The Land of The Nizwa Fort, The Albuquerque Castle

& The Riyam Park

Information on Relocating to Oman

·        The capital city of Oman is Muscat with about 632 thousand people. The political centre is also in Muscat. Oman is a Monarchy.

·        Languages: The languages spoken are Arabic (official). English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by the population from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff. The TV programs are in their original language. Satellite TV is available.

·        Population: The population is about 3.2 million people - Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African.

·        Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Muscat.

·        Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in the popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

·        Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 1500 to US$ 2500 for an apartment and US$ 3000 to US$ 4000 and higher for a house. Expatriates can only buy properties Oman if the property is a free holding property authorized by the Ministry of Tourism. The local currency is Omani Rial (OR).

·        Schools: We have the American, the British, the International and the French school all available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

·        Transportation: Bus: The state-owned Oman National Transport Company has been developing a network of services in Muscat and north Oman using modern vehicles. There is competition from taxis and pick-up trucks converted for passenger service. Taxi: Prices are high and fares should be agreed in advance. Shared taxis are also available.

·        Bank: The banks are open Saturday-Wednesday 8.00 am - 12.00 noon. Thursday 8.00 am - 11.30 am.

·        Shopping: Saturday-Thursday 8.00 am - 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm. Souks (markets) open 8.00 am - 11.00 am and 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm. Many shops close on Friday (not the shopping malls). Opening hours are one hour later during Ramadan.

·        Climate: The months between May and August are particularly hot. The climate is best from September through to April. Rainfall varies according to the region. During the period June to September there is a light monsoon rain in Salalah.

·        Culture: There are a few nightclubs and bars in Muscat, mostly in the hotels. There are three air conditioned cinemas in Ruwi and an open-air cinema at the al-Falaj Hotel showing Arab, Indian and English films. Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography' signs exist in certain places and must be observed.

·        Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; January (date varies)-Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice); January/February (date varies)-Muharram (Islamic New Year); April (date varies)-Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet; October/November (dates vary)-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan); November 18th-National Day; November 19th-Birthday of HM Sultan Qaboos.