Oman – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Oman?

Over the past four decades, the health profile of the Omani population has undergone a profound shift — moving away from a landscape shaped by infectious diseases toward one increasingly defined by chronic conditions. This transition echoes what has occurred across many rapidly developing Gulf nations, though the speed at which it has unfolded in Oman is particularly striking.

Diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer are now the primary drivers of both illness and death. Noncommunicable diseases account for over 75% of the overall disease burden, with heart disease ranking as the most frequent cause of mortality. These statistics align Oman with other high-income Gulf states, though the pace of change remains a defining characteristic.

Alongside these chronic conditions, micronutrient deficiencies — anaemia being a notable example — as well as overweight and obesity continue to be areas of concern. Road traffic injuries are another significant public health issue across the Gulf region, affecting residents and expatriates alike, while mental health has increasingly entered the national health agenda.

Oman, much like several neighbouring countries, is grappling with a nutritional double burden: simultaneous problems of under-nutrition and specific micronutrient gaps on one side, and rising rates of overweight and obesity on the other. Addressing both simultaneously places considerable demands on the public health system.

Estimates of diabetes prevalence have ranged between 11.5% and 15.7% (as of 2017), while the 2019 International Diabetes Federation placed the figure at 8.0% — slightly below the global average of 9.3% at that time. Expats who already manage conditions such as diabetes or hypertension should arrive with adequate medication stocks and full medical documentation.

Because so many of these conditions are rooted in behaviour and lifestyle, the Ministry of Health has been actively embedding health promotion in schools, with plans to extend such efforts into higher education and workplaces. Campaigns centred on diet, physical activity, and early screening have become an increasingly familiar part of everyday life across the country.

Is Oman considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Oman’s journey in healthcare represents one of the most striking transformations in modern public health. Before the country’s Renaissance began in 1970, the healthcare infrastructure was barely functional — just two hospitals served the entire population, and average life expectancy stood at only 49.3 years. The changes wrought since then have been profound.

Today, Oman is navigating a complex demographic and epidemiological evolution. Life expectancy has climbed to 77.2 years as of 2024, and projections suggest the elderly population will grow sixfold by 2030. The WHO estimates global average life expectancy at around 73 years, meaning Oman now comfortably surpasses the world benchmark.

Alongside a dramatic reduction in communicable disease, improvements in living standards and healthcare delivery have led to sharp falls in infant and early childhood mortality, as well as sustained gains in longevity. The transition from infectious to chronic disease as the leading cause of ill health is itself an indicator of development, reflecting longer lives and changing circumstances.

The most recent data, from 2021, showed the COVID-19 pandemic had left its mark: healthy life expectancy (HALE) slipped to 63.2 years, down from 64.7 years in 2019. The Ministry of Health has set an ambitious target of 70 years by 2040 as part of the wider Oman Vision 2040 agenda.

Notable achievements in 2024 and early 2025 include childhood immunisation coverage exceeding 99% for essential vaccines, an expanded newborn screening programme now covering 26 diseases, and — in April 2025 — a fifth consecutive year of being declared free from measles and rubella. For the most current data, consult the WHO Oman country profile and the Oman Ministry of Health website directly.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Oman?

Although Oman’s infectious disease burden has diminished greatly over recent decades, certain risks retain relevance — especially for those coming from regions with limited prior exposure to specific pathogens. Prior to 1970, illnesses such as diarrhoeal disease, cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and trachoma were commonplace. The political and economic changes that followed have transformed the picture almost beyond recognition.

No locally acquired malaria case has been documented since 1999. The control phase of the malaria programme was so successful that the government launched an eradication drive in 1991, driving case numbers down sharply. This outcome places Oman ahead of many countries in the wider region when it comes to malaria elimination.

Schistosomiasis — a parasitic infection transmitted through freshwater contact — is present in Oman. Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities in the country’s wadis (seasonal river valleys) should avoid swimming or wading in untreated lakes, ponds, or rivers to reduce exposure risk.

