Find Gun Policy Facts

Armed violence prevention, gun control laws and the small arms trade:

Go To ..

Oman — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms

ChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Oman is

2017: 792,0001
2007: 650,0002

Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

ChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Oman is

2017: 16.701
2007: 25.42

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a 2007 comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Oman ranked at No. 693

Compare
Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a 2007 comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Oman ranked at No. 172

Compare
Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Oman is reported to be 5,0004

Compare
Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners per 100 people in Oman is 0.215

Government Guns

Compare
Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Oman are reported to have 118,3606 firearms

Compare
Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Oman are reported to have 31,0007 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

Compare
Total Number of Gun Deaths

In Oman, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2010: 28

Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2010: 0.078

Compare
Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

In Oman, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total

2010: 18

Compare
Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

In Oman, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total

2010: 18

Compare
Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Oman, annual homicides by any means total

2011: 349 10
2010: 38
2008: 189 11
2007: 18
2002: 159 12
2001: 13

Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Oman, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2011: 1.0613
2010: 0.078
2008: 0.79 11 14
2007: 0.79 11 14
2006: 1.2914
2005: 1.67
2004: 2.10
2003: 0.90
2002: 0.69 11 14
2001: 0.6
1997: 0.9114
1995: 0.94

Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)

In Oman, annual male homicides by any means total

2010: 28

Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)

In Oman, annual female homicides by any means total

2010: 18

Compare
Gun Homicides

In Oman, annual firearm homicides total

2010: 08

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2010: 08

Compare
Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

In Oman, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be

2011: 4%10

Compare
Male Gun Homicide Victims

In Oman, annual male firearm homicides total

2010: 08

Compare
Female Gun Homicide Victims

In Oman, annual female firearm homicides total

2010: 08

Compare
Handgun Homicides

In Oman, annual handgun homicides total

2012: 315

Compare
Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2012: 0.105

Compare
Suicides (any method)

In Oman, annual suicides by any means total

2010: 168

Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Oman, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2010: 0.548

Compare
Male Suicide Victims (any method)

In Oman, annual male suicides by any means total

2010: 168

Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)

In Oman, annual female suicides by any means total

2010: 08

Compare
Gun Suicides

In Oman, annual firearm suicides total

2010: 08

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2010: 08

Compare
Male Gun Suicide Victims

In Oman, annual male firearm suicides total

2010: 08

Compare
Female Gun Suicide Victims

In Oman, annual female firearm suicides total

2010: 08

Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Oman, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2010: 28

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2010: 08

Compare
Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

In Oman, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total

2010: 18

Compare
Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

In Oman, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total

2010: 18

Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Oman, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2010: 08

Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Oman, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2010: 08

Compare
Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Oman, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2010: 08

ProductionGun Industry

Compare
Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Oman, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence, but is not conducted in practice4

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Firearm Exports

Compare
Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Oman is reported by Customs to be US$016 (2011)

Compare
Firearm Imports

In Oman, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law17

Compare
Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Oman is reported by Customs to be US$1,320,00516 (2011)18 19 20

Compare
Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Oman is low4

MeasuresGun Regulation

Compare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Oman is categorised as restrictive21

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Oman includes the Inquiries Regulations on Firearms and Ammunitions4

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Oman are regulated by the Directorate General of Criminal Investigations4

Compare
Right to Possess Firearms

In Oman, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law22 23

Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

Compare
Law Regulates Automatic Weapons

In Oman, civilian possession of automatic weapons is regulated by law10

Compare
Regulation of Handguns

In Oman, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence4 10

Compare
Law Regulates Long Guns

In Oman, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law10

Compare
Gun Ownership and Possession

In Oman, only licensed gun owners4 10 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Compare
Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Oman are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security4

Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Oman is 25 years4

Compare
Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Oman must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and domestic violence4 10 records

Compare
Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Oman, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required4

Compare
Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Oman stipulates4 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

Compare
Firearm Safety Training

In Oman, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required4 for a firearm licence

Compare
Licensing Records

In Oman, authorities maintain a record15 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Firearm Registration

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

In Oman, the law requires24 15 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Oman, licensed firearm dealers are required25 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Compare
State-Owned Firearm Records

In Oman, State agencies are required26 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Oman include4 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Oman include4 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm Marking

In Oman, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law24

Compare
Firearm Tracing

In Oman, state authorities carry out24 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

Compare
Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In Oman, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law10

Compare
Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Oman, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm27 is a fine15

Compare
Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Oman are known to have15 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

League of Arab States

As a member of the League of Arab States, Oman adopted the Arab Model Law on Weapons, Ammunitions, Explosives and Hazardous Material in January 200228

Compare
Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development

The Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the interrelations between armed violence and development, was not signed29 by Oman.

