A comprehensive overview of life and work in Oman for those thinking of relocating here.

1. Introducing
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The Sultanate of Oman

2. Contents
Introduction to The Sultanate of Oman Slides 3
Muscat Slide 4
Climate Slide 5
Food Slide 6
Language Slide 7
Religion Slide 8
Clothing Slide 9
Working Slide 10
Money Slide 11
Banks Slide 12
Healthcare Slide 13
Shopping Malls Slide 14
Souqs Slide 15
Getting around Slide 16
Travel Slide 17
Education Slide 18
Childcare Slide 19
Housing / Maids Slide 20
Pets Slide 21
Newspapers and magazines Slide 22
Holidays Slide 23
Leisure Slide 24
Nizwa Slide 25
Salalah Slide 26
Visas Slide 27
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

3. Introducing Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is situated in the south-eastern quarter
of the Arabian Peninsula, with a land area of 300,000 square
kilometers, and a population of approximately 2.5 million. Oman is home to
approximately 600’000
The country is divided into eight administrative regions: three
expatriates
governorates (Muscat, Dhofar and Musandam) and five regions
(A’ Dakhliyah, A’ Dhahirah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta and A’
Sharqiyah). Each region is further divided into smaller ‘wilayats’
(districts) headed by a ‘wali’ (district governor) and the capital of
the country is Muscat.
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4. Muscat
The metropolitan area of Muscat spans
approximately 1500 km² and as of 2008, the
population of the area was 1,090,797. The
rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate
the landscape of Muscat and the port-district of
Muttrah, with its corniche and harbour forms
the north-eastern periphery of the city. The
ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of
Oman in 1970, has led to the growth of a
vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
Muscat's economy is dominated by trade,
petroleum and porting.
Evidence of communal
activity in the area around
Muscat dates back to the 6th
millennium BCE
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

5. Climate
Oman’s climate varies considerably
with the different regions, but sunny
blue skies and warm temperatures
can be expected most of the year.
The north is hot and humid during
the summer, with temperatures
reaching 48°C during the day and
averaging about 32°C at night.
Humidity can rise to 90%. The mean
summer temperature in Muscat is
33°C, but the ‘gharbi’ (western) wind
from the Rub Al Khali can raise Information on local weather and
coastal town temperatures by meteorological conditions is available by
another 6°C to 10°C. dialing 1102 (Arabic) or 1103 (English)
from within Oman
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6. Food Supermarkets
The Omani people are well known for their Oman has a good range of supermarkets and
hospitality and offers of refreshment. Omani grocery stores that cater to the multinational
meals often have rice as the main ingredient population’s culinary needs. Carrefour, the
along with meat. Maqbous is a rice dish, Sultan Center, Lulu Hypermarket and Al Fair
tinged yellow with saffron and cooked over a are the largest and most popular
spicy red or white meat. Fish is also very supermarkets. There are also smaller
popular and feautures in many dishes such as supermarkets such as Al Jadeed, Pic n Save
Mashuai, a meal comprising of whole spit- and Family Supermarket. Al Fair supermarket,
roasted kingfish served with lemon rice. with branches in Al Qurm, Madinat Sultan
Omani sweets are well-known throughout the Qaboos, Al Sarooj and Zakher Mall, is
region, with the most popular being halwa. renowned for its British, European and Asian
American fast food chains such as KFC, foods. It’s the only supermarket in the country
McDonalds, and Burger King, are located in that sells pork products such as paté,
the larger cities of Muscat and Salalah. proscuitto, salami and ham.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