Various insects — including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas — are capable of transmitting diseases in Oman, and for many of these no protective vaccine or preventive medication exists. Covering up with long-sleeved tops, full-length trousers, and hats is one of the most practical ways to limit exposure to biting insects.

Heat-related illness represents a very real environmental hazard. Conditions such as heat stroke can be life-threatening. Staying well hydrated, opting for loose and breathable clothing, and avoiding vigorous physical activity during peak heat are essential habits. Coastal parts of Oman regularly see temperatures above 40°C during summer, compounded by significant humidity, which heightens the risk considerably.

For vaccination guidance, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travellers and new residents confirm their routine immunisations are current and may additionally recommend hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies vaccinations depending on individual circumstances. Consult travel health guidance from your home country’s official health authority — such as the CDC Oman travellers’ page or the NHS Travel Health service in the UK — and visit a travel medicine clinic at least four to six weeks before your planned relocation.

Is smoking common in Oman, and what are the laws around it?

Adult tobacco use is comparatively low in Oman, sitting at roughly 4.6%. Smoking is strongly associated with male behaviour: data from 2008 recorded prevalence of 9.7% among men and just 0.1% among women, figures that closely reflect earlier readings from 2000 of 8.7% and 0.1% respectively. This pronounced gender imbalance contrasts with the situation in Western Europe and the Americas, where smoking rates tend to be distributed more evenly across sexes.

Smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces is confined to designated rooms, with a blanket prohibition in places of worship, schools and educational facilities, government buildings, health establishments, and sporting venues. All forms of public transport must be entirely smoke-free.

The retail sale of e-cigarettes is banned in Oman, as is the sale of smokeless tobacco products. Expats from countries where vaping is legal and widely available should be cautious about bringing such devices into Oman, as this may attract scrutiny at customs. Checking the latest guidance from Oman Customs ahead of travel is advisable.

April 2024 saw the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products, in line with an Omani Standard Specification requirement. Oman acceded to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on 7 June 2005.

It should be noted that Oman does not operate a fully smoke-free indoor environment policy, as certain exemptions remain in place. There is also no comprehensive national smoking cessation programme or sustained mass media campaign targeting tobacco awareness. In these respects, Oman’s tobacco control framework is somewhat less stringent than countries such as the United Kingdom or Australia, both of which have implemented total indoor smoking bans alongside extensive cessation support infrastructure.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Oman?

Diet-related illness and obesity have emerged as major and worsening public health concerns in Oman. Growing national prosperity has brought with it a surge in lifestyle-related noncommunicable conditions, with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity at the forefront. This pattern is consistent with the experience of other high-income Gulf states that have undergone rapid economic transformation in recent decades.

Oman is contending with a nutritional transition that presents a dual challenge: persisting micronutrient deficiencies alongside a marked increase in overweight and obesity. Traditional Omani food — built around rice, bread, meat, and dates — has increasingly been supplemented, and in urban settings sometimes displaced, by fast food and heavily processed alternatives, particularly in and around Muscat.

National school canteen guidelines covering government schools and a proportion of private schools have been introduced to steer children toward healthier food choices. Periodic health screening for adults (introduced in 2014) has also played a meaningful role in the early identification of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors. A national NCD screening programme targeting all citizens aged 40 and above was piloted in 2006 and extended across the country from 2007 onwards.

The programme for adults aged 40 and over is designed to catch chronic illnesses early, enabling more effective management. Expats who fall into this age bracket should actively explore what health screening is accessible to them, whether through private facilities or employer health insurance. In early 2025, Oman launched a national programme for diabetic retinopathy screening using artificial intelligence, equipping 25 healthcare institutions to improve early detection and help prevent vision loss in diabetic patients.

The punishing summer heat has a direct bearing on physical activity, making outdoor exercise impractical for large parts of the year. Gyms, indoor pools, and air-conditioned sports centres are widely available in Muscat and other major urban centres, and many expats plan their more active pursuits around the cooler months running from October through to March.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Oman?

Mental health in Oman occupies a nuanced and evolving space, shaped by cultural tradition, social stigma, and a healthcare system that has historically directed its resources toward physical conditions. In many Arab and Muslim cultural contexts, openly acknowledging feelings of fear, sadness, or emotional distress is not widely encouraged, though accumulating evidence suggests that the full spectrum of psychological conditions found elsewhere in the world is also present in Oman.

