic canyons, and the heady scent of blooming roses in spring.
• Salalah: coconut palms, waterfalls, and misty mountains during monsoon season (July–September) – yup, even in the desert it rains!
• Swim with turtles at the Daymaniyat islands: easily accessible from Muscat from Seeb port. I booked a snorkeling tour I found on GetYourGuide, which included snorkeling with turtles, then chilling at the lush beaches of these islands.
• Misfat Al Abriyeen: get lost in a maze of ancient mud houses and lush palm groves in a mountain oasis.
• Cruise the Fjord-Like Bays of Musandam: glide through Oman’s dramatic “Arabian fjords” on a traditional dhow, dolphins often included.

Looking for a gay-friendly tour guide in Oman?

We’ve got your back!

We’ve teamed up with an amazing company that offers tours all around Oman, but for their safety (and to keep things discreet), they’ve asked to stay undercover on this blog.

If you’re keen to be introduced, just slide into our emails or drop a comment below, and we’ll hook you up faster than you can say “As-salaam alaykum!”

Where to stay in Oman for gay travelers?

I'll be brutally honest, pick any large hotel chain and they're your friend. I contacted a few out of curiosity for this article and asked if they were ok to host a gay couple. The answer is always an emphatic ‘Yes of course!'. These hotels are subject to international standards of hospitality, so no surprise there. These include the W Muscat, Mandarin Oriental, and the St Regis Al Mouj Muscat.

Most travelers to Oman will take a tour around the country and will base themselves in various locations. For this, I recommend connecting with a reputable gay friendly tour guide, details of which I can send to you if you drop us an email.

In my case, I was traveling on a budget and wanted to be close to Mutrah Corniche and Mutrah Souk. I did day trips to the main sights from Muscat (like Wahiba Sands, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, Daymaniyat Islands). The best budget hotel located in this area is the Naseem Hotel. It's a bit tired looking, but you can't beat it for location or budget. Whilst I didn't trial whether they accept overnight guests(!) I'm fairly certain it wouldn't have been an issue if I wanted to…

Practical safety tip for gay travelers in Oman

As far as Islamic countries go, Oman is an easy one to navigate. Tourist visas are free and obtainable on arrival at the airport. Tourism is a big industry in the country, and therefore, foreigners are warmly received. It's also a very safe country to travel in. I also recommend you read our Gay Travel Page:

• Be discreet: Omanis are super friendly but conservative. No public displays of affection, even between straight couples, and definitely no rainbow flag fashion moments.
• Dress modestly: when visiting a mosque, wear a T Shirt to cover shoulders and trousers. Out in public, wearing shorter shorts and a sleeveless top (it's super hot!) is ok, but you'll stick out like a sore thumb. I opted for shorts and loose-fitting cotton shirts, but spotted a few bold foreigners in short shorts and vests. No one was perturbed by them in the slightest.
• Use a VPN: you'll need it to make WhatsApp calls, chat on Signal as well as for window shopping on Grindr and Scruff.
• Taxi apps: Uber doesn't work in Oman. Download OTAXI Yango instead. It's the most common, cheapest, and easiest way to register your bank card on it. However, waiting times are long because of this. Tasleem Taxi is a better and more reliable app, but it's slightly pricier than OTAXI, and you'll need cash to pay the driver as international bank cards aren't easy to register in this app.
• Social media posts: best to wait till the trip has finished before posting anything online. Oman is overall one of the safe Islamic countries but we would advise erring on the side of caution, particularly after what we experienced when we got blacklisted in Lebanon!
• Public transport is limited, but public bus services Muscat. Download the Mwasalat app for full timetables.
• Rent a car: Most travelers will just rent a car from Muscat airport, drive around the country at their leisure, then return it to the airport when they leave. I didn't do this because I'm still not confident driving abroad, so I was happy to rely on taxis and day trips.
• Blend in: be polite, respectful, and take your cultural cues from locals. If in doubt, a warm smile and a friendly “As-salaam alaykum” (peace be upon you) go a long way.

Traveling with PrEP and HIV medication to Oman

I traveled in Oman with PrEP and had no problems getting in or out. 

Unlike other destinations in the Middle East, Oman does not have any restrictions on traveling with PrEP or HIV medication.

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Gay bars and clubs in Oman (there are none!)

Quite simply, there are none. Oman’s nightlife isn’t about wild parties. Go to Dubai or Riyadh for that. Oman is more low-key. This is the place to come for the stunning landscapes, nature, and beautiful beaches.

There are no openly gay bars or clubs in Oman, especially as being LGBTQ+ is illegal here. That said, Muscat has a handful of hotel bars and lounges where expats and locals mingle discreetly, like The Vault, Club Safari, and Trader Vic’s Muscat – all popular spots for a low-key drink, but don’t expect rainbow flags or drag shows!

What are the best foods to try in Oman?

• Shuwa: tender marinated meat (usually lamb or goat) slow-cooked underground for up to two days.
• Mashuai: grilled kingfish served with lemon rice.
• Majboos (Makbous): spiced rice cooked in a rich meat broth, often with chicken or lamb, similar to biryani.
• Harees diljaj: hearty wheat-and-meat porridge (usually chicken) – see photo below.
• Halwa: sticky, sweet, rosewater-scented dessert packed with nuts and spices, usually served with coffee.
• Kahwa (Omani coffee): lightly spiced coffee infused with cardamom, served with a side of fresh dates.
• Khubz Rakhal: thin, crispy Omani flatbread.
• Laban: salty, refreshing buttermilk drink.
• Frankincense ice cream: creamy ice cream subtly flavored with local frankincense, which is ubiquitous throughout Oman.
• Sakhana: thick, sweet porridge made with wheat, dates, and molasses, usually eaten during Ramadan.

Is it moral for gay travelers to visit Oman?

We say a big fat yes!

We appreciate that Oman’s laws don’t recognize LGBTQ+ rights, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so it's easy to argue that visiting countries with anti-gay laws supports their economies and overlooks human rights issues. But when you break that down, what are you actually achieving? Boycotting doesn't benefit anyone. Seeking out local gay owned or gay friendly businesses is far more productive, as is connecting with the local LGBTQ+ community. Change happens from visibility, not from ignoring and suppressing the issue.

We strongly believe that by traveling respectfully and visibly (even if discreetly), we challenge stereotypes and show that LGBTQ+ people exist everywhere. It's about intention and awareness.

I traveled to Oman knowing the risks, respecting local customs, and supporting businesses and people who showed kindness, not hate. No country is perfect, including our own. Real change often comes from connection, visibility, and dialogue, not isolation.

Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal. If you do choose to visit, go with your eyes open, your heart kind, and your rainbow spirit (quietly) blazing ????

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

Click on the book to order:

For more inspiration:

• Use our Bahrain gay guide to plan your trip
• For the UAE, use our Dubai gay guide and Abu Dhabi gay guide for planning
• Read what we rate to be the most gay friendly countries in the world
• Read our take on what gay travel in Qatar is like
• Read what gay travel in Iran is like
• Use our guide to gay Lebanon to research your trip in more detail

The post Oman Gay Travel Guide: everything you need to know appeared first on Nomadic Boys.