Oman, widely considered the friendliest Gulf state to live and work in, has its ups and downs like any other country. To know about the Cost of living please visit this link Numbeo
Accommodation in Oman
Pro: Accommodation is arranged for you
If you are arriving in Oman on a full expat package, accommodation is usually included in your employment contract. Some companies provide a cash allowance to spend on rent, let you choose a property and even liaise directly with the landlord to make the payment on your behalf. Plus, Muscat is a relatively small city and you can drive from one side to the next in 40 minutes. This allows expats to seek cheaper accommodation beyond the city centre.
Con: Accommodation is limited
Although foreigners have recently been given the legal right to purchase property on certain developments in Oman, a lot of these developments are not near completion; renting is often still the only option for accommodation. Rent is paid annually and not monthly, which isn't good news for expat tenants as you have to come up with a sizable sum of money to cover the rent for a whole year. If the company provides you with an annual accommodation allowance they will usually cover the cost upfront.
Lifestyle in Oman
Oman has a noticeable expat population consisting of mainly Indian, British, American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African citizens. The type of lifestyle you can expect depends on where you live: Muscat, the capital, is the most developed with shopping malls, restaurants, bars, sports clubs and entertainment venues. Because of the large expat population and numerous expat social clubs, its easy to live a Western lifestyle. Smaller, more rural towns are not nearly as Westernised, but many still have large expat populations and social groups as well.
Pro: Large expat population
It’s easy to make friends in Muscat as there's a large expat population and a number of social clubs and organisations which one can join to meet people. Oman caters for many different tastes and styles. For the younger generation there are clubs, bars and malls to keep one entertained and for those who favour the outdoors there is plenty of opportunity for camping in the desert, swimming on the beautiful beaches, hiking in the mountains and swimming in the unspoilt wadis.
Con: It's hot, and can be hard to get around
The heat in Oman in the summer can be oppressive, particularly on the coast, where humidity reaches high levels. Muscat is not a particularly pedestrian-friendly city, and the only feasible way to travel is by car or public transport. Although rural towns have beautiful deserts and beaches on their doorstep, your nightlife and entertainment options are somewhat limited there.
Safety in Oman
Pro: Little crime
Oman is a very safe country with a low crime rate, so it's a particularly good environment to raise young children.
Con: Traffic accidents
Reckless driving is common in Oman and there is a high accident rate on the public roads.
Working and Doing Business in Oman
Pro: Networking is easy
Although 'Omanisation' has closed off certain industry sectors to expat job seekers, it's still relatively easy to find a job in sectors like oil, medicine and education. Because Muscat is a relatively small city, networking is easy and everyone seems to know everyone. Getting cosy with the corporate in-crowd will certainly have its benefits.
Con: Business culture and laws
In order to work in Oman expats have to be sponsored by an employer, which can leave people feeling tied to their employers. If you leave the company your work visa will be cancelled and you have to go through the hassle of getting a new residency permit for you and your family if they are under your sponsorship.
Culture shock in Oman
Although Oman has a large number of expats, it can still be quite a culture shock for first-time visitors to the Middle East, particularly if you're moving to a small, rural town. It can take some time to adjust to Omani culture and a bit of patience is required.
Pro: Lots of Western expats
It's quite easy to make friends with other expats in Oman, as there are many expat social clubs to join. Expats are in abundance even in the rural areas, and one can easily get involved in group trips or outdoor pursuits. Muscat is not far from some of the smaller towns and cities and you can find many Western shopping malls, bars and activities to engage in should you feel homesick.
Con: A conservative state
Although Oman is one of the more liberal countries in the Gulf, but you should respect and follow its customs and cultural practices. Displaying affection in public is not illegal, but it is frowned upon. Westerners should attempt to dress appropriately.
Cost of living in Oman
Pro: Driving is cheap
Compared to the West, fuel and cars are quite cheap in Oman. In the long run, purchasing your own vehicle can be much more economical than using public transportation. Because taxis and buses are the only feasible form of transportation, purchasing a car is a good idea if you want to visit rural areas or go camping.
Con: A Western lifestyle is expensive
The cost of living in Oman varies, depending on whether you are in the bigger cities or the smaller rural towns. As a rule, the cost of living is higher in Muscat than neighboring regions, but salaries are adjusted to account for this. Eating Asian and Omani food can be extremely cheap whereas eating Western food can often be extremely expensive, as is drinking alcohol. Western clothing brands, electronic goods and furniture can often be expensive as well.
Education and Schools
While Oman has a number of international schools catering for expat children, government schools are for Omani children only. This means that as an expat you will have to put your child in a private school. While expat parents hunt for a school with good facilities and extra-curricular activities, it's wise to look out for a curriculum that coincides with your future plans should you choose to relocate to another country.
Pro: Good international schools
The standard of education in Oman is generally quite high, and schools tend to have excellent facilities with many extra-curricular activities. International schools will often employ teachers trained in, and who have teaching experience from, the country relevant to the curriculum. If you have a child of nursery age there are a number of nursery schools to choose from. All schools vary widely in their facilities and fees, so it's easy enough to find something to suit your needs.
Con: Education is expensive
The fees at some of the private schools can be expensive. It's a good idea to check out a range of schools before making a decision about where to send your child.
Healthcare in Oman
Pro: Good private healthcare
The general standard of healthcare in Oman is high, both in the public and the private sectors. Like in most countries private healthcare is seen as preferable .This is good news for expats, who aren't allowed to use public healthcare facilities unless it's a genuine emergency.
Con: Unreliable ambulance response times
Private medical care is costly and expats are encouraged to take out medical insurance. The ambulance service in Oman is still relatively new, so the fleet of trained staff and vehicles is small. Response times are unpublished so it's difficult to say how reliable a service actually is. As a result, it's often wise to take the risk of transporting an injured person to the hospital yourself.
