Friday, August 17

Women expats in Oman

I've seen a lot of people wondering how is the life for a woman expat in Oman. Well, I've asked my wife to write a post on her resentment toward her situation here, here is the result :

"The good points that have surprised me compared with what I was expecting before leaving to Oman :

  • Women are pretty free in Oman : they can drive and work as a man would do.
  • There is no obligation to wear a veil for a non-muslim woman.
  • Other men look at you but rarely bore you.
The disadvantage for a woman expat in Oman are :
  • You have to be prepared to the fact that men (omani and especially some indian men) are looking at you most of the time, but not especially in a mean way. It becomes an habit and quickly you don't pay attention anymore. Also, when you're walking alone in the street (which is not often, because you are almost always using your car in Muscat) some cars honk at you (and I'm not speaking about the cabs)
  • clothes problem : basically you can wear whatever you want but it may be taken as a mark of disrespect by Omani people if you wear things too bare. You have to respect their beliefs and at least cover properly your breats and legs under the knees.
  • For some reason, it is difficult to go to a popular beach in swimsuit because women there, if they go for a swim, they will go with all their clothes on. But you can still go to more quiet places, like Qantab coves or beaches in front of the big hotels... But most of the time the western ladies register to the club of the intercontinental hotel and use its swimming pools"

If you want to share your experience as a expat woman in Oman, please leave a comment !

83 comments:

  1. Men looking at women, I guess this is normal, & its not about being foreigner or not.

    Myself, I wouldn't want to see some skin.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting post...

    some cars honk at you
    Even my wife has experienced this ‘torture’.

    if you wear things too bare..
    In City Centre, I have seen women with 'baring' outfits.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Nobody honks at me even though according to general opinion being white but dressing with colored Arabic items and scarf, am supposed to be Moroccan or Egyptian [easy women]
    Yes true many local guys lack sex so they stare to all women regardless of passport.
    Just they look at Omani women hoping for telephone number and maybe for "else" in a following period of time, while they look at expat woman giving for granted that they can have immediately the second phase.
    So it's a different look but it happens the contrary sometimes :P
    I made a scientific study on it : while they don't stare at me, I stare at them !!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like this blog but you should not allow offensive words
    Balqis is talking about Egyptian and Moroccan as "easy women" ! This is very offensive to 2 respectful countries ! Even if some people think so, don't participate in spreading the idea
    Balqis : Have you ever been in egypt or morocco ?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Maybe you didn't understand the sarcasm
    I said that according to some enlightened local brains, Maghreb and European women are "supposed" to be easy but is just a generalisation .
    Am European myself, go figure ...
    Unfortunately never been there
    Next time you talk to me, first be polite, second sign with your name or with a nick that makes you easily recognisable, my fav policy
    Ciaoooo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Exactly your "generalisation" is not very rescpectful because anyone -with no idea about those countries- that reads this thread will think that women from those countries are "supposed" to be "easy". I was talking about beeing respectful and i don't think i was impolite myself. Sorry if you think i was but my name is not as important as my idea

    ReplyDelete
  8. I will rephrase, my English is poor probably
    Am not saying I myself Balqis or Luisa [call me as you like] is thinking [and so generalising] that Maghreb women or Italians are easy, but is what I see some here [and maybe in other places ]think and make of it a generalisation .
    Am reporting what I see hoping that this method of judging will change .
    We are in a multicultural world : soon there will be more more Moroccans in Rome than in Rabat . People don't need to read my words to have an idea of the average Moroccan . Is under their eyes, up to them .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, would u like to be friend my email is marwan379@hotmail.com

      Delete
  9. BeRespectful : balqis made her point very clear... it is what people think ... u shouldn't get offended by that

    ReplyDelete
  10. Balqis is very clear. It's amazing how people are ready to get offended so easily...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Can anyone tell me what it would be like living and working in Oman if your a Malaysian lady married to an English man?