Compare
Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has not been signed30 by Oman

Compare
United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified31 by Oman

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Oman committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects32

Compare
UNPoA Implementation Monitor Score

In its UN small arms Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (PoAIM Phase 1), the Small Arms Survey scored Oman against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 13033 34 35 36 among 159 Member States

Compare
UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Oman has submitted one or more national reports37 17 on its implementation of the UNPoA

Compare
UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Oman, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated38 17

Compare
UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Oman submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent17

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated17 by Oman to other UN Member States

Compare
United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Oman has not declared39 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Oman has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196740

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list41 Oman as a Participating State

BackgroundCountry Profile

Link
Conflict Profile

For a profile of conflict in Oman, select the Link icon to open an external web page from the UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia at Uppsala University

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where Oman ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

4.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

5.

GunPolicy.org.2014.‘Calculated Rates - Oman.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,8 July. (Q4275)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Military Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Military-Owned Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13436)Full Citation

7.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation

8.

WHO.2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Oman.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10293)Full Citation

10.

Butchart, Alexander, Christopher Mikton and Etienne Krug.2014.‘Country Profile: Oman.’ Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014.Geneva:World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),10 December. (Q9435)Full Citation

11.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Oman.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6292)Full Citation

12.

UNODC.2005.‘Recorded Homicide and Firearm Homicide in 53 Countries, Completed or Attempted.’ Eighth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2001-2002).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,15 April. (Q1077)Full Citation

13.

UNODC.2017.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ Crime and Drugs Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 May. (Q13355)Full Citation

14.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Middle East and North Africa, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington, DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3813)Full Citation

15.

Fahad Al Mukrashi. 2013. ‘ROP Drive to Register Weapons.’ Times of Oman. 6 August. (N302) Full Citation

16.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

17.

UNODA.2018.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) - Implementation Support System.New York, NY:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,23 July. (Q1309)Full Citation

18.

Holtom, Paul and Christelle Rigual.2015.‘Importers of Small Arms Based on UN Comtrade, 2012.’ Small Arms Survey 2015: Weapons and the World.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press and the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 June. (Q11070)Full Citation

19.

Rigual, Christelle.2015.‘Annexe 4.2: Major Importers.’ Small Arms Survey 2015: Weapons and the World.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press and the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 June. (Q11078)Full Citation

20.

Holtom, Paul, Irene Pavesi and Christelle Rigual.2014.‘Importers of Small Arms Based on UN Comtrade, 2011.’ Small Arms Survey 2014: Women and Guns.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press and the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,16 June. (Q11041)Full Citation

21.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

22.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

23.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

24.

Oman.2010.‘Marking.’ National Report of Oman on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of Oman to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4668)Full Citation

25.

Oman.2010.‘National Legislation.’ National Report of Oman on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of Oman to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4667)Full Citation

26.

Oman.2010.‘Control of Weapons Depots.’ National Report of Oman on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of Oman to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4669)Full Citation

27.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

28.

League of Arab States / UNODA.2002.‘Arab Model Law on Weapons, Ammunitions, Explosives and Hazardous Material.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Council of the League of Arab States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,1 January. (Q3215)Full Citation

29.

GDAV.2006.‘Geneva Declaration.’ Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.Geneva:Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development Secretariat,7 June. (Q7162)Full Citation

30.

UNODA.2013.‘Towards Entry Into Force.’ Arms Trade Treaty.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,2 April. (Q7226)Full Citation

31.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

32.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

33.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Findings - Table 3: Reporting States by Rank and Score.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8752)Full Citation

34.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘What do the PoAIM Scores Represent? How Should the PoAIM Scores Be Interpreted?.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8753)Full Citation

35.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Point Allocation System.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8754)Full Citation

36.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Introduction.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8755)Full Citation

37.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

38.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York, NY:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

39.

UNODA.2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - The Global Reported Arms Trade.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation

40.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

41.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation