Muscat – From Dhofar’s pristine beaches to Al Dakhiliyah’s historic forts, Russian citizens are increasingly drawn to Oman for tourism, education, investment, and cultural exchange.

Oman News Agency conducted a series of interviews with Russian nationals to capture their experiences in various parts of the country, and highlight the reasons behind their growing affection for the Sultanate.
Igor Egorov, head of the Russian community in Oman, emphasised the welcoming atmosphere felt by Russian residents. “It is a very friendly country, and this is something that all nationalities residing here feel,” he said, noting that many Russians have called Oman home for over a decade. He attributed this comfort to shared values such as respect for tradition, family, and heritage. Egorov also highlighted the community’s enjoyment of Oman’s diverse natural attractions, from desert camping to mountain excursions, with over 50,000 Russian tourists visiting annually, a number boosted by direct flights. He also pointed to growing interest from Russian investors in various sectors, including tourism and real estate.

Anna Popova, head of the Russian House Oman, detailed the organisation’s efforts in fostering cultural, tourism, educational, and business ties between the two nations. The recent Spring Festival in Muscat, featuring Russian artists and attracting significant Omani participation, exemplified this cultural exchange. She lauded Oman’s enchanting nature, long, crowd-free beaches, towering mountains, and exceptional tranquillity, as well as its reputation as a safe country for families, which is attracting Russian investment in coastal properties.

Popova also shared plans for an upcoming Omani-Russian business forum on May 7, and efforts to promote Oman as a hub for teaching Arabic to Russian speakers. Interest in learning Russian is also growing among Omanis, with plans underway to introduce Russian language courses in the Sultanate.
Marta Paramonova, a Russian student currently studying Arabic at the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers in Manah, said her academic curiosity led her to Oman, but it was the country’s deep-rooted history and cultural preservation that captivated her. “What distinguishes Omani society is their interest in their history,” Marta noted, praising the restoration efforts of historical landmarks like Nizwa Fort and Bahla, which offer a tangible connection to the nation’s past. She also highlighted the strong moral and social principles, mutual respect, and tolerance prevalent in Omani society.

In Dhofar Governorate, Russian tourists Ina and Yelena, both visiting from St. Petersburg, shared their excitement about Oman’s untouched landscapes and friendly locals.

“This is my first time in Oman, and I’m amazed by the people’s kindness and the country’s safety,” said Ina, who was particularly moved by the scenic sunsets and cleanliness of Dhofar’s beaches.

Reiterating similar sentiments, Yelena indicated that Oman is the destination for people who want to experience an oriental fairytale. She spoke about enjoying Bedouin experiences and traditional Omani cuisine, expressing her desire to return.