7. Language Start practicing!
The official language of Oman is Arabic, Peace be upon you – Al Salamo Alaikom
however English is widely spoken. Other Welcome/Hello – Marhaba
commonly heard languages include Urdu, What? - Matha
Baluchi, Swahili and Hindi. Most road signs, Goodbye - Ma Salama
shop signs and menus are written in both Who? - Man
Arabic and English. Thank You - Shukran
Where? - Ayina
Please - Min Fadlak
How many? - Kam
How much does it cost? - Bekam
How are you? - Ke fa ha’allaq
Why? - Lematha
Yes - Na’am / Aiwa
Excuse me - Affwan
No - La
I don’t know - Lusto Adree
Good Morning - Sabah Al Khair
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8. Religion
Islam is the official religion of Oman, with most Omanis following the Ibadhi sect, named after its
founder Abdullah bin Abadha. Ibadhism is regarded as ‘moderately conservative’ and a
distinguishing feature is the choice of a ruler by communal consensus and consent. Muscat has
two Hindu temples – a Shiva temple and a Krishna temple and churches of several Christian
denominations are located in a multi-denominational compound in Ruwi. The Roman Catholic
church of Saints Peter and Paul is also located in Ruwi, and a second Roman Catholic church, the
Holy Spirit Church, is located in Ghala.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

9. Clothing
Most Omanis wear traditional dress during
work and social hours. Men wear an ankle
length, collarless gown with long sleeves
(dishdasha). On their heads men usually
wear a brimless embroidered hat, kumah.
The silver dagger, Khunjar, is the most
distinctive part of a man's attire. Traditional
women’s costumes are very colorful and
vary from region to region. In public, women
cover their normal clothes with a full-length,
black cloak-dress (abaya). Islamic ideals
provide the conservative foundation of
Oman's customs, laws and practices.
Visitors and expats are expected to remain
sensitive to the Islamic culture, and to not
dress in a revealing or provocative style.
This includes wearing of sleeveless shirts
and blouses, halter tops and shorts.
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10. Working
Across the GCC, many local companies prefer to start work a little earlier, break for a long lunch
(usually three hours), and return to work for a late-afternoon session. Split-shift timings are usually
08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Not all companies follow these hours however, and many work
a ‘straight shift’ with short lunch break. Most private sector companies work straight shifts, as do
government organizations. Straight-shift hours are usually 07:00 to 14:00 for government
organizations, and 07:00 to 16:00 for private companies (although hours do vary from one
company to another.) Independent shops normally work the split shift, and many of the small
shopping malls also close for an extended period at lunchtime. Most supermarkets remain open
from 08:00 to 21:00, and some of the bigger malls (such as Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre
and Markaz Al Bahja) are open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. The official weekend in Oman is
Thursday and Friday.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

11. Money
The monetary unit is the Oman Rial (RO or OR)
which is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of
approximately US $1 = RO 0.385. The Rial is
divided into 1,000 Baisas.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in
Oman, although credit cards are accepted in
larger department stores, restaurants and
hotels. Cash and traveler's cheques can be
exchanged at licensed exchange offices, banks
and international hotels. A passport is required
for exchanging traveler's cheques.
Local cheques are generally accepted in
business but not for personal purchases. There
are no restrictions on the import or export of any
currency other than Israeli currency which is
prohibited.
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12. Banks
The well-structured and ever-growing network of local and international banks, strictly controlled by
the Central Bank of Oman, offer a full range of commercial and personal banking services.
Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is no exchange control and the Oman rial is freely
convertible to other currencies. Bank headquarters are clustered in Ruwi, Muscat’s central business
district (CBD). There are also bank branches all over Muscat and Salalah, and in major towns such
as Nizwa, Sur and Sohar. Banking hours are usually 08:00 to 12:00 or 1:00 pm (Sunday –
Thursday).
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

