The healing power of Oman’s coastlines

Muscat: One of the most accessible yet underrated forms of natural therapy is the sea breeze. In the Sultanate of Oman — blessed with over 3,000 kilometres of coastline — the air by the ocean is more than a passing wind. It’s a healing experience, a natural remedy and a spiritual reset.
Oman’s coastline, stretching from the northern tip of Musandam to the southern shores of Dhofar, offers a breathtaking range of marine environments. From the bustling Qurum Beach in Muscat to the untouched sands of Shannah, Al Ashkharah and Mirbat, the sea here is not just a view — it’s an immersive experience of peace, rhythm and beauty.
Each beach tells a different story, inviting both locals and visitors to slow down, listen to the waves and simply breathe.
Scientific research shows that sea air contains negatively charged ions, which can increase oxygen intake, boost serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter that stabilises mood), and reduce the effects of stress and fatigue. Salt particles suspended in the sea breeze also help clear respiratory pathways and improve sleep quality.
Dr Ali al Shabibi, a psychological wellness consultant, explained that sea air has a direct impact on mental clarity and emotional regulation. “Being near the ocean reduces stress hormone levels and provides a meditative backdrop that resets the nervous system. In Oman, where the coasts are still largely unspoiled, the sea becomes a true sanctuary for psychological and emotional well-being,” he said.
Rahab Said, a teacher from Muscat, said, “There’s something magical about the sea air. After a long week, sitting by the water helps me clear my mind. I breathe deeper, sleep better, and even my children seem calmer,” she said.
For Rahab and many others, time by the sea is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. “I think the sea listens and in its silence, it gives us answers,” she said.
Recognising the therapeutic potential of the ocean, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is exploring ways to include wellness-focused experiences in its tourism strategies.
Oman’s beaches also offer social healing. Families, friends and communities gather weekly along the shorelines, not only to enjoy nature, but to reconnect with each other.
Huda al Ghafri, a social researcher based in Sur, said, “Spending time at the beach fosters family bonding. We’ve noticed parents interacting more deeply with their children, and young people engaging in healthier social habits away from screens.”
In a world increasingly dominated by noise, screens and schedules, the sea remains a gentle reminder of our connection to nature and the simplicity of stillness. Its breeze doesn’t just cool the skin — it calms the mind.
Oman, with its pristine beaches and unspoiled coastal ecosystems, offers a gift that is both ancient and ever-relevant: the healing power of sea air. It’s a call to pause, breathe deeply and let nature do what it does best — restore balance.
So, the next time stress builds and the world feels heavy, perhaps the answer lies not in more noise or distraction, but in a quiet moment by the water — where the breeze is steady, and peace is just a breath away.
In Oman, where the coasts are still largely unspoiled, the sea becomes a true sanctuary for psychological and emotional well-being. The air by the ocean is more than a passing wind. It’s a healing experience, a natural remedy and a spiritual reset