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 sea turtle swimming underwater against a blue background.

Sea turtles

2 min read

Sea turtles and the coastal landscape of Oman have formed a symbiosis for thousands of years. These prehistoric reptiles are, however, threatened with extinction and are protected worldwide. For this reason, the government of Oman has established several nature reserves along the coast. The approximately 2000 km long coastline of the country serves as an important site for egg-laying and thus reproduction for sea turtles. It is the most important breeding ground for sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. Of the seven species of sea turtles that live worldwide, five nest on the beaches of Oman. This ...

A sunset scene at Salalah with a lone palm tree, a paved walkway, parked cars, and a person walking along the street.

Salalah

2 min read

The fertile Salalah plain around the modern metropolis in southern Oman is a popular travel destination for many Omanis from the north of the country, but also for Europeans and other travelers from around the world. The region around the capital of the Dhofar province provides its very own climatic conditions. Every year during the monsoon season from mid-June to September, the already fertile soil of the region is heavily watered by the monsoon rains. However, the rain showers here fall differently than in other regions of the world that are partially plagued by monsoon winds. For here, the ...

A lush green valley with a flowing river surrounded by rocky hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.

Wadi Tiwi

1 min read

When you explore Oman from the coastal roads you will continually encounter a typical natural attraction of the country. So-called wadis stretch along the coastal strip. Wadis are dry riverbeds that flow into the sea. These valleys are home to a unique flora and fauna and resemble dreamy oases. Wadi Tiwi is located just 3 km from the town of the same name. Wadi Tiwi is densely vegetated and its mountain formations contrast fascinatingly with the vegetation. Over a distance of about 10 kilometers, you can explore this palm-rich wadi from above and enjoy a great view of its shape. Several small ...