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 panoramic view of rugged desert mountains under a clear sky, with varying shades of brown and reddish terrain.

Travel Weather Oman Mountains

1 min read

The climate in the Omani Hadjar Mountains differs significantly from the rest of the country. It is much cooler overall, which is mainly due to the high altitude of the region. On average, the tourist destinations of this mountain region are located at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters. In the peak season between October and April, it can be very cold. During the day, temperatures rarely reach more than 20°C, and at night, the thermometer sometimes shows less than 10°C. An unexpected sight for a desert region are the snow-capped peaks of Hadjar, something which is not uncommon. Geographicall...

A young boy dressed in traditional Omani attire, standing outdoors near a colorful building with a white dome.

Education

2 min read

There are not a few countries in the Islamic world where education is not equally accessible to everyone. Especially girls are often disadvantaged in such countries when it comes to education. The situation in Oman is quite different. Here, great value is placed on education for every child and also on adult education in general.Sultan Qaboos had promoted literacy in the country as much as the establishment and design of new universities since his accession to the throne around 50 years ago. During the development of the education system in Oman, his time studying in England was certainly an a...

A clean, modern medical clinic room with advanced dental equipment and a comfortable dental chair.

Medical Care

6 min read

For many travelers, access to quality healthcare is a crucial factor when choosing a destination – and Oman offers a pleasant surprise. In recent years, the Sultanate has developed an impressive healthcare system comparable to Western standards in many aspects. From modern emergency clinics in cities and well-stocked pharmacies to international professionals, Oman provides visitors with comprehensive, high-quality medical care. Even in remote areas, there are options for initial medical support, ensuring travelers receive timely assistance in case of emergencies. In this article, you’ll find ...