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

A woman wearing a mustard-colored headscarf drinks from a straw against a light sky background.

Women in Working Life

1 min read

There is a quote by Sultan Qaboos, in which he says: 'Uneducated women cannot raise free children, and neglected women can never properly care for others. If women are not trained for their roles, they can contribute nothing to the progress of this country.' This shows that in Oman, women are viewed in a completely different light than in most other Arab or Islamic countries. A merit of the Sultan, who has gradually opened the country for Western values and views over the past almost five decades, without betraying the identity and beliefs of his country. He merely pointed out that women also...

Sunset over a fortified city in Oman with a prominent minaret and mountain backdrop.

Oman's Fortresses

6 min read

Oman's impressive fortresses tell tales of times long past, standing as symbols of the country's strategic importance over the centuries. These massive structures served as strongholds against invasions and as protection for trade routes, playing a central role in defending the Sultanate. However, they are not only witnesses to military strength but also expressions of Oman’s rich cultural and architectural traditions. Today, many of these historic fortresses have been restored and are open to visitors, offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s history and allowing travelers to step ba...

People shopping at an indoor seafood market with long refrigerated display counters.

International Trade

2 min read

Oman's foreign trade in the first half of the last century was limited exclusively to agricultural products. Oman’s top exports early on were dates and regionally produced vegetables, fish, and frankincense resins. Trade during this time was primarily a domestic affair, with virtually no exchange with other states. Even rice, a staple of Omani food, was imported. Other types of goods were rarely imported nor considered necessary. There were no major trading ports in Oman, no serviceable airports, no infrastructure, and no modern communications technology. Oman was a dead country economically, ...