A notable proportion of patients presenting at medical facilities in Oman report distress for which clinicians can find no organic cause. These cases account for a considerable number of consultations, unnecessary investigations, and repeated procedures. This pattern reflects a tendency for psychological suffering to be expressed in physical terms, which can obscure accurate diagnosis and delay appropriate treatment.

Road safety and mental health have both been acknowledged as priorities on Oman’s public health agenda. The government has signalled its intention to strengthen mental health provision as part of the Vision 2040 healthcare framework. The Ministry of Health provides free universal healthcare — including mental health services and related medications — to Omani nationals and to expatriates employed in the government sector.

For expats working in the private sector, access to public mental health services is more restricted. Private psychiatric and psychological facilities exist in Muscat, primarily within private hospitals and specialist clinics, but the density of mental health professionals per head of population remains lower than in countries with well-developed public mental health infrastructure, such as those in Scandinavia or Canada. Private sector expats should confirm that their health insurance policy explicitly covers both psychological and psychiatric care before relocating.

International Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), through which employers provide confidential counselling by telephone or via digital platforms, are increasingly offered by multinational companies operating in Oman. For newly arrived expats who have yet to establish local support networks, such programmes can provide a valuable and accessible first point of contact.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Oman?

Relocating to Oman brings with it a distinct set of health considerations tied to the climate, disease environment, and the way healthcare is structured and accessed. Arriving well informed significantly improves the odds of maintaining good health over the long term.

1. Heat acclimatisation: Temperatures during summer months frequently surpass 40°C, and coastal humidity intensifies the strain on the body, raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Plan for several weeks of gradual acclimatisation, increase your fluid intake substantially, and keep strenuous outdoor activity to a minimum during the hottest hours — particularly from May through September.
2. Sun exposure: The sun in Oman is intense throughout the year, making sunburn, heat stroke, and cumulative skin damage genuine concerns. High-SPF sunscreen, protective clothing, and UV-filtering sunglasses should be treated as everyday essentials rather than optional extras.
3. Food and water hygiene: Although tap water in major cities is treated, many residents and expats prefer bottled or filtered water out of caution. Standard food hygiene practices are especially important when eating street food or venturing into rural areas.
4. Dietary adjustment: Relocating typically involves significant changes to eating habits, which can unsettle digestive health. Oman’s food culture differs markedly from that of many expats’ home countries, and many newcomers find themselves relying more heavily on processed or takeaway food while settling in.
5. Social isolation and adjustment: The psychological challenge of adapting to a new country, far from established relationships and familiar environments, is a well-recognised health risk. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness are all more common among those in the early stages of expatriate life. Connecting with local expat groups, building new friendships, and knowing where to access professional support can all help mitigate these risks.
6. Health insurance: Private sector expats are predominantly covered by employer-provided insurance plans. Before you move, scrutinise your policy to confirm it offers comprehensive cover — including for pre-existing conditions, mental health care, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Pay close attention to any exclusions.
7. Regular health screening: Oman’s national NCD screening programme for those aged 40 and above provides an important opportunity for early detection of chronic illness. All expats — particularly those approaching or in middle age — should register with a local doctor or clinic and keep pace with recommended health checks.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Oman?

Having clear and dependable sources of health information is a practical necessity when living overseas. The organisations and resources listed below provide a solid foundation, but always cross-check current requirements — including vaccination rules, fees, and service availability — with official sources before and after your move, as these can change without notice.

