Feminine clothing is completely uncommon in Oman and is definitely misunderstood. We in the West have the cliché that women in the Arab world are oppressed just because they wear a head covering – conversely, there is the cliché there that things are liberal (= immoral) in the West, recognisable also by the fact that women show off their feminine charms with tight, cut-out clothing.

When it comes to spontaneous invitations to your home - which are often extended to strangers in Oman - the following generally applies: If the invitation comes too quickly, almost reflexively, it is a courtesy and you are more likely to embarrass your counterpart if you accept it. If you have had a nice, longer conversation, even have similar interests, professional tasks or if your counterpart is even planning a trip to Europe and is hoping to exchange ideas and tips, an invitation to coffee can be accepted - provided the man emphasises: "Get to know my wife/my sister/cousin and visit us": If there are women present at the time of the invitation, or you are invited by a family or women: Don't miss the chance for this encounter and insight into Omani culture. 

Handshakes and physical contact between men and women outside the family are not customary. Not out of disrespect, but precisely out of respect and on the assumption that women don't like it. There is also the view in Islam that it is not appropriate for a man and woman to have sex outside the family. Traditional ways of thinking and religious customs also come into play here. If you need information as a woman travelling alone, it is best to speak to women. Men only if there is no woman to be seen. If you go to a restaurant, use the „family room“, if available.

The topic of religion is very important. It is not a problem to be of a different faith - you may even be asked to include certain concerns of the person you are talking to in your non-Muslim prayer. It is truly unimaginable for Omanis, 99% of whom are believers, that you do not belong to any religion - or even worse - do not believe in God. If you express such beliefs, you must expect to be regarded as suspicious. The situation is similar with family and children. Having lots of children is a matter of course and is associated with a lot of pride and prestige. Large families with 6 or more children, especially in rural areas, are still very common. The fact that we sometimes don't have children - perhaps even by choice - is even less understandable there than in Western Europe.