I Wish I Knew This Before Moving To Oman

Here are 5 cons I have faced by living in Oman for the past year.

They can be a game changer to some, and not a big deal for others.

This is just my personal perspective and some things expats should consider before making the move.

📸 Instagram : Mustafa_Hijrah

[basilfoster]

السلام عليكم

You are fortunate by the grace of Allah to be living amongst Muslims. Imagine how it was for our brothers and sisters sixty years ago, living without modern conveniences like air conditioning.

I spend a lot of time in Morocco, but when I am back in the United States I really miss the Athan of fajr and walking to the masjid.

I also miss the peace of mind of feeling safe and everyone greeting me with salaam.(Priceless)

[Alexxf]

Great video.

I am an American expat living in Salalah doing engineering work. Definitely have to take the good w/ the bad, but all in all I find Oman to be a very welcoming, peaceful place.

[romailkhan]

Brother Mustafa you migrated to OMAN 🇴🇲 for your kids future inshallah ALLAH will reward you for your struggle ❤❤❤ OMAN 🇴🇲 BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY ❤❤❤

[zenaz]

I am Omani and I can definitely say you're absolutely right on all the points you have mentioned... If you're upto socializing and adventures, there are some groups of hiking in Muscat and absolutely free, which you can enjoy and get to know more about Muscat and Oman in general...

[sohrabtajadin]

I lived in Oman for 8 years. It's a very peaceful, convenient, super clean with very hospitable and courteous people.

[hoppenbrauer]

Hello Mustafa. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly about your experience in Oman. I have been living in Oman for nearly 4 years now. Yes, it takes a while to adapt to the heat. Life is basically divided in two very different seasons and lifestyles: the winter months during which you can go out, and the rest of the year during which you live indoors (in often freezing cold buildings due to the AC!). In terms of checking out changes in laws etc, I think it might be a good idea for you to go to a Sanat office. There are many in most towns. If they don't speak English, they should be able to put you in contact with a lawyer who can. It's free and reliable. I hope this helps!

[Abdullah-bfrc]

Thanks for keeping it real.

As a local I completely agree with all your points 👍🏼

[DIO_SCENTI]

Bro about to get dropped by Oman after the gov’t sees this 😂😂 all jokes aside thanks for sharing these experiences, it’s always a learning experience moving to a new country in a new region of the world, InshaAllah

[GB-lerv]

salam alaikum Mustafa, I'm a european muslima expat living in Oman since 20 years. It's true what you're saying but there are some options to deal better with the heat depending on the place you live.. for example in Qurum near the ocean you have this crazy humidity while behind the mountain in Al Amerat, (for example Jufaina or near the road to the beautiful mahmiya) it's completely DRY, no humidity at all.. During summer heat good places to go to escape the heat are Al Ashkhara, white sand dunes of Khaluf, Duqm and of course Salalah which has temperatures around 20/25°C during summer because of the Khareef it'll become green like Switzerland with many waterfalls

[lovepeace]

The main thing is people have respect and you feel safe from crime. That’s more than enough for me brother. The UK has become a place where not to live.

[mahir]

Hi Mustafa, your video made me chuckle 😅 all fair observations although I’m surprised you didn’t know about the heat! I’m Omani but was born in London and spent many years living in the west so I’ve had my feet in both sides of the world. Getting things done is frustrating and living in this part of the world does teach you patience but I genuinely believe that ultimately the good far outweighs the bad. The poor official communication frustrates us all although being local does help you navigate officialdom easier as you would tend to know someone who can help or get things done. Someone mentioned the Sanad offices, they help in dealing with government or even better, you could employ the services of a P.R.O which stands for public relations officer which in the Omani context is someone who handles your official business with government for a fee. They do this for a living and are the quickest way to get things done but ultimately the pace of life is slower than you’re used so they help but they can’t change the culture. Just bear in mind that things are way better than they were in years gone by. Wishing you all the best in your new life in Oman.

[kakofiddu]

الصبر والشكر والصلاة بوقتها ..هل نحتاج شيء بعد العافية؟ الله يسر امورك اخي

[mounfly]

Brother you’re sounding more local by the day. If you’ve started complaining about the small stuff, that means you’re now part of the community. We love to moan about the issues that irk us while we ‘chill’ with friends and family. Good thing is that it leaves room for improvement in an otherwise beautiful life. Welcome to Oman 🇴🇲

[cellayth]

Im an expat from Europe and the workethic is not the same as back in Europe. In the hospitality industry or service they are extremely slow, not bothered, or on their phone. It’s actually crazy and very frustrating. Like they are all on sleeping pills 💊. Yes I agree the weather in the summer is terrible. That’s why I always plan to get away for 1-2 months. It is a very slow country but nice for families. But I would never live here as a single person. Too slow, boring and not exciting for a single person

[zacky.alhashmi]

As an Omani myself, I totally understand ur frustration and I can confirm it's 100% real! Especially the thing regarding home addresses

[mahaalbalushi]

August has been great, and as an Omani who grew up in London Omani summer over Uk winter which is almost all year round 😅. In Oman we swim in the ocean, or head to the mountains and some to Salalah monsoon season

[mosaid]

I am Omani and I you have got this spot on

[MrAltitude]

These problems are common throughout the Middle East… Bahrain is probably the exception and probably my favourite place in the region

[am]

Salamz bro, I was raised in Oman and now living in the UK since i was a teenager. I absolutely love Oman as i call my home country even though it’s not my birth country. I can help you fix all those issue what you mentioned. They ain’t that big as compare to the FITNA west has for our kids and family. I would like to assist you my brother let me know in anyway and anytime. But in middle east Oman is still one of the best if not the best counties to live by far.

[mahaalbalushi]

Muscat is more like a big town hence why your able to breath and see sunsets because they are not covered with sky scrapers. Oman is not for everyone if your a city person who likes to shop or wants Amazon convenience than your better off in a place such as Dubai. Additionally we’re a small population we are very laid back and like our slow living lifestyle. Everything takes time here and we’re in no rush anyways.