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Oman is often praised for its high quality of life and strong work-life balance. Picking the proper city can make a big difference: some expats thrive in Muscat’s beaches and city life, while others prefer Salalah’s serene coast and green hills.
The top picks are Muscat and Salalah. Muscat expat life is in the bustling capital with modern amenities and seaside access, while Salalah offers a laid-back tropical feel with lush green scenery in summer.
When living and working in Oman, a new country, it’s essential to maintain physical and mental well-being. This balance feels more attainable for many expats. Here, the pace of life is more relaxed than in many other Gulf countries.
Expats report a notably good balance between work and personal time. Having evenings and weekends free to explore a souq, relax with family, or hit the beach is a huge stress reliever. After a busy week, this downtime helps avoid burnout and energizes you.
For example, expats working in Muscat often enjoy a blend of modern living.
Omani culture is family-oriented and very hospitable. You may often be invited to local dinners or festivals. The workweek is Sunday-Thursday with Friday-Saturday off, plus about ten public holidays each year.
Learning a few Arabic greetings and dressing modestly will help you fit in quickly. The country offers something for every mood one weekend, you might shop in a modern mall or café, and the next, you’re hiking mountains or relaxing on a beach.
The best cities in Oman for foreigners largely depend on individual priorities. Muscat is the clear leader for career growth and networking. Salalah ranks high for relaxation and nature. Nizwa and Sohar are smaller but can appeal to those working in education or industry. Omani society is historically welcoming, and outsiders who follow local norms are frequently welcomed.
Muscat blends city conveniences with seaside and mountain views. You could work in the morning and visit the Grand Mosque or a museum in the afternoon, then hit Qurum Beach at sunset or explore Mutrah Souq on the weekend. The city is relatively compact, taking about 40 minutes to drive across, so commutes are short.
Expats often live in areas like Qurum or Shatti Al Qurum near the corniche, where shops and restaurants are nearby. Networking is easy here – Muscat is small enough that “everyone seems to know everyone.”
Salalah expat jobs attract those seeking a slower pace and a closer connection to nature. The city is famous for its vibrant green “Khareef” rainy season (June–September). It’s smaller and quieter than Muscat, with a genuine small-town feel. Nature is at the doorstep : pristine beaches like Mughsail, freshwater wadis, and nearby wildlife reserves. After work, you might enjoy a palm-shaded café or stroll along the Al Haffa corniche.
Finding a balance between work and pleasure in a new country requires forethought. It's excellent that Oman provides a welcoming atmosphere for expats to flourish.
Choose the right city based on lifestyle preferences. Muscat suits those who want career growth and urban living; Salalah is better for peace and nature.
Plan your work schedule to ensure time for leisure. Use your weekends (Friday–Saturday) for outdoor activities, travel, or rest.
Engage with local expat communities for social support. Join clubs or hobby groups to stay connected and reduce stress.
Respect local customs and rhythms. Understanding local holidays, prayer times and work expectations can help you avoid friction and feel more at home.
Use your paid leave and public holidays. Oman offers generous vacation policies and many official holidays - take advantage of them for travel or rest.
Achieving balance means planning and setting boundaries. Use Oman’s weekends and public holidays fully. Schedule personal time like any vital appointment and be strict about work boundaries (for example, no emails after hours). Immerse yourself in local culture (try a few Arabic phrases or explore a market), making life richer. Building friendships with both expats and Omanis provides a helpful support network.
Oman expat opportunities extend well beyond the workplace, offering a vibrant lifestyle filled with adventure and culture.
Explore the outdoors. Oman is made for adventure. Hike Jebel Shams, kayak in sea caves near Muscat, or dune-bashing in the desert. The scenery is a great break from office views.
Beach days. Relax at Qurum Beach (Muscat) or Salalah’s white-sand shores. Watching a sunset over the water is a favorite pastime.
Cultural outings. Wander forts or a local souq (market). A stroll along Mutrah Corniche or visiting the Frankincense market in Salalah is perfect for experiencing Omani heritage.
Dine Omani-style. Share a meal of shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) or majboos (spiced rice) with friends.
Cafés and social life. Omanis enjoy evening gatherings over coffee or tea. They can join friends at a park or café - relaxing and a great way to build connections.
From weekend adventures to casual social evenings, these experiences add richness to expat life in Oman and support a healthier work-life balance.
Before going to Oman, you should understand how your daily routine and finances will be affected. From rent pricing to national holidays, these things might influence your whole experience.
Oman is often cheaper than many Western nations. Groceries, petrol, and utilities are inexpensive, and no income tax exists. Rent might be exorbitant in Muscat; however, living outside the city or in Salalah is significantly less expensive.
Expat life in Oman comes with a structured work routine. The typical workweek is Sunday through Thursday (Friday–Saturday off). Standard hours are about 8 per day. Oman observes roughly ten public holidays a year. Key holidays include the two-day Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, the Prophet’s Birthday, Sultan’s Accession Day (Jan 11), and National Day (Nov 18–19). In Ramadan, work hours are usually shortened. Employees also receive paid annual leave under Oman’s labor law.
Still looking for your opportunity in Oman? Check current job offers here.
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