    ReplyDelete
  12. i think bilqis is a bit wrong in pointing out women from egyption and moroccon origin that are easy women i would ask why she commented like that what if i ask abt her feeling towards a good looking man, before pointing towards others she must have seen her inside or she might be of no response towards men

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am looking at taking a job offer. But am a bit worried as I am a single lady any comments would be helpfull

    ReplyDelete
  14. Where are you from, and what kind of job are you looking for ?

    The advices I could give can be very different depending on these facts

    ReplyDelete
  15. to Flotaz:
    Im european, will marry Omani men.Now working in financial, so which job u think i could get when i come over to Oman? I will have husband visa, I heard ti changes a lot for employers.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I heard it was not possible to work with a "husband visa", but i'm not sure.

    There are financial jobs in Oman, and women work in Oman without too much problems

    ReplyDelete
  17. to Flotaz:
    do u think i will need arabic language? i mean should i elarn it on very high level? or with my russian and english will be enough?
    where could i look work already now (any internet webpage)?
    Im working now with asset management company.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I guess you have to be fluent in english if you don't speak arabic.

    You should search for international companies installed in Oman, because local companies or public offices employ Omani or indian girls mostly. I don't have any good website job offer in oman sorry.

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  19. I have got a offer letter for 850 oman riyals (Inclusive of housing) + car + phone please advice whether this will enough to run a couple life in oman.how much i can save

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  20. to K: in which area is this job? i think quite good offer (ecpecially that housing and car is already paid and u have 850 remaining).

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have been working in oman for 3 years now and have never experienced any form of sarcasm or harassment. My secret wherever i go is to follow the golden rule " WHEN IN ROME DO AS THE ROMANS DO." Omanis are very peaceful and kind people. All you need to do is to respect their culture and wear clothes that will not embarass them moreover tempt them. If you want to be protected and respected as a woman do your share.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello I am new to Oman and to this site. I am a South African lady, my husband has a job here - 2 weeks in Nimr and a week at home in Muscat. I am getting very bored now that I have finished orgaqnising our home. Are there any groups that I can join please? I love it here

    Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, would u like to be friend my email is marwan379@hotmail.com

      Delete
    2. Hi elizabeth i want to be ur friend my email longcock6@hotmail.com
      Or call me 98258005

      Delete
  23. I'm a female expat in Oman. I've been here about 6 months. I love it here too. But I have to say, being a woman here isn't so bad once you get your confidence up. If you don't think you loook sluty, people will respect you...even the "leering" Indian men. After being in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Bahrain and now Oman, I've learned you just have to be respectful of the culture but don't let anyone imply you're something that you're not. Check out my Oman blog at www.snapshotmiddleeast.blogspot.com. I'd love some of you to comment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, would u like to be friend my email is marwan379@hotmail.com

      Delete
  24. just respect the culture!!
    ansd i have heard that omani's are good people...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Balqis is a doll


    I cant believe it, that people are actualy arguing with a barbie doll

    ReplyDelete
  26. hi...can anyone help me out here??? Am a Msian chinese female being offered a position in the F&B industry (hotel) in Muscat.

    Hv heard good and bad things from there. Could anyone be kind enuf to elaborate more? Package is pretty normal

    MYPanda

    ReplyDelete
  27. If you have kids Oman is a great place to live, people are at the most friendly and welcoming. There are some obvious social rules you should try and follow as not to offend anyone other than that i loved living there, its a beautfil place !

