Officially the Sultanate of Oman, Oman is a traditional Arab country, which lies on the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman is bordered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan.
Oman is a small country, located on the Arabian Peninsula of the Middle East. Despite its geographical size, the country is one of great wealth, thanks to the oil industry, and it attracts many expats from all over the world. Oman is regarded as a progressive, safe, and welcoming country.
Demography
Oman has a population of approximately 4.6 million, however, nearly 50% of the population are expats, which creates a country rich in diversity, and with a welcoming attitude towards newcomers. The oil industry is what brings most expats to the country, and the population generally has a high level of education. The country attracts expats from all over the world, but especially from India, Pakistan, the USA, the UAE, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, to name a few.
Language
Oman’s official language is Arabic. According to the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, there are more than eight languages spoken in different parts of Oman, namely Mehri, Hobyót, Jabbali, Swahili, Balushi, Lawati, Harsusi, Bathari and Kamzari. However, English is the language that bridges between all the different communities.
Currency
The official currency is the Omani rial (OR but widely abbreviated RO). One rial is divided into 1000 baisa.
Economy
Oman is a rural, agricultural country, and fishing and overseas trading are important to the coastal populations. Oil in commercial quantities was discovered in Oman in 1964 and was first exported in 1967. Subsequently the production and export of petroleum rapidly came to dominate the country’s economy. Oil revenues represent roughly two-fifths of gross domestic product (GDP) and about three-fourths of the government’s income.
Climate
Oman has a hot, dry climate, with low annual rainfall and temperatures in summer reaching 40 C and above. Spring and autumn are still warm also, around 25-35 C. Inland, away from the coast, temperatures can be more extreme. Dust storms can be common in the desert areas, and the only rainfall generally seen in Oman is in the winter months.
Expatriation
Expatriation requires appropriate reflection and planning, regardless of the destination. Culture shock is expected of any new destination, but with a positive and open mind, it can be very rewarding.
When moving to Oman, it is important to understand the country’s cultural and religious subtleties. If you manage to overcome this challenge, Oman can be an ideal and attractive destination for expatriation.
In spite of all paradoxes, Oman sails between old traditions and modernism. Millions of foreigners have decided to live and work within so as to benefit from its economic prosperity and various opportunities and benefits attached.
According to many expats their decision to settle in Oman has been motivated by the following:
- Tax-free salary
- Learning Arabic
- Low cost of living
- Positive work-life balance
- More free time (for recreational activities/ family time)
- Beautiful environment (landscapes, terrains, coasts)
- Experiencing a new and different culture and heritage
- Warm temperatures (despite extremes)
- Higher salaries & incentives
