Lifestyle in Oman

Situated in the southeastern quarter of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is widely considered to be the friendliest Gulf state to live and work in. There is a large expat community welcomed by the local Omanis. Many foreign residents report that, despite strict regulations, the Omani lifestyle is laid-back and relaxed.

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Work-life balance in Oman

Working life in the Gulf is known for a peculiar phenomenon known as the split shift. Many businesses in Oman prefer to start work early, break for a long, three-hour lunch, and then return to work for a late afternoon session. Split shift timings are usually 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. Not all organisations follow this system though. Government institutions will usually work from 7am to 2pm, and private companies with a Western ethos will usually work a full shift from 7am till 4pm.

The official weekend in Oman is Friday and Saturday. Public holidays are determined by the government and most are religious holidays, which follow the Hijri calendar and the moon. The holidays can’t be officially declared until the new moon has been spotted by the Moon Sighting Committee.

During Ramadan, all Muslims and people working in government organisations have reduced working hours – six hours instead of eight – following Oman's labour law. Some private-sector companies also reduce working hours during Ramadan for both Muslims and expats.

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Shopping and entertainment in Oman

Muscat is the most developed and Westernised city in Oman with lots of shopping malls, restaurants, bars, sports clubs and entertainment venues. It’s not difficult to meet and make friends, due the many social clubs and organisations.

Towns in the rural areas are less cosmopolitan, and shopping, cuisine and entertainment experiences are likely to be less Westernised – still, even small towns often have large expat groups and social events.

Women moving to Oman who are concerned about the culture can connect with groups such as the American Women’s Group Oman, Women’s Guild in Oman and many other Facebook groups. Making connections and joining social events for entertainment can ease the culture shock.

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Nightlife in Oman

Muscat offers the best opportunities for nightlife in Oman, but expats may find their choices to be somewhat limited. For one thing, this means the few places one can go to are invariably quite busy, even on weekdays. Many nightclubs are linked to hotels and cater to a range of eclectic musical and cultural tastes.

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Restaurants in Oman

Smaller towns in Oman are usually limited when it comes to the choice of restaurants on offer; expats will probably have a choice of Asian or Turkish cuisine. But for those who enjoy a diverse range of dining options, one can get just about any cultural food experience in Muscat.

Expats craving something familiar will find an array of global franchises, particularly in the capital city, but also increasingly in smaller towns.

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Sports and outdoor activities in Oman

Outside the main towns and cities, Oman's diverse range of geographical features, including rugged mountain ranges, unspoilt wadis and desert sands, provide expats with a range of activities to enjoy,  such as camping, swimming and sand boarding. 

Outdoor activities are difficult and unpleasant in the heat of summer and the Sultanate is known for its expansive desert. That said, cooler seasons make for the perfect time to explore the country's lush, green environments and enjoy the stunning waterfalls in Salalah or a piece of the gorgeous coastline.

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Arts and culture in Oman

Oman is hardly just a barren, arid landscape. Arabic history and religion can be seen, heard and felt throughout the Sultanate. Centuries-old forts and castles can be explored, as well as the many mosques with their unique architecture. A trip to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must. There are also a range of museums in Oman that are perfect for those looking for some cultural enlightenment. We also recommend a visit to the opulent Royal Opera House in Muscat.

There is much to see and do in Oman, and the more expats explore and get to know the local culture, the better they’ll settle in.