    ReplyDelete
  28. looking for an admin assitant who will assist the director of sales marketing in PR communication and marketing ecommerce activities please send you CV to ahmed.meligui@marriott.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. hi, m an engineer working in India. recently my company landed with a project in Oman. but i wasnt granted express visa of 21 days to work there. i am unmarried. can anybody pl suggest some way that i can get visa to work there for a few days?
    kindly mail me ur suggestions on minu.aiesec@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. nice write-up by all.
    Women are very safe in Oman-not to worry!
    Pritam-Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi, Thanks to everyone for giving some information on what it's like to be a woman in Oman.
    My situation is that my partner has been offered a job he really wants to take, but we're due to have a baby in march. I don't think we'l come over until the autumn, but i'm worried that i might be isolated with a small baby. We are british and will probably be living in Muscat. Are there many expats with kids and things like playgroups or people who meet up? Also i don't drive and it seems a car based culture. Any thoughts or info will be gratefully appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  32. If you don't drive it could be a problem ! How could you go see other women with kids in this case, or go shopping ? You can take the cab each time but it is complicated with a baby

    ReplyDelete
  33. Suaph, I lived in Oman for 5 years, and had my second baby there. Look up Muscat Mums for many activities for parents with young children. They are on Facebook, and have a website too, I think. Not having a car will definitely pose a problem. I was without a car for 2 months at the beginning - people will give you lifts for a while, but interest will wane pretty fast. You could hire a permanent driver, or find a regular taxi - seatbelts in the back for a child carseat might be a problem. I would definitely try to find a house in a complex that has a pool and enough people so you won't be lonely (try Muscat Oasis or Dolphin) or live in Madinat Qaboos (MQ) where there are many expats and some shops. Honestly though, I would prioritise getting a licence (but not in Oman - expat women find it very difficult to get a licence there).

    ReplyDelete
  34. hey....good going!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. My Partner is going to take a position in Muscat in the next month and I will visit him with a view to moving over there until his contract has finished. Could you please let me know where is the best place to live where my social life could begin amongst British expats? any British Wifes Groups around there? Would it be a problem finding a Job as I only speak English? I am adapatable so could do Administration,P.A, Sales Marketing as these have been past professions, I currently have a Clothes Boutique shop but I will find someone to run it whilst I am over there for 18 months to 2 years, any thoughts!!!!! - Thank you in advance. Will I be able to work on my Partners visa?

    ReplyDelete
  36. There are some obvious social rules you should try and follow as not to offend anyone other than that i loved living there, its a beautfil place !

    ReplyDelete
  37. Assalam alaikm, Iam a house wife and Iwant to do some job but I dont want to go out,and do some thing in home I can run computer, and I am jst matric passed.

    ReplyDelete
  38. After moved from Saudi to Oman.....it's really fantastic....I love Oman....past 5 years am here, Now I brought my wife and daughter (3years).... very nice to live here, am feeling more secure than India (am an Indian.

    Now, I want to see Oman, I am having a vehicle with GPS... We can use GPS more effectively than UAE, coz street name, house names... superb, thnx to Oman Govt.

    Please help me to find the route map for seeing Oman.

    BB.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi there,

    I work on a television show called 'House Hunters International' about people who relocate to foreign countries and we are very keen to do a show about someone who has bought a house in Oman within the last couple of years. Having just read your blog (which i very much enjoyed), I would be thrilled if you would contact me as I would love to know if you or someone you know might be interested in getting involved.

    Best wishes,

    Michelle


    Michelle James
    Associate Producer
    LEOPARD FILMS USA
    127 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10010.
    +1 212 843 2821
    michelle.james@leopardfilms.com
    www.leopardfilms.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Can anybody tell me how visa rules work for women? if it is possible for a woman working in Oman to sponsor her husband, her children and domestic help?
    Thx

    ReplyDelete
  41. I hear that it is pretty difficult for a single woman to get a tourist visa to Oman. Can anyone tell me if this is true?

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello everybody!!!

    I have master Degree in TESL from Indian University. I am from fromer USSR country. My problem is that I would like to find a job in Oman. I had some classmates from Oman in India and they were very nice people. I like Omani people and wish insha Allah I will find teaching jobs there.
    Would anybody advise me the starting way??
    Thank you very much in advance !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have a degree in TESL! Did you ever get to learn and spell correct English?
      I suggest you either learn fluent Arabic or vastly improve your language skills.