13. Healthcare Useful numbers
The general standard of healthcare in Oman is
high, both in the public and private sectors. Country code 968
There are many private specialist clinics, Emergencies/Fire 999
private and government hospitals, all staffed by
qualified professionals. Police:
Muscat 560099
Hospitals include: Ruwi 701099
The Adam Hospital ph: 968-434 055 Salalah 290099
Al-Buraimi Hospital ph: 968-650 033
Al-Nahda Hospital ph: 968-707 800
Ibra Hospital ph: 968-470 535
Khoula Hospital ph: 968-563 625
Quriat Hospital ph: 968-645 003
Royal Hospital ph: 968-592 888
Rustaq Hospital ph: 968-875 055
Sohar Hospital ph: 968-840 299
Sultan Qaboos Hospital ph: 968-211 151
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14. Shopping Malls Shopping Malls include:
Muscat is the shopping capital of Oman and
offers a cosmopolitan range of shops and Jawaharat A'Shati Complex
goods ranging from expensive boutiques to www.jascomplex.com
handicraft stalls. Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday nights are the busiest shopping times Landmark Group (City Plaza)
and many shops have sales during the www.landmarkgroupco.com
annual Muscat Festival in January and in the
months around the two Eid holidays. Markaz Al Bahja
www.markazalbahja.com
Muscat City Centre
www.citycentremuscat.com
SABCO Commercial Centre
www.sabcogroup.com
Qurum City Centre mall
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

15. Souqs
Oman has some of the most lively, most authentic and colorful traditional markets ‘souqs’ in the
region. Distinguished old men in their ‘dishdashas’ sit behind the counters in small shops, while
bejeweled women in their ‘abaya’ haggle with authority. One of the oldest preserved souqs in
Oman is in Muttrah, on the Corniche. Gold and silver jewellery is found in abundance as well as
numerous wooden carvings, ornaments and spices.
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16. Getting around
The most popular way to get around Muscat
and to the interior cities of Nizwa, Sur and
Sohar is by car. If you don’t own a car, you can
hire one or make use of the many taxis
available. Due to the heat very few people walk
or cycle. There are no trains or trams in Oman
however there is a reasonable public bus
service in Muscat. Road signs are almost
always signposted both in English and Arabic,
as are street and house numbers. However,
people tend to rely on landmarks rather than
road names to give directions. Landmarks are
usually shops, hotels, petrol stations or
distinctive buildings. To confuse matters
further, places are sometimes referred to by a
nearby landmark, rather than their real name.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

17. Travel
Muscat is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa and is an easily accessible city. Most
European cities are only seven hours away, however, Muscat’s proximity to larger Middle East hubs
like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha mean that you typically have to connect via another Gulf city.
There are some direct flights to London (on Oman Air, British Airways or Gulf Air), and there are
direct flights to India, Pakistan and numerous Middle East countries.
Muscat International Airport is located 35km, or about 20 minutes, from the centre of Muscat.
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18. Education
For a complete listing of the
Oman, and Muscat in particular, is home to educational institutions in Oman
several international schools catering to you may like to visit:
children of various nationalities. Government http://www.schools-oman.com/
schools are for Omani citizens only, therefore
if you are living in Oman as an expat you will
have to send your child to a private school.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

19. Childcare
If you have a child of nursery age, you will find quite a lot of choice in Muscat. Facilities and
standards vary enormously, as do the fees. Some nurseries accept children as young as six
months, however this is the exception rather than the rule. There are often waiting lists for the more
popular nurseries. Nurseries are usually open in the mornings only with some offering flexibility in
terms of how many days per week your child will attend. If you don’t want your child to go to school
for a full five days a week, you may be able to choose four, three or even two days a week.
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20. Housing
Muscat is spread out into distinct residential areas,
mostly divided by mountains, valleys or highways.
The main areas are Muscat, Mutrah, Ruwi,
Wattayah, Qurm, Shatti Al Qurm, Madinat Sultan
Qaboos (MSQ), Al Khuwayr, Ghubbrah, Azaibah
and Seeb. Renting is the main option for
accommodation for expats. When driving around
Muscat you will see several ‘To Let’ boards hanging
up outside available properties. A reliable estate
agent can save you a lot of time and effort by
arranging viewings of suitable properties. Maid Services
One of the perks of expat life is how
Electricity common it is for people to have domestic
Water and electricity services are supplied by the help. Most expat families have some sort of
government and are generally efficient and reliable. home help, whether it’s a full-time, live-in
Voltage: 220-240 Volts housemaid, or a part-time ironing lady. There
Outlets in Oman generally accept are several reliable maid agencies who can
recommend a good maid and in some
1 type of plug:
cases, help you with the paperwork.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

