Oman is one of the least-visited places in the Middle East, but this destination offers many unique experiences. With its beautiful coasts, sprawling deserts, ancient forts, and soaring mountain ranges, self-driving is the best way to explore this country. The problem is that public transport is extremely limited in Oman, outside of major cities, making it a self-driving country for travelers.
Self-driving in Oman offers a unique way to explore more remote parts of the country, beyond the typical tourist places, including remote wadis, the hairpin turns along mountain roads, and sleepy villages deep in the desert. Nevertheless, driving in a new country always has its challenges. This post provides 10 things you should know before driving a rental car in Oman.
Check Your Eligibility
Before you even think about renting a car, first, you need to check your eligibility. Most car rental companies in Oman require:
An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your home country’s license is not in English or Arabic.
A valid driver’s license from your home country.
A minimum age of 21 or 25 years old, depending on the car category.
Please double-check the latest requirements and make sure you have all the documents in order, including your passport and visa.
Choose the Right Car for the Type of Terrain
The terrain in Oman is very varied. A small sedan or hatchback might be great for exploring Muscat or Sohar, but it’s not going to work in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains or the Empty Quarter.
This is a quick rundown of what to rent:
Sedan or hatchback: Suitable for city driving and highways.
SUV or 4×4: Required for mountain routes, dirt roads, or desert trips.
Please note that if you plan on exploring more rugged areas, a 4WD is not only recommended but sometimes required by law and the terms of your rental agreement.
Inspect the Car Thoroughly Before Driving Off
No matter how professional the rental company may seem, always do a quick inspection before leaving the car rental lot.
Here is a checklist:
Take pictures or videos of any dents, scratches, or damage.
Check that the spare tire, jack, and first-aid kit are in the trunk.
Make sure the air-conditioning works, especially in the summer months.
Check that the fuel level matches what’s written in the rental contract.
Double-check that the rental agreement has all of the above. This will be your safety net in case of a dispute down the road.
Know the Traffic Laws and Local Driving Culture
Overall, Omani roads are well maintained, and signage is in both Arabic and English. But you should know the local traffic rules:
Drive on the right side of the road.
Seat belts are required for all passengers.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
Speed limits are strictly enforced by radars.
Typical speed limits:
120 km/h on highways
80-100 km/h on main roads
40-60 km/h in city limits
Typically, Omani drivers are quite polite, but you should keep in mind that sudden lane changes and aggressive overtaking from younger drivers in sports cars are common.
Watch Out for Animals on the Road
Aside from the beautiful landscape, the wildlife in Oman is not just plentiful but friendly. On rural and mountain roads, especially at dawn and dusk, you can see:
Camels grazing next to the highway.
Goats and donkeys crossing mountainous routes.
Stray dogs or cats in urban outskirts.
Please keep an eye out, especially at night, as animal crossings are harder to see and reaction times are much slower. Hitting an animal could cause significant damage to your car and massive fines.
Plan Your Fuel Stops in Advance
Fuel in Oman is much cheaper than in most countries, which is a major plus for travelers. However, gas stations can be sparse once you leave the city or the highway.
Tips:
Always fill up before venturing into remote areas.
Watch out for the next gas station—especially in the desert or mountains.
Some gas stations only take credit cards, but it’s best to carry some cash just in case.
Also, make sure you know what kind of fuel your car needs—super (green) or premium (red)—and always double-check with the attendant before pumping gas.
Download Offline Maps and GPS
Even though Oman has great 4G and 5G coverage in most cities, there might be none once you get outside of the city limits. This is why:
Download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me.
A standalone GPS device (if included) is a great backup.
Use Waze to keep an eye out for traffic jams and speed traps (if available).
Signage is mostly bilingual, but in remote areas and villages, Arabic-only signs might appear. Keeping an offline navigation handy will help you stay on track.
Know the Insurance Terms
Most car rental companies provide a standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but it comes with a high deductible. Make sure you know:
What the insurance covers (and what it does not).
The amount of excess or liability if you get into an accident.
Whether off-roading is covered—if you go off-road, most contracts will not cover damage unless a special policy is purchased.
Consider getting full coverage or travel insurance that covers car rental.
Avoid Driving in Hazardous Weather Conditions
Oman usually gets lots of sunshine, but certain weather patterns can create dangerous conditions:
Flash floods in wadis (dry riverbeds) during the rainy season (October to April) can happen quickly.
Fog is prevalent in the morning in Salalah and the Dhofar region.
Sandstorms can block your view to zero in the desert.
Always check the weather forecast and avoid wadis during rainy season. Never underestimate the weather conditions, and if in doubt, wait it out.
Plan Your Parking & Accommodation Stops
Parking is usually readily available and free in most cities, but make sure to:
Check if your hotel or AirBnB offers parking—in some urban areas, it can be tight.
Avoid illegal parking; fines can be hefty.
Look for parking lots in popular tourist destinations like Mutrah Souq, Nizwa Fort, or Al Hoota Cave.
When in doubt, ask a local or follow the signage. Tourists are usually welcomed warmly, but rules must be followed.
Summary
Oman is one of the most beautiful and safest self-driving countries in the region. From the twists and turns of the Hajar Mountains to the sun-drenched beaches along the Arabian Sea, nothing beats exploring at your own pace. But preparation is key.
Self-driving in Oman is straightforward, but knowing the right car to rent, insurance coverage, and understanding local rules will make your trip smooth and memorable. Whether you’re cruising along Muscat’s corniche or trekking into the Empty Quarter, these tips will keep you safe and give you a great experience.
Before you head out, double-check your documents, your route, and your fuel. And lastly, don’t forget that renting a car in Oman is not just for transportation—it’s a gateway to adventure, authenticity, and the untouched beauty of the Arabian Peninsula.