      Delete
  43. Hey Guys, hi to all of you i read all of your comments, and like the way you all are expressing your thoughts and feelings.....!!
    Guys i am going to be in Muscat-Oman in very near future, i would like to make good friends over there b4 i arrive at Muscat, im going to be all alone there as i dont have any of my reletive or friends there, so pls do let me know if any one wanna have friendship with me, hmm?
    My name is Rizwan, 30 yrs old male,from Pakistan, lived abroad for quite a while like in Kuwait, Uk, And UAE as well.
    Pls drop an email on my address, only seriouse personals pls....
    m.rizwanasghar@yahoo.com

    looking forward to be in a good friendship soon.
    take care u all,

    regards

    Riz

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi guys,

    I am going to be in Muscat on 16th Feb, 2011, so i m looking for a sharing accomodation in a two bedroom flat with some decent indian/pakistani family, where i can share a saperate room with them on monthly basis....!

    if anyone knows or interested in giveing me info pls do let me know via email, i am traveling on 16th feb, from pakistan.

    here is my email id:-
    m.rizwanasghar@yahoo.com

    will be waiting for your feed back, and also pls if you can give me an idea about in which area of Muscat more expatriates are living like indian/pakistanies.

    thank you so much for your time to read my post, and hope to recieve some positive replies from u guys.

    take care u all.

    regards

    Riz

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi,

    I am a British Muslim near Muscat, and was wondering if there are any other female British Muslims just like me. When I lived in England, I was always very social, but since I've been here,it's been the total opposite.
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sorry to hear that! Are you on your own over there? I am a soon to be British expat female

    ReplyDelete
  47. this is really interesting nice to read other peoples views ... Im also a british muslim (female) from U.K... its hard at first to adjust here ... either im getting used to life here or going crazy! Kiki

    ReplyDelete
  48. I find that expats from U.K are normally in their late 30's to 50's ... so its quite hard to find people of similar views and interests. PLEASE DONT BE OFFENDED!! Kiki

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi,
    I am a single woman from South American and I was offer a job position in Oman and I have wondered how would be to live in Muscat. My main concerns are: What kind of clothes I should avoid? Can I go to the gym? What kind of clothes should I wear there? Can I go out with friends? Can I go tho the cinema by myself? Before accepting this offer I just would like to be sure what kind of prejudice I might face in Omã. Thanks for your help! :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi i want to be ur friend my email longcock6@hotmail.com
      Or call me 98258005

      Delete
  50. HI, I M AN INDIAN soon to be shifting to oman is it safe to bring my family here. What are job prospects for my wife. Is the place safe for women.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Is there anyone out there who has taken a job as a primary school teacher in Mascat?

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi!

    How much does a transient aircraft specialist make for dyncorp anyone know? Just got out of the Army and was offered this job. Thanks in advance.

    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  53. Im on a teaching job in a college.My work timings vary on every day ,7 hours between 8 am and 8 pm.
    I came here from India to be with my husband 20 days back.I was not told about this earlier.I am totally dependent on taxis to reach home.This means I have to wait for a cab everyday for at least an hour on dark deserted street.will my employer accept my request for fixed timing from 8 am?Please advice about the rights of women in Oman.Urgent U

