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

A bustling traditional market street in Oman with vendors selling spices and textiles, shaded by colorful fabrics.

Souqs in Oman

7 min read

The souqs of Oman are true cultural and historical treasures. These traditional markets offer a variety of handmade goods, from fine fabrics and silver jewelry to exotic spices and incense. Each souq tells its own story and provides an authentic glimpse into the life and traditions of Oman. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere, and discover which souqs you shouldn’t miss on your next trip!...

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

Education

2 min read

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 a...

An oryx antelope standing among tall grass and sand dunes in a desert landscape.

Oryxantelope

2 min read

The Arabian oryx belongs to the subfamily of horse antelopes and is a distinct genus. Its natural habitat is traditionally found in semi-arid and arid landscapes, such as the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, Oman is also part of its natural habitat. In places where the sun shines year-round and it often exceeds 30 degrees even in winter, the Arabian oryx is native. Characteristic of both sexes are its very light, almost white coat and its spiral, slightly curved horns. The shoulder or body height is about 80-100 cm, while the horn length usually measures 50-70 cm. Another feature is the dark brown an...