The Directorate General of Traffic at Royal Oman Police recently issued a statement stating that foreign visitors and tourists, who hold valid international driving licences or foreign licences issued by their country, are allowed to drive in the sultanate.
As per the decision, international licence or foreign licence holders can drive in Oman for three months from the date of entry. While many believe this will help boost tourism, there are others who think it may lead to an increase in road accidents.
Here is what Muscat Daily readers said on the decision and how it will affect the tourism sector and the economy –

Ruskeen S

Sales Manager

It is a great move by the ROP. Helpful for the visitors and the establishments. Visitors can decide their selection of destinations according to their plan and likings. Now it is upto the ROP to clarify what kind of vehicle they can use or only rental cars or company cars.

Syed Mohtesan Maqsood

Private sector employee

It will boost the rent a car business even more. Ministry of tourism needs to develop tourist places to attract more visitors & offer more affordable hotels and restaurants. Also, tourists need to follow the traffic rules to avoid any trouble or fines & ROP needs to ensure tourists safety.

Surendra Nath Sharma

Private sector employee

Any tourist when they are traveling in Oman, the biggest challenge is the transport. Taxi in Oman is still not matching with international standard. Decision for allowing the tourist to drive the vehicle with their country driving license will have following impact in economy. There are many positive sides and some of them are comfort of self-driving to see the beauty of Oman which is spread in 1000 kms, self-driving will have the privacy and tourist can enjoy more. Rent a car companies are bleeding due to lack of tourist will be able to sustain the business and finally most of the hotels are operating with 50 % capacity will also get more guest. Overall it’s very positive decision to boost the tourism in Oman.

Chiranjeevi Raju

HVAC Engineer

It is very good decision, people can explore more and spend quality time. Foodies can travel and eat their favourite foods around Muscat.

Sameer Ali

Private Company Employee

Might benefit Economy but not sure how safe it would be. Many countries have sub standards driving standards and will impact road safety on Omani roads where most drivers are well trained & got their driver’s license after vigorous training.

Sanarab Kazi

Housewife

It is an absolutely good decision, but before allowing tourists to drive in our country, it must take test by ROP and explain the road rules and regulations. But these all steps must be done quickly within an hour.

Mohammed Nadeem

Investor

It is indeed a great decision as it will give more confidence and will attract many tourists, we do also expect the same when we go for some tours in other countries,

Syed Imran Ali

IT Manager

Definitely it’s a boon to the tourists, they can access all the destinations at any point of time rather than being dependent on other transports and also some criterias should be set for tourists on self-drive.

Fahir Ismail

Private sector employee

A very good move by ROP. Left side or right side driving is not a matter for those who know driving and our mind easily adjusts to the rules. I have experienced it myself. Only thing is, you will mix up with the indicators and wipers for a while. Those who are experienced in driving in conditions similar to Oman, will find this facility as highly beneficial. Those who find it difficult, shall always catch a cab. It’s not compulsory that they should drive.

Girishkumar Nayee

Operations Manager

In their own country, most of the expatriates are driving on the right side. If they will come over here without the left side experience roundabout road conditions, driving will be risky. It’s good approach but road and driving conditions vary. In Oman, many driver are not getting driving license very easy so how come they will come and start driving? Someone needs to sit next to them with Omani driving licence to guide him/her for driving.