    ReplyDelete
  54. Well,I never faced such a problem-Ladies nowadays walk SEMI-covered and then Blame people to look at them-
    ABSOLUTELY THEIR FAULT AND THEY DESERVE IT-IF U WISH NOT TO BE STARED..THEN START COVERING..THAT'S ONLY,IF THERE IS SOME AMOUNT OF MODESTY INSIDE.I RESPECT THE IDEA OF MUSLIMS WAY OF DRESSING.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi friends,
    I came newly to Oman( Indian Male ). Here many things are different. There are all types of people here. And we can get good jobs here. Climatic conditions are really worst. We need to use AC Where ever we go.
    Ofcourse little bit boring country, because very less entertainment places in the city.
    Girls will get really bore in the houses . Because, very less communication will be there between the people here. And no relatives or friends will be there. And all are new people.
    But, other than this every thing will be fine. Peaceful country, good culture and all.
    And any expatriates like to friendship with me mail me at boyinoman@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. عمان بلد جميل وانا اتوق للتواصل مع انثى اجنبية oman is good place to set I am lookiing about european or american girl friend and this is my email: cleverrr@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. To Balqis,I am sure that you're racist,and disrespectful to women of other nationalities,by pointing out that they are (easy women).May be your country has easy women, and you hate other nationalities for not being like you.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Does anyone have any knowledge of how easy it is to get prescription birth control in Oman? My husband is considering jobs in Oman. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  59. hey there,
    i'll be so glad to help u guys and give any info u need about Oman.

    this my Email for contact: R56ys@hotmail.com

    All the best,

    Mr. Lonely :P

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi,

    Im moving to Muscat in August with my husband. We are working at the same school. He drives but I don't, will this be a huge problem? I was hoping that we would go to most places together and that I could get taxis if really needed. I could learn before i get there but that would use up most of the 'just in case' money that I wanted to arrive with.

    Any thoughts appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your husband has a middle east driving license ? Getting one is difficult, both of you can join a driving school together (sometimes, those who have no previous driving experience pass the test fast)

      Delete
  61. It's ok ...normaly its not tough if your husband is supportive...taxis are available..but in the muscat region..else will be difficult..yes driving school teachers are available too all based on the location...

    Hope you are clarified... if need more info mail to mgmt.prof2011@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. HERE-THE-HERO-COMES ;).
    Who is interested in outdoors fire camping?, hum, maybe experience the pure omani desert life st or what ever outing :), I love privacy :D.
    --> mr.keenrider@gmail.com <--

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hi all,

    I'm Dutch and searching for an internship in Oman for 5 months (from september to february) .. I'm studying International Business and Management, by then I'll be a third-year student.. does anyone has an advice where to start applying? do I need to keep some certain customary in mind?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i forgot to put my emailaddress there: lisette.opreis@gmail.com

      Delete
  64. HELLO EVERYONE,
    I am an indian woman and my husband works in salalah. I would like to know whether i can work on family joining visa. I am an engineering graduate with 3 years of teaching experience and TEFL certification.I somwhow dont want to sit simply at home so plz plz plz if anyone has any idea about it do comment back with ways to get jobs there.. thank u

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Officially, you are not allowed to work while on family visa (some ladies do give tutions from home, which probably is not a problem)
      Your (new)employer can sponsor you and give a visa (normally, transfer of visa is easy)

      Delete
  65. I AM ASGHAR I AM COMING SOON MUSCAT OMAN I WANT TO SHARING ROOM LOW RENT PLEASE MAIL ME AND GIVE ME YOUR CEEL NO THANKS asghar239@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I find it quite amusing that you find "Indian" men to be leering. Nevermind the fact that they may be Pakistani or Bangladeshi as well.

    I am of Indian origin and have lived all over the world - Oman is one of the safest places in the world.

    Respect the local culture and you will be respected in turn.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi,
    My husband has recently shifted for a new job to Oman and i m also looking for an opening also in oman,
    I am a telecom engineer with 4 years experience.
    Please reply if anyone can help me find a job.

    India- 25 July

    ReplyDelete
  68. i got a job offer in oman, and i have romanian girl friend can we marrie in oman if she come there and how about the chances of getting job for her...? plz reply

    ReplyDelete
  69. is there restriction in oman? like parties or beer? and what about if your with a woman under the same roof, like a friendly visit? is that ok?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi i am a doctor planning to write moh exam as physician can anyonehelp about the exam. ?

    ReplyDelete

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