Literacy in Oman

Literacy in Oman

Written by: Luca Krohn , Philip Eichkorn and Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: March 4, 2025

The importance that Oman places on education is reflected by the fact that well over a quarter of the civil expenditure of the state budget is spent on the education system, though this has not always been the case. Until 1970, there were only three public schools in the country, and most other schools were Koran-based schools primarily aimed at teaching religious values. The public schools were elementary boys’ schools, located in Muscat, Mutrah and Salalah. Throughout the entire country, 909 students were taught by about 30 teachers. It was not until subsequent years that a school system free of charge was introduced and became accessible to the people of Oman. This system stands out for its quality in the Arab world. However, the previous generations that did not benefit from a good school system were not forgotten in shaping current education policy.

Illiteracy – a problem of the older generation

Naturally, as the education system in Oman grew, so did the gap in education between young and old people. To address this, Sultan Qaboos established a strong adult education system in parallel to the ever-improving public education system. There are now approximately 250 adult education centers and over 180 literacy centers open to every adult citizen of Oman. Anyone who wishes to do so will be instructed in Arabic reading and writing as well as various other educational courses.

Literacy – Progress in all parts of the country

While urban populations have been quickly and effectively integrated into the education system in recent decades, the process in more rural areas have tended to be slower. Since Oman is a vast country that is sparsely populated in some areas, creating educational opportunities is often not simple in more rural areas of the country. Now more than ever, it is possible to access remote regions and promote literacy in the deserts and smaller villages and towns on oases or desert outskirts. Particularly older women are extensively using the opportunities of adult education in the country with great enthusiasm because, in the past, they had little access to education in reading and writing.

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

Touristin spricht mit Einheimischen in Oman

Communication in Oman

6 min read

Introduction to Communication in Oman Connecting with others in Oman offers travelers the chance to dive deeper into the country’s fascinating culture and experience unique interactions. Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas like Muscat, Sur, and Sohar. Using even a few Arabic expressions can open many doors, as Omanis appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language. Greetings like “as-salam alaykum” (hello) or a simple “shukran” (thank you) are not only polite but also show respect and appreciation for Omani culture. C...

Außenhandel

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, ...

Oil & Pipelines in Oman

Oil & Pipelines in Oman

3 min read

Als 1967 das erste mit Öl beladene Frachtschiff in Oman ablegte und in die Welt hinausfuhr, begann ein neues Zeitalter für das Land am Persischen Golf. Einst Handelsweltmacht, die mit China handelte und eigene Handelsstützpunkte in Afrika unterhielt, war Oman zu einem einfachen und verarmten Wüstenstaat geworden, in dem die Menschen in den wenigen landwirtschaftlich nutzbaren Gegenden vom Ackerbau und der Viehzucht lebten. Viele andere Einnahmequellen gab es nicht, und so war die Bevölkerung arm und weitgehend ungebildet. Das große Land war kaum regierbar, was zu regelmäßigen Stammesfehden und...

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!