Sunday 20 / April / 2025
Muscat: Russian citizens have expressed their admiration for the Sultanate of Oman, highlighting the diversity of its environment and the intermingling of its history, renaissance, and identity—elements that have attracted visitors from around the world for tourism, education, residence, and investment.
The beauty and diversity of Oman’s environment, the blending of its historical and modern elements, the preservation of its cultural heritage and identity, the reputation of its people, and the country’s security and justice are all factors that have contributed to its global appeal. Citizens of the Russian Federation have cited these aspects as reasons for visiting the Sultanate of Oman, located in the far southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and overlooking the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman.
Martha Paramonova, a student at the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers in the Wilayat of Manah, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said: “I learned about the Sultanate of Oman while preparing a postgraduate research project. I was amazed by its commitment to modern developments, especially in education and renewable energy. My friends encouraged me to travel and visit Oman, which prompted me to learn Arabic on my own.”
She added: “What distinguishes Omani society is its interest in its own history. This is important and commendable, as many countries with rich histories have failed to preserve them or restore their monuments. What caught the attention of my friends and me was Oman’s restoration of historical landmarks such as Nizwa Fort, the old neighbourhoods, and the traditional markets. These give a strong sense of spirit and historical character and encourage regular visits. I was also impressed by similar efforts in the Wilayat of Bahla, which has a restored fort and markets, and makes economic use of these heritage sites.”
Martha spoke about the characteristics of Omani national identity she observed during her stay in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, such as moral and social values, mutual respect, and the promotion of tolerance, along with customs and traditions.
In Dhofar Governorate, the Oman News Agency met with two tourists from the Russian city of St. Petersburg. Ina expressed her admiration, saying: “This is my first visit to the Sultanate of Oman, and I was impressed by everything in this truly enjoyable country. But the first thing I noticed was the Omani citizens. They are very friendly, safe, and helpful. We hadn’t expected this before we came. I invite everyone to visit.”
Ina described the beauty of sunsets in various tourist areas in Dhofar and the cleanliness of its captivating beaches, which have preserved their natural charm. Some of these locations also overlook historical and cultural landmarks such as Al Baleed Archaeological Park, home to some of the oldest cities in southern Arabia, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, Samharam Archaeological Park, and the monument to Chinese explorer Zheng He.
Yelena said: “This is my first visit to the Sultanate of Oman. I’ve visited an Arab country before, but this place is like a fairytale. If you want to experience fairy tales, you should visit Oman.”
She spoke about the tourist sites she explored in Dhofar Governorate, which allowed her to experience Bedouin life, and expressed great admiration for Omani cuisine. She concluded: “If you want to know which country you should visit, don’t just search online. What’s hidden within is always fascinating, and I hope to visit the Sultanate of Oman again.”
Igor Egorov, head of the Russian community in the Sultanate of Oman, emphasised that members of the Russian community feel very welcome in Oman. “Oman is a very friendly country, something that all nationalities residing here experience. Many members of the Russian community have lived in Oman for more than 10 or 15 years.”
He added: “We feel comfortable here because of shared values, such as adherence to tradition, concern for family, and respect for history and heritage. These qualities attract Russians to Oman.”
Egorov noted that community members enjoy Oman’s wide range of natural attractions—from desert camping and mountain climbing to relaxing on the beach. “Many live near the sea, and we organise group trips to sites such as Jebel Shams, Wadi Bani Khalid, Salalah, and Jabal Al Akhdar, especially during the rose season.”
He also mentioned: “More than 50,000 Russian tourists visit Oman annually, especially after the launch of direct flights. We’re also noticing an increase in the number of Omani tourists visiting Russia.”
He continued: “I work as an investor here and assist Russian companies in establishing their businesses in Oman, whether in Muscat or the free zones. There are numerous sectors in which Russians operate, from oil and gas to food, healthcare, and advanced technology. There is also significant interest from Russian investors in the tourism and real estate sectors.”
Anna Popova, head of the Russian House in the Sultanate of Oman, spoke about the organisation’s work in strengthening ties between the two countries in the fields of culture, tourism, education, and business.
She said: “This year, we organised the Spring Festival in Muscat for the second time. Originally a Russian event, it was held last February and featured performances by 100 elite Russian artists, including music, dance, and singing, which were met with great audience interaction. The festival also included an exhibition with Russian and Omani companies showcasing traditional Omani products and a dedicated photo booth. Visitors wore traditional Russian clothing and winter hats and sampled Russian cuisine. The event was supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Omani musicians and puppet shows also took part, adding a unique touch.”
She pointed out: “The similarity between the two peoples lies in the sincerity of their feelings and warm welcomes; smiles here and there come from the heart. Russian visitors are amazed by Omani hospitality, while Omanis visiting Russia are equally impressed by the richness of its culture.”
Anna said: “Nature and safety are treasures of Oman. What particularly attracts Russians is the country's enchanting natural beauty—its vast, uncrowded beaches, towering mountains, and exceptional tranquillity. Additionally, Oman is one of the safest countries for families, which appeals to Russians who have begun investing in coastal real estate.”
She added: “We are currently organising a business event on 7 May to bring together Russian and Omani businessmen. With the increasing number of high-income Russians residing in Oman, there is mutual interest in showcasing luxury goods and opening new markets with Russia.”
She continued: “We are working to promote the Sultanate of Oman as a destination for teaching Arabic to Russians due to the presence of Omani universities specialising in Arabic language and culture. We also receive enquiries from Omanis and residents wanting to learn Russian—something we hadn’t seen before. There is renewed interest in studying in Russia, and we plan to launch Russian language courses in Oman so that students can gain proficiency before travelling. Some Russian universities also offer programmes in English.”
Regarding tourism, Anna Popova emphasised: “Oman is becoming more popular among Russians, and with Oman Air recently announcing year-round flights to Russia, tourism between the two countries is expected to flourish. Russians love the Royal Opera House Muscat, not only for its many Russian performances but also for its world-class arts.”
Anna Popova concluded: “These efforts reflect a shared vision to strengthen friendship between the two countries—whether through the arts, education, or the economy—based on historical relations that are now being renewed with promising opportunities.”
