An older man with a white beard, wearing traditional Omani attire and a cap, sitting against a textured wall with a pillow behind him in a market.

Life Expectancy in Oman

Life Expectancy in Oman

Written by: Luca Krohn , Philip Eichkorn and Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

In the Arab world, the life expectancy of people is usually not comparable to that of Western Europe or North America. There are various reasons for this. However, in Oman, life expectancy has come remarkably close to that of the Western world in recent decades. In 2015, it was 76 years – the average of both genders. Comparing life expectancy to just about 30 years earlier, it was only 41 years. A change as striking and rapid as the overall development of the Sultanate on the Persian Gulf.

Why has life expectancy improved?

There are several answers to this. The simplest is: The government of Sultan Qaboos has a positive impact on the country. Under his rule, one of the most modern healthcare systems in the world was developed and implemented. Additionally, there has been peace in the country for a very long time. In 1970, when Qaboos came to power, people were still divided and tribal feuds were common; today, there is peace throughout the country. The military ensures that this peace is not threatened by the unrest in the neighboring countries . The high life expectancy in the country has resulted in Oman currently having one of the lowest mortality rates in the world.

Oman – a young nation

More than 50% of Omanis are minors – a clear indication that the people in the country are focusing on offspring. Young people in Oman are supported by a very good school system and are well covered by the aforementioned healthcare system . It can be concluded that Oman is on the right track to catch up with Western European and North American countries in terms of life expectancy and quality of life, health and retirement provision – with Oman already boasting a higher life expectancy than the USA.

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

Sunset over the Wahiba Sands desert with rolling sand dunes and a colorful sky.

The Deserts of Oman

7 min read

Oman's desert landscapes are true natural wonders, captivating with their vast dunes, serene beauty, and rich Bedouin culture. Whether it’s desert safaris, nights under the starry sky, or encounters with centuries-old Bedouin traditions, each desert offers unforgettable experiences. These landscapes are not just adventure playgrounds but also a testament to a deeply rooted culture. Below, we introduce the five most impressive deserts of Oman, each with its own unique features and adventures....

A camel standing in a desert with saddles and supplies on its back, with dunes and small structures in the background.

Camels in Oman

3 min read

The Arabian camel and favorite of the population of Arabia is actually a dromedary. The one-humped Camelus Dromedarius differs from the also well-known two-humped Bactrian camel. Both species belong to the family of Camels. The habitat is found in large parts of Asia and Africa. As a wild animal, the dromedary is extinct and only exists domesticated as a beast of burden. No matter how abandoned a camel looks in the vast desert, it always has an owner. There is evidence from Arabia that dromedaries have been domesticated for about 3,200 years. The one-humped camel has a body or shoulder height...

A landscape of rocky formations with some green desert vegetation in Wadi Shuwaymiah, Oman.

Wadi Shuwaymiyah

1 min read

The Wadi Shuwaymiyah is a remote oasis in the desert of Oman. Here you will find untouched nature and fascinating rock formations. The wadi is a true insider tip for adventurers. There are cave systems to explore and colorful plays of light on the rocks to admire. The wadi is uninhabited and forms a gravel landscape shaped by nature. Palm groves and unusual access roads feel like a time long past.With an off-road vehicle, Wadi Shuwaymiyah can be explored. Here you experience the untouched flora and fauna of Oman and see unique natural rock formations. With a bit of luck, you might also witness...