• Oman Ministry of Health: The central official authority for all public health matters in Oman, covering immunisation schedules, disease monitoring, and directories of health facilities. The official website is available at moh.gov.om.
• WHO Oman Country Profile: The World Health Organization maintains a country-specific data profile covering life expectancy, disease burden, and health system metrics. Access it at data.who.int/countries/512.
• CDC Oman Travellers’ Health Page: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers regularly updated travel health recommendations for Oman, including detailed vaccination guidance, at wwwnc.cdc.gov.
• Your home country’s travel health authority: Whether that is the NHS Fit for Travel service, France’s Institut Pasteur, or another national body, your country’s travel medicine authority will offer Oman-specific advice calibrated to the vaccination history and health risks relevant to people from your background.
• Private hospitals in Muscat: Institutions such as Muscat Private Hospital, Al Shifa Hospital, and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (the principal public teaching hospital) provide a broad range of specialist services. Many expats favour private hospitals for both general practice and specialist consultations because of shorter waiting times.
• National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI): Oman’s official statistics body publishes the Oman Statistical Yearbook, which includes health data offering useful context on population health trends.

Health guidance, residency vaccination requirements, and insurance regulations can shift — sometimes at short notice. Always verify the current situation with the Oman Ministry of Health and your employer’s HR department or insurance provider before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Oman

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Oman?

For the majority of nationalities, no vaccinations are mandatory simply to take up residency in Oman, but several are strongly recommended. These typically include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid, along with confirmation that routine vaccines — such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus — are fully up to date. Certain occupations or locations within the country may carry additional requirements. Consult the latest guidance from your home country’s travel health authority and the Oman Ministry of Health well before your departure date.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Oman?

Tap water in Oman’s main cities and towns is treated and broadly meets safety standards, but a large proportion of residents — both Omani and expatriate — opt for bottled or filtered water as a precaution. When travelling outside major urban areas or visiting rural locations, relying on bottled water is the safer choice. Restaurant and supermarket food hygiene in larger cities is generally satisfactory, though the standard precautions apply when consuming street food.

Is malaria a risk in Oman?

No locally acquired malaria case has been recorded in Oman since 1999, and the country is regarded as effectively free of locally transmitted infection. That said, expats who travel to other destinations in the wider region — particularly sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia — should take appropriate antimalarial precautions suited to those specific countries.

What healthcare is available for expats in Oman?

The Ministry of Health provides free universal healthcare to Omani nationals and to expatriates employed in the government sector, with this entitlement extending to mental health services and associated medicines. Expatriates in private sector employment are generally covered by employer-provided insurance plans. Private hospitals and clinics — concentrated largely in Muscat — maintain good standards for most conditions, though complex cases may necessitate medical evacuation. Confirming that your policy includes repatriation cover is essential.

How serious is the heat as a health risk in Oman?

Oman’s heat poses a real and serious hazard to health. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can develop rapidly and, in severe cases, prove fatal. Drinking and eating regularly, choosing loose and lightweight fabrics, and keeping physical exertion to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day are all non-negotiable precautions. Temperatures in some parts of Oman can exceed 45°C during summer. Expats — particularly newcomers — should treat acclimatisation seriously and remain alert to early warning signs of heat-related illness throughout the first few months after arrival.

Are there mental health services available for expats in Oman?

Mental health provision exists in Oman but is less extensive than in countries with well-established public psychiatric systems. Government-sector expats and Omani nationals can access mental health services and related medications through the Ministry of Health. Those in private sector roles should verify that their insurance policy explicitly covers both psychological therapy and psychiatric treatment. Private counselling and therapy services are available in Muscat, and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) offering telephone or online counselling are becoming increasingly common among multinational employers in the country.

Can I buy e-cigarettes or vaping products in Oman?

E-cigarettes cannot be legally sold in Oman, and importing them may create complications at customs. Expats who currently vape should seek specific advice before travelling and be prepared to switch to other alternatives upon arrival. From April 2024, plain packaging requirements for tobacco products came into force across Oman.

Is diabetes common in Oman, and will I be able to manage my condition there?

Diabetes is a significant public health issue in Oman, and the Ministry of Health has a dedicated directorate for the control of noncommunicable diseases. Diabetes specialists are accessible in every region of the country, and small diabetes clinics staffed by family physicians on set days of the week have been established in the majority of primary healthcare centres. Expats managing diabetes should register with a local clinic or hospital promptly after arriving, carry enough medication to cover the initial settling-in period, and check in advance whether their specific insulin or medication brand is stocked locally.