Ramadan in Oman
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration.
Ramadan occurs once a year and lasts for one lunar month, which is about twenty-nine or thirty days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan does not fall on the same month every year in the Miladi (Gregorian) calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar and about ten to eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan shifts earlier each year. Over time, it moves through all the months of the Gregorian calendar.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, and end on the evening of Sunday, March 30. However, the exact dates may vary depending on moon sighting.
Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) each day during Ramadan. The exact timing changes slightly every day because the length of daylight shifts as the month progresses.
At the start of Ramadan, the fasting hours might be shorter, and towards the end, they could be slightly longer or shorter, depending on the location. Each country follows its own prayer timetable based on sunrise and sunset times.
In Oman, during Ramadan, Muslims begin their fast at Fajr (dawn) and break it at Maghrib (sunset). For example, on March 1, 2025, in Muscat, Fajr is at 5:12 AM, and Maghrib is at 6:12 PM. These times change daily due to the Earth’s rotation and the lengthening of days as Ramadan progresses.
What can you do in Ramadan?
As a tourist and non-Muslim in Oman during Ramadan, you can still enjoy many activities, but with some adjustments:
Explore Nature, Visit wadis, mountains, and beaches, as outdoor sites remain open.
Cultural Sites, Museums and forts may have adjusted hours but are still accessible.
Shopping, Malls and souqs remain open, though restaurants inside will mostly open after Iftar.
Hotels & Resorts, Most hotels provide food and beverages for non-Muslims during the day.
Adventure Activities, Desert safaris, snorkeling, and hiking are available but should be planned with hydration in mind.
Just remember to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those who are fasting.
About Iftar?
Iftar is the meal Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset during Ramadan. It’s a special time filled with joy, gratitude, and togetherness. When the call to prayer (Maghrib) is heard, Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates and water, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad. After that, they enjoy a full meal, which varies by culture but often includes soups, rice dishes, grilled meats, and sweets like Omani halwa.
For tourists, experiencing Iftar in Oman can be a unique cultural experience. Many hotels and restaurants offer Iftar buffets, and locals sometimes invite guests to share the meal. In public, you’ll see families and friends gathering, and in some places, free Iftar meals are distributed to those in need. It’s a warm, communal atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Ramadan.
What about children?
During Ramadan, children are not required to fast until they reach the age of maturity, which is typically around puberty. However, many children will start practicing fasting for part of the day as they grow older, sometimes fasting for a few hours to learn the discipline and understand the significance of the month.
As for eating, children are free to eat and drink during the daytime, as they are not obligated to fast. They usually enjoy special meals with the family, especially at Iftar time. It’s a time of celebration for them, as they join in the family gathering and enjoy the food prepared for breaking the fast. It’s common for families to make sure children are well-fed throughout the day, and they often get special treats or sweets during Ramadan.
About alcohol?
In Oman, during Ramadan, alcohol is not available publicly, even for non-Muslims, as the country observes strict regulations during this time. Alcohol consumption is generally prohibited in public places, and most restaurants, hotels, and bars will not serve alcohol during daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan.
However, non-Muslim tourists can still consume alcohol in private settings or at designated licensed venues such as certain hotels. The availability of alcohol resumes after Iftar, when the fasting period ends for the day, but it remains under restrictions.
It’s important to be respectful of local customs and laws during Ramadan, and it’s always a good idea to check specific venues for their operating hours and policies during this period.
Dress code in Ramadan?
During Ramadan in Oman, non-Muslims are expected to dress modestly, just as Muslims are. While there isn’t a strict dress code specifically for non-Muslims, it’s important to show respect for the local culture and traditions, especially during this holy month.
For both men and women, modest dress means covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees. This applies particularly when visiting public places such as markets, mosques, or government buildings. In tourist areas, hotels, and resorts, the dress code may be more relaxed, but it’s still a good idea to be respectful.
When in public, especially during Ramadan, it’s advisable to avoid wearing overly casual clothing, such as shorts or sleeveless tops. In some places, more formal or conservative attire is expected, especially during the fasting hours. If you’re visiting a mosque or religious site, there may be additional guidelines, such as covering the head for women.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr in Oman is a joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Families start the day with a special Eid prayer at mosques, wearing new traditional clothes—men usually wear the white dishdasha, while women dress in colorful, embroidered outfits. After prayers, people visit family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts. A big part of the celebration is food—Omanis prepare traditional dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) and maqbous (spiced rice with meat). Sweets like halwa and dates are also enjoyed. The holiday is a time for generosity, with people giving Zakat al-Fitr to those in need.
