Where is Oman Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Oman located on the map? Oman is an independent nation located in Western Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Oman on maps.

Oman Location in World Map

Location Information of Oman

Latitude and Longitude

Oman is located in the Middle East on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west, Yemen to the southwest, and the United Arab Emirates to the northwest. To the south and east, Oman is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 23.5850° N latitude and 58.4059° E longitude. Oman has a diverse landscape, including mountains, deserts, and a long coastline that stretches for about 3,165 kilometers (1,970 miles), making it an important player in regional trade and maritime activities.

Oman’s location places it in a region with a predominantly arid climate, but its diverse geography offers a mix of desert and coastal climates, which makes it unique in the Arabian Peninsula.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Muscat

The capital city of Oman is Muscat, located on the northeastern coast of the country along the Gulf of Oman. Muscat is the largest city in Oman, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Muscat is known for its historical significance, with many important landmarks such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. The city is also famous for its traditional souks, beautiful beaches, and the Muscat Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade.

Major Cities

Salalah: Located in the southern part of Oman in the Dhofar region, Salalah is the second-largest city in the country, with a population of around 200,000. It is famous for its lush greenery during the monsoon season, a phenomenon known as the Khareef. Salalah is also a key center for agriculture, particularly the production of fruits such as mangos and bananas. The city is home to attractions like Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Qurum Beach.
Sohar: Sohar is located on the northern coast of Oman, and it has a population of around 200,000. Historically, Sohar was a major trading hub and one of the most important cities of ancient Oman. It is known for its port, industrial zone, and proximity to Oman’s oil and gas fields. Sohar is also home to attractions such as the Sohar Fort and the Silver Souq.
Nizwa: Nizwa, situated inland in the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, is one of Oman’s oldest cities. With a population of around 100,000, Nizwa is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. Key attractions include the Nizwa Fort, the Nizwa Souq, and the surrounding Hajar Mountains. Nizwa is also famous for being a center of Islamic education and culture.
Buraimi: Located in the Al Buraimi Governorate, which borders the UAE, Buraimi is a key city in northern Oman with a population of around 100,000. It has become an important trade and cultural hub, particularly for goods crossing between Oman and the UAE. The city is known for its Omani souks, and it is a central point for the region’s agricultural activities, including the production of dates and vegetables.
Sur: Sur, located on the eastern coast of Oman, is a coastal city with a population of around 60,000. It is famous for its shipbuilding industry, particularly the construction of traditional dhows (wooden boats). Sur is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Ras al Jinz, where turtles come ashore to lay eggs. The city’s attractions include the Sur Fort and Bilad Sur Castle.

Time Zone

Oman operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC +4:00. Oman does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), meaning the time remains the same throughout the year. This time zone is shared with several other countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Climate

Oman has a desert climate characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, and large temperature fluctuations between day and night. Coastal areas along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea experience relatively moderate temperatures compared to inland desert areas.

1. Coastal Climate

The coastal areas of Oman, including Muscat and Salalah, experience hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can rise to 40°C (104°F) or higher, with high humidity along the coast, particularly in Muscat. The Khareef season in Salalah, from June to September, brings cooler temperatures and monsoon rains, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the heat.

2. Inland Climate

In the inland regions of Oman, such as Nizwa and Sohar, the climate is hotter and drier, with long, hot summers. In these areas, temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F) during the peak summer months. Winters are generally milder, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a pleasant time to visit for tourists.

3. Mountain Climate

The Hajar Mountains and other highland areas experience cooler temperatures due to their elevation. In the summer, temperatures are more moderate, ranging between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), while winters can bring cooler weather, with temperatures falling to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) in the mountains.

Economic Status

Oman’s economy is highly diversified, with key sectors including oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, and manufacturing. The country has made significant strides in recent decades to reduce its dependence on oil revenue and develop other sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and finance. Oman is a member of several international organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

1. Oil and Gas Industry

Oman’s economy has traditionally been dependent on the oil and gas sector, which contributes a significant portion to the country’s GDP and export earnings. Oman is the largest exporter of crude oil in the Middle East that is not a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). However, as oil prices fluctuate, Oman has focused on expanding other sectors of the economy to ensure long-term stability.

2. Tourism

Tourism is a growing sector for Oman, with the country’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites attracting increasing numbers of visitors. Oman has promoted itself as a destination for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism. Key attractions include the Omani beaches, mountains, deserts, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Bahla Fort and Frankincense Trees. Oman is also known for its well-preserved Islamic architecture and hospitality.

3. Fisheries and Agriculture

Fishing plays a significant role in Oman’s economy, particularly in seafood exports. Oman is one of the largest exporters of fish in the region. While agriculture is not as dominant as in other sectors, it has seen some growth, with the production of dates, vegetables, and fruits, especially in the southern region of Dhofar.

4. Manufacturing

Oman has invested in industrial diversification through the establishment of manufacturing zones, particularly in petrochemicals, cement, aluminum, and textiles. The government has also made efforts to increase local production of goods and reduce reliance on imports.

5. Challenges

Despite the country’s economic progress, Oman faces challenges related to unemployment, especially among its young population, dependence on oil, and environmental issues such as water scarcity. The government has focused on economic diversification and development of non-oil sectors to address these challenges and create a sustainable economic future.

Tourist Attractions

Muscat Muscat is a city rich in cultural and architectural heritage, offering attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. The Royal Opera House, Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, and the Muttrah Souq are also popular landmarks. Muscat is also known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty, including the Qurum Beach and the Muscat Corniche.
Wahiba Sands The Wahiba Sands, a vast desert located in the east of Oman, offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Bedouin culture and explore the golden sand dunes. Activities in the desert include camel trekking, 4×4 dune bashing, and stargazing under the clear desert sky. This area also has numerous desert camps that offer authentic Omani experiences.
Salalah Salalah, located in the Dhofar region, is known for its monsoon season and lush greenery, making it a unique destination in the Middle East. The Khareef season from June to September transforms the area into a lush paradise, and visitors can enjoy the frankincense trees, beaches, and mountainous terrain. Key attractions include the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Taqah Castle, and the Khor Ruri ruins.
Jebel Akhdar The Jebel Akhdar mountains are known for their cooler climate, terraces of fruit orchards, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Visitors can hike, visit local villages, and enjoy the beauty of the Green Mountain area. The region is also famous for its rose farms, producing rosewater used in Omani perfumes.
Bahla Fort A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort is one of the most important historical landmarks in Oman. Located in the Ad Dakhiliyah region, it is a massive structure that dates back to the 12th century. The fort is part of a larger system of defensive structures in Oman and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and heritage.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Oman for tourism or business purposes. U.S. tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Additionally, a tourist visa can be applied for in advance through the Royal Oman Police or through an eVisa system. U.S. travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and may need to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Muscat, the capital of Oman, is approximately 11,400 kilometers (7,080 miles). Flights typically take 12 to 14 hours, depending on layovers.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Muscat is approximately 13,000 kilometers (8,078 miles). Flights from Los Angeles typically take around 14 to 16 hours, depending on the route and layovers.

Oman Facts

Size	309,500 km²
Residents	5 million
Language	Arabic
Capital	Muscat
Longest river	only wadis
Highest mountain	Jebel Shams (3,017 m)
Currency	Rial Omani (OMR)