A quiet road in a mountainous area of Oman with street lamps and some buildings on the side.

Roads in Oman

Roads in Oman

Written by: Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

The infrastructure in Oman is modern and has now been well developed. When the oil business was started in 1967, it was hardly present. However, a good infrastructure was necessary to bring the progress that Sultan Qaboos envisioned for Oman and which he has continuously advanced since coming to power in 1970. In this respect, most roads in the country were only built in the 1970s or later.

Expansion of the road network

The road network in Oman is about 60,000 kilometers long. Almost every small town in the country is now connected to the network of paved roads. In recent years, 2000 kilometers of highway have been built to simplify transportation within the country. The well-developed roads, which lead through deserts and remote wadis to connect urban centers and small towns, are viewed differently. While supporters praise the progress and simplification of travel that the expansion of the roads brings, opponents criticize the ecological damage that is caused.

Means of transportation

The days when people in Oman rode camels through the desert to get from one place to another are long gone. Most Omanis own a car. Newer models, mostly from Japan, are driven. Jeeps are also frequently encountered on the roads. After all, there are still areas where one must switch to off-road driving. Off-road tourism, which was once one of the main branches of tourism in Oman, is being restricted by the ongoing expansion of the road network, as guided bus tours can now easily reach remote places.

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

Two pilots seated in the cockpit of an airplane, preparing for a flight.

Air Traffic in Oman

2 min read

The air traffic in Oman has now been well developed. The route network is well organized and utilized by various airlines, allowing for healthy price competition. Leading in Oman is, of course, the state airline 'Oman Air' based in Muscat. Thanks to several national and international airports, air traffic in Oman is well organized. The country is easily accessible for both cargo and passenger planes. Entry possibilities Those who want to travel to Oman have three options: You can reach the country on the Persian Gulf by cruise, cross the border by car or bus from Dubai, or fly to Oman from ...

An airplane takes off from an airport runway during sunset with several aircraft parked nearby.

Salalah Airport

2 min read

The international airport of Salalah is located behind the airport in Muscat, the second largest in the country. The airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center and lies a little north of Salalah. From here, one can choose both domestic connections to Muscat and other regions of Oman as well as European destinations. History of the airport The airport of Salalah was opened in 1977. It was the time when Sultan Qaboos had just begun to implement the first significant improvements in infrastructure development. The very first reforms and construction projects benefited from the steady f...

A young woman with boxing gloves sitting on the hood of a vintage yellow car, outdoors with green trees in the background.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions for Oman

7 min read

A well-prepared trip starts with the right health precautions—this is just as true for a journey to Oman as for any other destination. While Oman is considered a safe place to visit, travelers should still take certain vaccinations and health measures into account to ensure a worry-free stay. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of recommended vaccinations, potential health risks, and essential preventive measures. It caters to different types of travelers, from business visitors and adventure seekers to families with children. Additionally, there are special recommendations for long-...