An older man with a white beard, wearing traditional Omani attire and a cap, sitting against a textured wall with a pillow behind him in a market.

Life Expectancy in Oman

Life Expectancy in Oman

Written by: Luca Krohn , Philip Eichkorn and Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

In the Arab world, the life expectancy of people is usually not comparable to that of Western Europe or North America. There are various reasons for this. However, in Oman, life expectancy has come remarkably close to that of the Western world in recent decades. In 2015, it was 76 years – the average of both genders. Comparing life expectancy to just about 30 years earlier, it was only 41 years. A change as striking and rapid as the overall development of the Sultanate on the Persian Gulf.

Why has life expectancy improved?

There are several answers to this. The simplest is: The government of Sultan Qaboos has a positive impact on the country. Under his rule, one of the most modern healthcare systems in the world was developed and implemented. Additionally, there has been peace in the country for a very long time. In 1970, when Qaboos came to power, people were still divided and tribal feuds were common; today, there is peace throughout the country. The military ensures that this peace is not threatened by the unrest in the neighboring countries . The high life expectancy in the country has resulted in Oman currently having one of the lowest mortality rates in the world.

Oman – a young nation

More than 50% of Omanis are minors – a clear indication that the people in the country are focusing on offspring. Young people in Oman are supported by a very good school system and are well covered by the aforementioned healthcare system . It can be concluded that Oman is on the right track to catch up with Western European and North American countries in terms of life expectancy and quality of life, health and retirement provision – with Oman already boasting a higher life expectancy than the USA.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A majestic Arabian leopard with golden fur and dark spots, standing in a natural habitat with warm lighting.

Arabian Leopards

1 min read

The Arabian leopard is one of the smallest subspecies of leopard and is native to the Arabian Peninsula. It is an endangered species that has been on the red list since 1996. The number of Arabian leopards is estimated to range from 80 to 300 individuals. No more precise figures are available. The coat of the Arabian leopard has a rosette pattern and colors range from pale yellow to golden to yellow-brown. Males weigh about 30 kilograms and stand 1.30 meters tall. Females weigh only 20 kilograms and are correspondingly smaller. Generally, the Arabian leopard is smaller than the African and Per...

A black case containing a silver engraved gun with a curved blade, possibly a ceremonial or decorative weapon.

Traditional manufacture of a Khanjar

2 min read

A Khanjar is a traditional ceremonial dagger, as still worn in Oman today. Originally, the dagger, whose blade is shaped like a J or a hook, was intended as a weapon for attack or defense, but today it is more of a ceremonial garment and a status symbol. Materials used The art of weapon smithing was highly perfected in the Arab countries during the Middle Ages. Just think of famous swords like the Damascus or other masterpieces of sword and dagger craftsmanship, and it quickly becomes clear that Arab master blacksmiths have made weapons like a Khanjar into one thing – a work of art. It also ...

An indoor market or shopping arcade with people walking and shops on the sides, illuminated with cozy lighting.

General Economic Situation

2 min read

The general economic situation in Oman is very good. The country owes this to two factors: firstly, the very prudent leadership of the Sultan Qaboos and secondly, the oil and gas resources in the country. However, in recent years, the importance of other sectors of the economy has also been understood, and efforts have been made to promote them further. Thus, the tourism industry, industrial enterprises in general, and agriculture have also become important components of the domestic economy, even though the sale of oil and gas still accounts for around 80% of the government's revenue. The de...