Working In Oman

A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Oman

The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying or construction job based in Oman.

Currency

The currency in Oman is Omani Rial (OMR).
The lastest exchange rates and currency conversions can be obtained by clicking here

Political/ Religious Climate

Islam is the main religion and the Sultan is the Head of State, ruling as Prime Minister with the advice of a Cabinet of Ministers (which he appoints). Visitors are asked to respect local Muslim customs: for instance, modest dress is essential and taking photographs is also a sensitive area for which permission must be sought.

Culture and Leisure

There is a wide range of leisure time activities to keep you occupied in Oman with many sandy beaches offering good bathing, diving and sailing facilities. Many hotels have pools. There are also three private sports clubs with water-skiing and fishing facilities. The waters of the Gulf of Oman and the North Indian Ocean are populated by black marlin, swordfish, tuna and sailfish making them ideal for game fishing.

Caving is also popular in Oman . Majlis al-Jhinn is the world's second-largest cave; its long passages, crystal-clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend throughout its four million cubic metres expanse.

There are many sports clubs based in Muscat offering facilities for tennis, squash and karting . Hockey, football, volleyball and basketball are popular spectator sports and matches are staged at the Wattayah Stadium.

Shopping is also very good with a wide range of choice from new shopping malls to the old souks.

Muslim law forbids alcohol, but most hotel bars and restaurants serve alcohol. Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed hotels and restaurants. To buy alcohol for home consumption, Western nationals must obtain a licence from their embassy.

Thursday and Friday make up the Oman weekend. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is strictly adhered to throughout Oman. This means that eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is not permitted.

Weather/Climate

The best time of year in Oman is between the temperate months of mid-October to mid-March. Southern Oman has a monsoon season unlike other Gulf countries, and this lasts from June to September. October is a good time to visit Oman because in Dhofar everything is green and lush, and the rest of the country is pleasantly warm.

Accommodation/Transport/Education

Standards of accommodation are generally good in Oman, with some first-class properties available.

Local urban bus services are not recommended by some people for expatriates, but air conditioned coach services between major centres can be booked in advance. To drive a car, a local licence must be obtained from the police by presenting a national driving licence or International Driving Permit. Oman has no railways.

There is a selection of suitable fee-paying schools for expatriate children in Oman for children up to 18 years of age. Teaching is in English and they follow the British and American curriculum.

Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice.

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