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OMAN
OMAN
The Sultanate of Oman is situated in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula and covers an area of around 309,500 km². It borders the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and has more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The capital is Muscat, the country’s political, economic and cultural centre.
(WorldFacts)
With a population of around 5.3 million, Oman is one of the less densely populated countries in the region. Around 57 per cent of the population are Omani citizens, whilst around 43 per cent are foreign workers and expats. Alongside the Arab majority, the country is home to Baloch, East Africans and communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Iran, amongst others. This cultural diversity has shaped Oman for centuries as a trading nation between Arabia, Africa and Asia.
(muscatdaily.com)
Politically, Oman is a stable monarchy under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The country enjoys a reputation as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the Middle East and traditionally pursues a neutral and mediating foreign policy. This stability has contributed significantly to the positive development of tourism.
(BTI 2026)
Geographically, Oman offers extraordinary diversity. The Hajar Mountains rise to heights of over 3,000 metres, whilst vast dune landscapes stretch across the interior. The famous Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands) and the outskirts of the Rub’ al-Khali, the world’s largest sand desert, are among the most spectacular off-road regions in the world. Added to this are deeply incised wadis, remote high plateaus and unspoilt stretches of coastline.
Oman’s economy generates a gross domestic product of around 107 billion US dollars. Traditionally, it has been based on oil and natural gas, which continue to play a central role. At the same time, as part of its ‘Vision 2040’, Oman is pursuing a consistent strategy of diversification through investment in tourism, logistics, industry, fisheries, renewable energy and infrastructure. Tourism is regarded as one of the most important drivers of future growth.
(World Bank Open Data)
For adventure travellers, Oman offers a unique combination of safety, hospitality, authentic Arab culture and a landscape that is perfect for desert expeditions and off-road adventures. Unlike many other destinations in the region, visitors here can still experience genuine wilderness, unspoilt nature and a sense of authenticity that has become rare on the Arabian Peninsula.
Security and the current situation in Oman
Security and the current situation in Oman
Oman remains a stable and welcoming destination, and our courses continue as planned.
We are aware that recent developments in the Middle East, including political statements concerning Oman, may raise questions among travellers. While the regional situation remains dynamic, we currently see no reason for these developments to affect our desert driving courses.
Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Oman were made in the context of political negotiations surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. They should be viewed within this specific geopolitical context and do not indicate that tourist areas or Oman as a travel destination are expected to become involved in military action.
Our courses take place in southern Oman, primarily in the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) — far from the Strait of Hormuz and the areas currently at the centre of regional political and military tensions. An escalation directly affecting the locations in which our courses operate therefore appears highly unlikely based on the current situation.
Oman itself continues to be known for its political stability, hospitality and long-standing role as a diplomatic mediator in the region. Everyday life and tourism continue, while Omani authorities closely monitor regional developments.
At Offroad Oman, the safety of our guests always comes first. We continuously monitor developments as well as official information from the relevant authorities. Should circumstances change in a way that could realistically affect one of our courses, we would respond accordingly and inform our guests directly.
Based on the information currently available, we continue to operate our courses as planned and look forward to welcoming our guests to Oman.
As with any international journey, we recommend checking the latest official travel information issued by your country of residence before departure.
Last updated on 27 August 2026
Dhofar – Oman’s Southern Green Desert (summer)
Dhofar – Oman’s Southern Green Desert (summer)
Dhofar is Oman’s southernmost province and covers an area of around 99,000 km². The provincial capital is the coastal city of Salalah, which, with a population of around 250,000, forms the economic and tourist hub of the region.
Geographically, Dhofar differs significantly from the rest of Oman. Whilst large parts of the province are characterised by deserts and semi-deserts, the annual monsoon rains (“Khareef”) transform the coastal mountains into a surprisingly green landscape between June and September. This unique combination of mountains, coastline and desert makes Dhofar one of the most diverse regions on the Arabian Peninsula.
The economy has traditionally been based on fishing, agriculture and the frankincense trade. The region is regarded as the historical home of the world-famous frankincense, which was exported as far as Europe and Asia along the Frankincense Route over 2,000 years ago. Today, tourism, logistics and the deep-sea port of Salalah are also becoming increasingly important.
Crossing the Empty Quarter
Crossing the Empty Quarter
For off-road enthusiasts, Dhofar offers some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the Middle East. The main desert areas are:
• The legendary Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest contiguous sand desert on Earth. Massive dunes reaching heights of up to 450 metres characterise this virtually untouched landscape.
• The desert region of Shisr and Al Hashman in northern Dhofar, known for its long stretches of dunes and challenging off-road routes.
• The Nejd Plateau behind the Dhofar Mountains, where vast gravel and sand deserts stretch all the way to the Saudi border.
This extraordinary diversity allows you to travel within a few hours through coastal areas, mountains, canyons and some of the world’s most impressive dune landscapes – an experience that few other destinations can offer in this way.
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