An elderly man with glasses and a checkered headscarf squinting in bright sunlight, sitting outdoors with a blurred blue background.

Literacy

Literacy

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

That the topic education is given such high importance that nearly a quarter of the civil expenditures of the state budget flows into the education system was not always the case in Oman. Until 1970, there were only Quran schools in the country, primarily focused on imparting religious values, as well as three public schools. These were boys' primary schools, with one located in Muscat, in Mutrah and in Salalah . In the entire country, only 909 students were taught by around 30 teachers. It was only in the following years that a school system was established, which is provided free of charge to the people of Oman and certainly stands out in terms of its quality in the Arab world. However, the generations who did not benefit from a good school system were not forgotten in the design of education policy.

Illiteracy – a problem of the older generation

Due to the growth of the education system in Oman, the gap in education between young and old naturally widened. But Sultan Qaboos has also established a good adult education system alongside the increasingly better school system. There are now around 250 adult education centers and over 180 literacy centers open to every adult citizen of Oman. Here, anyone who wishes can be taught in reading and writing in Arabic as well as in various other educational programs.

Literacy is advancing in all parts of the country

While people in cities have been quickly and effectively integrated into the education system in recent decades, such developments are progressing more slowly in the rural areas. Since Oman is a vast country, with some parts only very sparsely populated, creating educational opportunities in these areas can often be challenging. Nevertheless, it has been possible to reach the desert regions, smaller villages, and towns in oases or on the edge of the deserts and promote literacy here. Especially older women extensively and gladly take advantage of the opportunities for adult education in the country, as they had very few chances in the past to learn to read and write.

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 tranquil river flowing through a narrow canyon with large rocks and sparse vegetation on the banks.

Wadi Shab

1 min read

Not far from Wadi Tiwi, travelers who enjoy hiking can explore Wadi Shab. Particularly for sport and nature-loving tourists, a hike in Wadi Shab is interesting. The breathtaking rocks and dreamy waterfalls amidst a green and palm-fringed landscape impress every visitor. After a twenty-minute hike and a distance of fifteen kilometers, you will reach snow-white cliffs that are threaded with crevices and caves. A turquoise stream supplies small settlements and orchards with fresh water and flows into fantastic waterfalls. After an hour on foot, you can relax in a pool of crystal-clear mountain w...

A man dressed in traditional Middle Eastern attire holds a falcon on his gloved hand in an outdoor setting.

Neighboring Countries

2 min read

Oman is a sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula. The borders of the country extend partially into the sea, but also onto the land. Oman has three direct neighboring states: Saudi Arabia The United Arab Emirates Yemen A country with a calming effect Purely from the Geography perspective, Oman is thus situated in the middle of a powder keg. At the latest with the onset of the Arab Spring and the ongoing conflicts in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, peace in Oman's neighboring countries has largely disappeared. The only exception, which consistently radiates peace and prosperity, is the United Arab Emirat...

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman with lush gardens in the foreground and mountains in the background during sunset.

Sultan Qaboos

2 min read

Sultan Qaboos ibn Said al Said ruled from July 23, 1970, until his death on January 10, 2020, in Oman. His successor is his cousin Haitham ibn Tariq. As an absolute ruler, the Sultan is the chairman of a cabinet, holding the most important positions himself in this cabinet and appointing other ministers according to his will. There are no free elections for the people, no parliament with political or personnel powers, or other democratic institutions in Oman. The Sultan unites the executive, judicial, and legislative branches in himself. Qaboos held absolute power in his sultanate, which is co...

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!