Security Overview for Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is a peaceful desert country that relies on oil and natural gas for the vast majority of its revenue. About 75 percent of the population belongs to the Ibadhi sect of Islam, while the other 25 percent are Sunni Muslim, Shia' Muslim or Hindu. The Ibadhi sect is distinct from the Shia' and Sunni sects of Islam, but shares some of the same beliefs. Oman is also a favorite tourist destination of Persian Gulf residents in summer, and has a significant expatriate population from India, Pakistan and East Africa.

Crime is very rare in Oman; the country is among the safest in the world. Visitors observing commonsense precautions, such as not walking in unlit areas at night, should be safe nationwide. Travel by public transportation is generally safe. But as in many countries, the petty-crime threat is higher on public transportation than in most other public places.

Civil unrest is uncommon in Oman. Several protests demanding social and economic reforms erupted during the initial phase of the Arab Spring movement in early 2011, in some cases turning violent. However, the government initiated several appeasement measures increasing social welfare and assistance programs; these seem to have dampened most protests. Indications suggest reformist sentiment remains below the surface. The broader, long-term rise in anti-Israeli and Anti-Western sentiment has not led to violent demonstrations; only a few symbolic demonstrations before and during the U.S-led war in Iraq and the Al-Aqsa Intifada have occured. Popular venues for demonstrations include Globe Roundabout in Sohar, Sultan Qaboos University, Capitol Commercial Center, Qurum Nature Park, the Palestinian Embassy and Al-Khuwair Ministry area.

There is a very low risk of kidnapping in Oman.

The risk of Islamist militant activity in Oman is lower than in neighboring countries, though still significant. Al-Qaeda operatives are believed to be planning terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf region, and Al-Qaeda leaders have repeatedly threatened Arab countries, such as Oman, that are friendly to the U.S. and house U.S. forces on their territory.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

The crime assessment is based on prevalence of petty crime, violent crime and random violence that could threaten foreigners.
A security services rating is determined by analyzing the trustworthiness and capability of local police and security services.
For civil unrest, we consider the level of violent demonstrations and prevalence of anti-government and/or anti-foreign sentiment.
The terrorism category includes levels of terrorist acts targeting domestic and international targets and state sanctioned terrorism.
The kidnapping rating is assigned by analyzing the occurrence of kidnapping for ransom and political leverage within the country.
An assessment of geopolitical stability considers the political infrastructure and economic stability that affects the overall security environment.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.