In Oman, white is law: Why can't residents in Oman decide what colours their houses can be?

TL;DR:

• Oman’s building regulations mandate that exterior building colours must be white or light shades (like ivory or beige) to preserve the country’s traditional architectural aesthetic and cultural heritage.
  
  
• Any use of alternate or darker colours on building exteriors requires prior government approval through a formal application process with the municipality, ensuring urban harmony and adherence to environmental considerations.
  
  
• The law also serves practical purposes by reflecting sunlight to reduce heat absorption, which aligns with climate considerations in Oman’s hot environment, and supports social and cultural cohesion by maintaining uniform cityscapes.
  

Oman’s distinctive cityscapes, especially in capitals like Muscat , are renowned for their uniform white and light-hued buildings, a striking visual feature deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity, climatic realities, and government regulations. This architectural tradition goes beyond mere aesthetics; it reflects a deliberate effort by the Omani authorities to preserve the nation’s heritage, harmonize urban environments, and provide practical benefits in the region’s intense heat.

The Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, along with local municipalities such as Muscat Municipality , have formalized these requirements, mandating the use of white or closely related light shades for building exteriors, with any deviation necessitating strict governmental approval. These regulations are part of Oman’s broader building codes and planning standards, designed to ensure environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and architectural integrity across rapidly modernizing urban centres.

From historical architectural influences inspired by Islamic and traditional Omani culture to modern environmental considerations, the required use of whitewash and light colours serves to connect Omani cities with their past while addressing contemporary urban challenges. Residents and property developers who desire alternative colours must undergo a rigorous approval process, reflecting the government’s commitment to retaining Oman’s uniquely serene and cohesive cityscapes.

Historical and cultural roots

• Preservation of National Identity: Omani cities place a strong emphasis on honoring traditional Islamic and Omani architectural styles. The predominance of white and its shades is intended to maintain continuity with local history, reinforce cultural identity, and protect the aesthetic coherence of urban landscapes

• Architectural Heritage: The choice of white and light hues for exteriors dates back centuries, reflecting principles of Omani construction and Islamic design. The absence of skyscrapers and the preference for unified, modest colour palettes demonstrate a respect for peace, harmony, and traditional values.

Practical and environmental considerations

• Climate Control: White and light-shaded surfaces reflect sunlight and absorb minimal heat, helping keep interiors cooler—a crucial benefit in Oman’s intensely hot climate. This not only improves living comfort but also reduces reliance on air conditioning and energy consumption

• Sustainability: Building codes and municipal guidelines stress the sustainability of using such colours. They align with the local landscape and environmental requirements, ensuring both the well-being of residents and the resilience of Omani cities.

Legal framework and regulation

• Mandatory Use of White and Light Colours: According to Muscat Municipality and official documentation, shades of white, including ivory, pearl, alabaster, and other variations are the only exterior paint colours that do not require special approval. Any proposal to use bolder or different hues must go through a formal application and accreditation process with the relevant municipality’s technical licensing department.
• Application for Exceptions: Owners or contractors wishing to use non-white colours must submit an application (including samples and plans) to the municipality for assessment and approval. Recent years have seen minor relaxations, some areas now allow grey, beige, or light brown within local internal blocks but these are the exception and not the rule, aimed at maintaining overall visual harmony.

Urban aesthetics and social order

• A Unified Urban Identity: The uniformity of colour serves to protect Muscat’s and Oman’s distinct architectural imprint. Community members and experts argue that this policy not only preserves tradition but also curbs “visual pollution” from inconsistent colour choices, ensuring an uncluttered, elegant cityscape.
• Psychological and Social Impact: As described by local architects, the choice of building colour goes beyond decoration, it influences mood, perception, and social values by offering a calming, dignified visual experience tied to Omani customs.

Oman’s whitewashed urban landscape is a blend of practical wisdom, cultural pride, and legislative diligence. By tightly regulating external building colours, with strict preference for shades of white and requiring approval for all others, the Sultanate ensures that its skylines remain cool, harmonious, and deeply rooted in Omani identity and tradition. This makes Oman’s cityscapes unique in the Gulf and admired worldwide for their order, sustainability, and architectural beauty.