Honestly, if you're ever stuck in a trivia night and the question is "name three countries starting with the letter O," just walk away. It's a trap. There aren't three. There isn't even a second one. Out of the 195-ish sovereign states on this planet, Oman is the only country that starts with O.
It's kinda wild when you think about it. Most letters have a whole squad. You've got dozens of "S" countries and a pile of "M" ones. But the letter O? It’s a lonely club of one. People often guess "Ottoman Empire" (that’s history, not a current country) or "Osetia" (not a fully recognized UN state). But for the actual, modern, internationally recognized world map, Oman stands alone.
And yet, most people couldn't point to it on a map if their life depended on it. Tucked away on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, it's the quiet neighbor to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. While its neighbors often make headlines for record-breaking skyscrapers or geopolitical drama, Oman has spent the last few decades basically doing its own thing, focusing on a vibe that’s way more "old-world soul" than "futuristic glass tower."
The Only Country Starting With O: What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake people make about Oman is assuming it's just "Dubai Lite." It’s not. Not even close. If you go there expecting the Burj Khalifa and indoor ski slopes, you’re going to be very confused.
Building laws in Oman actually restrict high-rise construction. In most towns, the mosque minaret is literally the tallest thing in the skyline. This gives the whole country—including the capital, Muscat—this low-slung, white-washed, Mediterranean-meets-Arabian aesthetic. It feels human. It feels lived-in.
Another huge misconception? That it’s just one giant, flat, sandy desert. While the Wahiba Sands and the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) are iconic, the geography is actually pretty chaotic in the best way possible. You’ve got the Al Hajar Mountains, where the peaks hit nearly 3,000 meters at Jabal Shams. It gets cold up there. Like, actually cold. Then you have the Dhofar region in the south.
The "Green" Side of the Desert
Every year from June to September, something weird happens in Salalah (southern Oman). While the rest of the Middle East is literally melting in 45°C heat, Salalah gets hit by the Khareef, a seasonal monsoon.
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The desert turns bright, neon green.
Misty rain falls.
Waterfalls appear out of nowhere.
It’s probably the only place in the world where people take vacations specifically to see some clouds and drizzle. If you’re visiting in 2026, the tourism board has been leaning hard into this "cool summer" niche, and for good reason. It’s a total reset of everything you think you know about the Arabian Peninsula.
Is Oman Actually Safe? (The 2026 Reality)
Look, it’s the Middle East. People hear that and their "danger" radar starts pinging. But Oman is statistically one of the safest places on Earth. For years, it has ranked with a score of zero on the Global Terrorism Index. To put that in perspective, that’s a better rating than many Western European countries.
The crime rate is incredibly low. You’ll see people leave their cars running while they pop into a shop for a karak tea. Is that a recommendation? Probably not, but it tells you something about the social contract there. The Omani people are famously hospitable—and not in that "I'm trying to sell you a rug" kind of way. It’s a genuine, "here, have some dates and coffee" kind of way.
That said, as of early 2026, you’ve got to be smart. The border with Yemen remains a "reconsider travel" zone for many embassies due to the ongoing conflict next door. But for the vast majority of the country—Muscat, Nizwa, the mountains, and the coast—it’s about as peaceful as it gets.
Why Investors Are Looking at Oman Right Now
If you're not a traveler but a business type, you’ve likely noticed Oman's "Vision 2040" popping up in reports. For a long time, the country was "perilously reliant on oil," as some economists put it. They knew the oil wasn't going to last forever, especially since their reserves are way smaller than Saudi Arabia's.
So, they’re pivoting. Fast.
In the last two years, there’s been a massive push into Green Hydrogen. Because they have a ridiculous amount of sun and plenty of wind, they’re trying to become a global hub for clean energy. The Duqm Special Economic Zone is basically a giant construction site right now, turning a fishing village into a massive global port.
They’ve also introduced a "Golden Visa" for investors. If you drop about OMR 200,000 (roughly $520,000) into real estate or Omani shares, you can get a long-term residency. It’s a clear signal that they want to be part of the globalized world, even if they want their architecture to stay traditional.
The Cultural Nuance You Can't Ignore
Oman is an Islamic country, and it's quite conservative, but it's "quietly" conservative. They follow the Ibadi branch of Islam, which is distinct from Sunni and Shia traditions. It’s known for being moderate and tolerant.
You’ll see this in the way they treat visitors. Yes, you should cover your shoulders and knees. No, you shouldn't be visibly drunk in the street. But unlike some of its neighbors, you don't feel like there’s a "morality police" breathing down your neck. There’s a mutual respect thing going on.
A Quick Cheat Sheet for 2026 Visitors:
- Alcohol: It's available in high-end hotels and licensed restaurants. You can even buy it at the airport duty-free (up to 2 liters) to take to your hotel.
- The Khanjar: That curved dagger you see on the flag? It’s called a Khanjar. Men still wear them for formal occasions. It’s a huge point of national pride.
- Turtle Watching: Head to Ras al Jinz. It’s one of the world's most important nesting sites for Green Turtles. Watching a 100kg turtle drag itself across the sand under a moonlight sky is... well, it’s a lot.
Practical Steps: How to Actually Visit
If you're sold on visiting the only O-country, don't just wing it.
- Get the E-Visa: Most nationalities need to apply online before landing. It’s usually a quick 24-48 hour turnaround, but don't leave it until you're at the gate.
- Rent a 4x4: You can see Muscat in a sedan, but if you want to go to the mountains (Jebel Akhdar) or the desert, you need a four-wheel drive. Most mountain checkpoints won't even let a 2WD car pass for safety reasons.
- Check the Calendar: Avoid the peak of summer (May-August) unless you are going specifically to Salalah for the Khareef. Otherwise, you will be walking around in 48°C heat, which is basically like living inside a hairdryer.
- Learn the Phrase: "Sallam Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) goes a long way. Use it.
Oman is a rare bird. It’s a country that has managed to modernize its hospitals and schools without selling its soul to the highest bidder. It remains the only country starting with O, and honestly, it’s doing a pretty good job of representing the letter.
Actionable Insight for 2026: If you are looking for an alternative to the hyper-commercialized tourism of the Gulf, target the months of October through March. This "cool" season offers the best trekking conditions in the Hajar Mountains and peak wildlife activity along the coast. For business travelers, monitor the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) as the government continues to privatize state-owned entities under the Vision 2040 framework.