Moving to Oman - what's it like to live there?

[chewitt]

DH's job under threat. As main earner this is a serious concern. Job possibility in Oman, me not keen as am very settled in lovely job with friends and family nearby, DS 's happy in school etc... what's it like to live out there?

bump

I have 2 lots of friends who live in Muscat with young kids and it's a great lifestyle if you're happy with an expat existence. Went for an amazing holiday there before we/they had kids. Good healthcare, assuming you won't be paying for it all yourselves. Think it's the only place I'd consider going in the Middle East.

Have a look at these expat forums:
www.omanforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=55
www.alloexpat.com/oman_expat_forum/
There are more if you Google.

We lived there for three years (albeit 6 years ago). We loved it, the people are friendly and welcoming, the healthcare is fab (I had dd at the governement hospital) and the cost of living was OK. No taxes etc. The social life tends to be centred around hotels. Very easy country to live in although for some the 'human rights' of the asian workers take some getting used to.

Definitely one of the better places to live in the ME. I'm in Saudi, which is probably the worse
Two different friends of DH and mine who were out here in Saudi have moved to Oman over recent years and love it. It is so much more relaxed and 'normal' than Saudi.

Ref expat/compound life, you either love it or hate it. You need to be getting DH to ask lots of questions with regards to his package, accomodation (whether on a compound or living out in a private villa) - in my opinion, compound life much better, more freedom within the walls Also need to look into schools. Lots of British International Schools in the Middle East which are quite good but varies from country to country.

No compounds when we lived there. The most obvious ex-prat areas are around Qurum, MQ, and the bit down by the sea where Al Shatti hospital is. You can buy most things (including alcohol) easily and there's even a marks and spencer there. No more driving to Dubai for the glitter and shopping. I would consider going back like a shot.

I think the package in pretty comprehensive:includes education, healthcare, flights home and I think there is the option of living in a compound or elsewhere.

What is expat life like? It sounds very different from "normal"life. Does it get a bit insular?

Insular? It can be very insular. Particularly in such a small community. OTOH, it doesn't have to be. If you don't join a hotel to use the pool and facilities you won't meet as many people altough if you have children you will. Oman is a gorgeous unspoiled country with lovely generous people, it is small though with little do do. I should stress that we lived there 7 years ago and haven't been back.

Thanks everyone.

Hi.
We are moving to Oman in April. DH went ahead of us, arrived in Muscat yesterday...loving it so far!! We found the liveworkexplore.com/oman website really useful, also recommend the Residents Guide to Oman book if you do decide to take the plunge.
I had doubts at the beginning but must admit its been pretty hard finding anyone who has a bad thing to say about Muscat.

I had forgotten. Try to seek out the AWC, american womens club or group, can't remember. If you join you get a card that gives you discounts in a lot of shops and restaurants.

That sounds v positive. Will check out the website. Thank you.

Am so jealous! My parents lived there for 10 years, in MQ and loved it. Its a beautiful country. A lot of Arabic culture preserved whilst having some of the benefits of westernisation without it being too comercialised.

They really regret leaving now.

My little brother attended the British School in MQ and did well there. Its a lovely school.

Go. Its a wonderful opportunity.

My sister-in-law lives there, they went for 2 years and now 6 years later have no intention of coming back home. She loves it, has the most amazing house with maid etc. her kids go the The British School, Muscat. We went 2 years ago and returned again this Christmas. We had a lovely time, 30 degrees on Christmas day. We used the pool and facilities at PDO and went to the harbour and made sand men on Shatti beach christmas eve. She returns home every 6 weeks holiday because of the heat over there. The people are very friendly. My kids loved it.

Wow - no one has anything bad to say about the place. I'll have to wait and see what happens - I have now opened my mind to the idea but am not yet convinced I want to leave where I am!

hi, just had a bomb shell land on my lap, my ex partner has decided to move to oman with his new girl friend, i'm not worried about him, i'm happily married now and all that "stuff" is over, he wants to take my 12 year old son with him to live, i've discussed this with my husband, and daughter, and they agree to support me with my decision, as my ex and I have joint custody of our son, the final decision is really with me, I know I can say no to all of this and that's the end of it all, but I don't want to make a decision for my son, basically stopping him seeing his dad for 5 years or so, and loosing him a possible opportunity of a life time, my family have suggested that we allow my son to make the choice, but again, i'm 43 and at my age couldn't choose between my mum and dad, so I don't think that's fair on him, i'm already heart broken just by the possibility of all of this, I don't want to loose him, but I don't wish to deprive him of this based on what could be my own bias and selfish ideals

I would redirect this question to a different topic as the destination is sort of irrelevant and it will get little appropriate attention here.

But for what it's worth I don't see why it means he can't see his dad for five years? He can go out for Easter, half term, etc, and I imagine his father will come back to the UK for at least part of the summer?

On the other hand, we have friends who lived in Oman and they had a really great lifestyle there and it could be good for your son. He could come home to you at Christmas and for the whole of the summer holidays, surely? I think you should see how he feels about it, maybe let him try. He's still young enough that it won't be too disruptive educationally and he can always come back if it doesn't work out. IME many expat children come back at 16 anyway, for 6th form or college in the UK, so it's only 4 years.