A traditional Omani khanjar (curved dagger) and a decorative heart-shaped pendant displayed on a black platform within an ornate white frame.

Oman in Ancient Times

Oman in Ancient Times

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Muslim Arabs, led by the companion of the Prophet Amr ibn al-As, conquered the region of Oman around 630 AD and made it part of the Caliphate of the Umayyads and Abbasids. They ruled Oman for an extended period from Baghdad and Damascus. This marks the dawn of Islam in Oman.

Just a few decades later, the Islamic sect of Ibadism emerged, establishing independent Imamate in the interior around 900 AD. After prolonged power struggles, the authority of the Imams lost influence to the Nabhani dynasty, which managed to reunite Oman around 1180 AD. The Nabhani made Bahla their capital, but were constantly threatened by Persian invaders. This period is poorly documented, but there were recurring fluctuations in the size of the territory. At the end of this dynasty, the Persians regained control of the coastal regions before the Portuguese invaded in 1507 AD. Muscat invasion.

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 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...

Sunset over a fortified city in Oman with a prominent minaret and mountain backdrop.

Oman's Fortresses

6 min read

Oman's impressive fortresses tell tales of times long past, standing as symbols of the country's strategic importance over the centuries. These massive structures served as strongholds against invasions and as protection for trade routes, playing a central role in defending the Sultanate. However, they are not only witnesses to military strength but also expressions of Oman’s rich cultural and architectural traditions. Today, many of these historic fortresses have been restored and are open to visitors, offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s history and allowing travelers to step ba...

A wooden pier extending into the calm blue sea with a person standing at the end in Salalah, Oman.

Weather Salalah

1 min read

The climate in the Dhofar region in southern Oman is tropical. This makes it significantly different from the rest of the country. The temperatures experience minor fluctuations and it is overall more humid. While daytime temperatures are around 27°C during the winter months from December to February, it is about 32°C warm in the summer months. Even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C throughout the year. From June to September, the Khareef, a branch of the monsoon, occurs. The weather in Salalah is then very humid and brings significant rainfall. The region becomes a green oasis....