A woman wearing a mustard-colored headscarf drinks from a straw against a light sky background.

Women in Working Life

Between Tradition and Progress: The Change in Women's Employment in Oman

Between Tradition and Progress: The Change in Women's Employment in Oman

There is a quote by Sultan Qaboos, in which he says: 'Uneducated women cannot raise free children, and neglected women can never properly care for others. If women are not trained for their roles, they can contribute nothing to the progress of this country.'

This shows that in Oman, women are viewed in a completely different light than in most other Arab or Islamic countries. A merit of the Sultan, who has gradually opened the country for Western values and views over the past almost five decades, without betraying the identity and beliefs of his country. He merely pointed out that women also play an important role in Islam and that it works better when they are treated as partners at eye level and not condescended to.

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

Women in Oman - more successful than in other Arab countries

The Sultanate on the Gulf of Oman, which is as large as Germany in terms of area, occupies a unique position in the Arab world. For example, in countries like the United Arab Emirates, where the outwardly promoted openness only applies to foreigners, women still have a very hard time.

In contrast, much has changed in Oman in recent decades. Here, for instance, women run their own businesses or hold various positions in the public service. Even a ministerial position has already been held by a woman. The development in Oman encourages the entire Arab world, as it shows that in an Islamic country, extreme gender inequality does not always have to prevail.

Progress is evident

Of course, the number of women in the aforementioned areas of employment is still lower than, for example, in Germany. For instance, in the public service, there are still almost two men for every woman. However, there are various images that complete the impression of Oman: Women confidently sitting behind the wheel of their vehicles, eating together with their male colleagues in the company canteen, or going alone to cafes and enjoying the day. Even though traditional clothing from Eastern societies still shapes the streetscape – progress is more evident in Oman than anywhere else in the Arab world.

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 vendors at a fish market engaged in conversation and transaction.

Muttrah Fish Market

2 min read

Those who love to explore early in the morning will be delighted by the lively hustle and bustle of the Muttrah Fish Market. The fish market in Muttrah is one of the largest and most beautiful markets in the Muscat governorate. Until the 19th century, the small neighboring town of Muttrah was overshadowed by the main metropolis, Muscat City. After the decline of Oman's international trade relations, Muttrah regained its significance as a commercial port city. With the modernization of the harbor, Muttrah has even become the trading capital of the country. Muttrah Fish Market, a meeting point ...

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...

A small green rectangular playing field situated on a dusty, dry hillside with rocky terrain and mountainous backdrop.

Population

1 min read

Oman had around 4.52 million inhabitants in 2021. It is likely that the number has again increased, as it has generally been on the rise in recent decades. The birth rate of almost three children per woman not only reflects the Arabian love for large families, rather, it is an expression of the deep satisfaction that persists in the country and of the fact that people have experienced a transformation in the last few decades that is second to none. Due to this fact, more than half of Omanis are under 18 years old and more than 30 % are under 15. The people of Oman today have a much longer life...

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!