Relocating to Oman

[squeaver]

Friend's dh has just been offered a (very, very good well-paid) job in Oman. They are considering it and will be flying out there to have a look in the next couple of weeks.

Can anyone suggest any good websites for them to have a look at? Or does anyone have any experience of living there? She has no experience of the Middle East at all (not even on holiday) so is feeling very nervous - they have 3 dcs - teenagers

TIA

bump for the evening crowd

Hi there,

I am a lurker on Mumsnet but every now and then a topic brings me out of hiding...

I am from the UK, currently living in oman! We came out here with my DH's job. We have been here for almost 3 and a half years and we love it (have 2 children aged 3 and 6). Your friend is incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to come here, it's fantastic. Like your friend I was incredibly nervous about moving out here but it's a fantastic country. So much to explore, the weather is lovely for 8 months of the year (June to September are very hot!!), the people are lovely etc. I could ramble on for ever but would happily answer any specific questions your friend might have and I would be happy to meet her when she comes out here.

That's so kind of you - thank you. I think she's mainly concerned about how "Western" it is - she's got Saudi-like images in her head! Also, schools? presumably all private but are they good? (I realise you may not know this if your dcs are still quite small). And is it easy to make friends in the ex-pat community etc.

Thanks again - and for your offer to meet her.

I can understand your friend's concerns about Saudi but it is very different. The Omanis nearly all wear traditional dress which for men is a white long cotton garment caleld a Dish dasha and the women wear a long black garment called an Abaya with headscarf. However as expats we are free to wear western clothes, the only stipulation is that we should keep our shoulders and knees covered when in public places. It's very safe to walk about, I have never felt intimidated. There are a number of expat schools which provide education up to 18, the main ones being: The British School, The American British Academy (ABA) and The American International School of Muscat (TAISM). They all have websites. We live on a camp where there is a school which my dcs go to but this only goes up to the age of 11. The schools are heavily subscribed so I would advise your friend to make it a priority to visit the schools when she is here as she may find there are long waiting lists. Becasue we live on a camp with lots of families it has been very easy to make friends. I am sure even without living in this kind of community your friend will find it very easy to meet and get to know people. We have a lot of Western shops including Next, Mothercare, Monsoon, Gap, Fat Face, Borders, BHS, Marks and Spencers and don't forget we have Dubai a 4 hour drive away which is great for shopping! Hope that helps, like I say I can ramble on for ever just keep the questions coming! And the offer to meet is still there.

hello everyone

recently took a trip to Oman, literally fell in love. i would like to relocate with my family and was wondering if anyone had advice at all on how to find a good job there?

would greatly appreciate any information

from canada
yf