A young boy dressed in traditional Omani attire, standing outdoors near a colorful building with a white dome.

Education

Education

Written by: Nils Lindhorst Last updated at: May 21, 2025

There are not a few countries in the Islamic world where education is not equally accessible to everyone. Especially girls are often disadvantaged in such countries when it comes to education. The situation in Oman is quite different. Here, great value is placed on education for every child and also on adult education in general. Sultan Qaboos had promoted literacy in the country as much as the establishment and design of new universities since his accession to the throne around 50 years ago. During the development of the education system in Oman, his time studying in England was certainly an advantage. It is no wonder that the education system has strong ties to the British system, with a high reference to general European standards. The Sultan's goal was to promote adult education as well as to ensure that every child in the country receives a good education. No gender differences are made in this regard. Rather, the government in Oman emphasizes that only well-educated women can raise strong and future-oriented children. Qaboos thus managed to reach even those in his people who adhere to traditional gender roles in his arguments for women's education. He argued that women in a modern world can only fulfill their roles as caretakers of the home and educators of children if they have sufficient education. In this way, he skillfully created the possibility of uniformly educating the entire population and gradually defusing and changing the gender roles entrenched in older generations.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

Two birds flying in a clear blue sky with some clouds near the horizon.

Birds of Oman

7 min read

In the untouched desert landscapes and lush oases of Oman, an astonishing variety of bird species awaits, making the country a true hidden gem for bird lovers. Here, you can encounter elegant flamingos in the lagoons, agile falcons in the mountains, and graceful sandgrouse native to the dunes. This unique combination of diverse habitats and rare bird species creates the perfect conditions for unforgettable birdwatching experiences. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Oman's birds and be captivated by the variety of these remarkable creatures....

A dolphin jumping out of the water in the ocean.

Whales and Dolphins

2 min read

In the underwater world along the Omani coasts of the Indian Ocean, you can find whales and dolphins from the northern region Musandam to the southern region of Dhofar. These mammals evolved about 50 million years ago in our world's oceans. The biggest challenge for these animals was to adapt breathing to life in water. Nature solved this problem by developing nostrils into what are called blowholes on the top of the head. Movement was optimized by their streamlined bodies. The tail fin and dorsal fin developed for navigation. The fur needed on land was no longer necessary and was replaced by ...

A person dressed in traditional attire standing at the steps of an ancient architectural structure, viewed through an arched doorway, with warm lighting.

Modern Era

1 min read

The Portuguese began to establish small settlements, which were exemplary of the strategy in the Middle East. Yet even here, the Portuguese struggled to establish them long-term. Time and again, they had to defend themselves against the Ottomans, English, Persians, and Dutch. In 1650 AD, it was the Yaruba dynasty that initially unified Oman and expelled the Portuguese. This dynasty had a significant influence on East Africa, bringing great wealth through the slave trade and trade with India. A civil war, lasting about 25 years and resulting from power struggles, allowed the Persians to reemerg...