21. Pets
Dogs or cats that are brought into the Sultanate of Oman need to be accompanied by certified
Ministry Health Certificates and an import license. Each animal imported must have a valid
vaccination certificate for rabies.
Further information in respect to bringing your pet into Oman can be found at the Al Qurum
Veterinary Clinic website: http://muscatvets.com/index.htm
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22. Media Newspapers and magazines
Due to the laws of supply and demand, the Oman Daily Observer
range of imported books and magazines http://omanobserver.com/
available in Muscat is relatively limited. To bring
a title into the country, it must first be checked Oman Tribune
for its content. Books that are deemed to be http://www.omantribune.com/
against the religious, cultural, political or moral
Times of Oman
sensitivities of the country will be banned.
http://www.timesofoman.com/
Foreign newspapers and magazines are flown
in regularly but are expensive. TheWeek
http://www.theweek.co.om/home.aspx
Al Shabiba
http://www.shabiba.com/
Al Watan
http://www.alwatan.com/
Oman Daily
http://www.omandaily.com/
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

23. Holidays
Muslim festivals are timed according to local
sightings of various phases of the moon and the
dates given are approximations.
2009
1 January Ras as-Sana (Islamic New Year)
9 March Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
20 July Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the
Prophet)
23 July Renaissance Day
21 September Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
18 November National Day and birthday of HM
Sultan Qaboos
28 November Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
18 December Islamic New Year
National Day holidays are sometimes given a
week later to make a long weekend and ensure
that as many people as possible are in the country
during the celebrations.
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24. Sports & Leisure
Wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains are areas which make Oman unique to its neighboring
GCC nations. Jebel Shams is Oman's tallest mountain and highest point, and is a popular
destination for camping. Other popular activities include sand skiing in the desert, mountain-climbing,
camel racing, and camping. The Muscat Festival is usually held at the beginning of every year.
During this event, traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks open, and concerts take place.
Another popular event is the Khareef Festival, which is similar to Muscat Festival; however it is held
in August in Salalah, Dhofar.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

25. Nizwa
Nizwa is the largest city in the Ad Dakhiliyah Region and is about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat.
The city is known for its handicrafts and agricultural products and has an expansive souq
showcasing an array of products. The main attractions in the city are the Nizwa Fort, the traditional
Souq and Falaj Daris. Nizwa fort was built in the 1650's and is Oman's most visited national
monument. A short drive from Nizwa centre is the old village of Tanuf, known for its seasonal
waterfalls. Waterfalls in Tanuf are unique to the area within the steep mountain sides and the water
reservoir. Tanuf with its dam, waterfalls, wadi and falaj is a very popular picnic destination during
rain time.
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26. Salalah
Salalah is the second largest town in
the Sultanate of Oman and despite
lying close to the Arabian desert,
enjoys a tropical climate through most
of the year. Salalah is known as the
perfume capital of Arabia and is a
popular destination due to the natural
attractions of the nearby mountains
and abundant stands of frankincense
trees lining mountain wadi courses.
Around the city and into the
mountains the countryside is lush and
green during the monsoon period.
The beaches and coastline are major
attractions for scuba diving and bird
watching. Salalah has an airport,
mainly catering to domestic flights
from Muscat and some regional cities
such as Kuwait, Dubai, and Doha.
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

27. Visas
A visa is required to enter Oman, whether
it is a visit visa, a work permit or a
residency visa. Visa requirements have
been greatly simplified as the country
welcomes increased tourism, however,
regulations should always be checked prior
to travel. A passport (valid for at least six
months and with enough blank pages) is
required for all visitors, except nationals of
Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United
Arab Emirates who hold national identity
cards; and holders of a Macau (SAR)
Travel Permit.
For further information you may like to refer
to this website:
www.rop.gov.om
Introducing The Sultanate of Oman

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