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. The lifestyle in Oman is laid-back and relaxed, with a large expat community welcomed and friendly locals to boot. Despite strict regulations, many foreigners fully enjoy their lives in Oman.

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 to the many social clubs and organisations.

Expats looking for luxury shopping experiences are well catered for in Oman thanks to the presence of malls such as Muscat City Centre, Palm Mall and Mall of Oman. For those who are looking for both entertainment and shopping, Al Araimi Boulevard is home to a 4D cinema as well as 200 retail shops, while Grand Mall Oman offers an arcade and exciting culinary experiences. 

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.

Nightlife in Oman

Despite Oman's reputation for strict alcohol regulations and a conservative society, the Pearl of Arabia offers many exciting nightlife options. Some of the most popular dance and nightclubs in Oman include Whisper Bar in Muscat, Compass Bar in Al-Musannah and Al Khareef Pub in Salalah.

That said, 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.

Eating out 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.

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.

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.