Working in Oman offers great benefits and opportunities, especially for workers who intend to build their career because of the Sultanate’s relatively small size, meaning, there is plenty of work to go around for people who can build a decent work history within their respective fields.
However, as the Sultanate currently limits its acquisition of foreign talents in favour of nationals through its Omanization programme, it pays to note some of the requirements which expats should undergo or take advantage of to remain working in the country despite the restrictions set in place.
[Guide] Getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Oman
In line with this, foreign nationals should be aware of the no-objection (NOC) certificate, which they will need in order to be allowed to continue working in the Sultanate.
An NOC is a document issued by the current employer to their employees in order to allow them to switch to another employer, and therefore continue their work in the country. However, the NOC lets the companies have strong power over their employees.
Since the law has been passed in 2014, it has immediately had an acute effect on the expats already working in the Sultanate of Oman.
For one, the system sets up a power imbalance between the employer and the foreign employee. Many argue that the NOC may not even apply to blue-collared workers, who cannot approach the company’s management regarding the NOC, which is a common set-up in Omani companies.
However, as the law has already been set, please be guided by these steps to get an NOC from your employer:
First and foremost, make sure that your two-year contract has been completed. Otherwise, the company may refuse to give an NOC in Oman ( e.g. in the middle of the contract, getting an NOC is based on the company’s discretion).
Approach the Public Relationship Officer or Human Resource Officer of your company to resign from your post. Follow the procedures stated.
Serve your notice period.
Comply with the requirements needed of you prior to your release from the company.
Once you have settled all the requirements, collect the NOC from the company.
In the event that you are not issued an NOC, you can either return to your own country or continue working for the same company. Do note that the issuance of an NOC is at the discretion of the company, and this decision cannot be influenced or affected by any person/entity outside of the company.
Also, it’s important to understand that you will not be allowed to extend your visa after leaving the country without an NOC. This means that you will be banned to return to Oman for work for two years.
The purpose of the NOC in Oman is to ensure that foreign workers establish a long-time relationship with their employers, as the economy of Oman is affected by the short stay of workers.
Since NOCs can be denied by a company if you are making a loss to the company, you need to become competent in the position you are given, as opportunities for work among expats are being restricted to benefit nationals. And to avoid the ban on your visa, your performance and contributions should be enough to convince the company to give you an NOC.
Thinking of living and building your career in the UAE? You have to understand that labour laws in your country may not necessarily be the same when you move in other places such as the UAE.
It is for this reason that we need to have a basic understanding of some of the laws concerning work in the UAE, such as those that deal with working hours, official heaves, and vacations, to name a few.
[Guide] Things to Know About Working Hours, Official Leaves, and Vacations in the UAE
In this post, we will share some of the basic and useful guidelines as outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), formerly known as the Ministry of Labour.
Any type of job or legal work involves regular working hours, official leaves, and vacations. In the private sector, here is what the UAE Labour Law provides concerning these matters:
Working Hours
Regular work hours for employees is 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week (Article 65).
The work hours may be increased to 9 hours per day for businesses, cafés, and hotels – but this will require the approval from the MoHRE.
Working for more than 7 hours in a day is not allowed among jobs that require “heavy physical labour.”
Any job that demands working beyond prescribed working hours may be subject to overtime pay, itemized as follows:
Overtime pay should be equal to the rate for regular working hours, and an additional 25% of that amount. This may be increased up to 50% if overtime work was done between 9 pm and 4 am.
Regular work hours are reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan.
Official Leaves and Vacations
In the UAE, Friday is the official weekend for employees, except for daily wage earners.
In the instance where a job requires overtime work on a Friday, the pay must be equal to the rate for regular working hours, and an additional increase of not less than 50% of that amount.
Public Holidays and Paid Leaves
Employees are entitled to paid leaves on public holidays listed below:
Hijri New Year (1 day)
Gregorian New Year (1 day)
Eid Al Fitr (2 days)
Waqfa Day and Eid Al Adha (3 days)
The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (1 day)
Ascension Day (1 day)
Martyr’s Day (1 day)
National Day (1 day)
Note: Other holidays not included in the above list would depend on official announcements released by concerned authorities. To get updates on upcoming public holiday announcements, be sure to check with official news sources to get alerts regarding this matter.
Annual Leaves, Sick Leaves, and Special Leaves
Outside public holidays, employees are entitled to annual paid leaves, sick leaves, and special leaves. Based on the UAE Labour Law, the provisions for these leaves are as follows:
Employees are granted two paid leaves for each month, provided that they have rendered a minimum service period of six (6) months and a maximum of one (1) year.
Annual leave of 30 days; provided that the employee has completed one (1) year of service.
Sick leave of not more than 90 days (3 months) per year, subject to the provisions specified in the law:
First 15 days – full payment
Succeeding 30 days – half pay
Remaining 45 days – no pay
Special leave of not more than 30 days, specifically for the performance of Hajj. Special leave is without pay, and is only granted once throughout the worker’s years of service.
Understanding these things will better equip for your journey in your career in the UAE. Remember though that updates may be released every now and then so be sure to check with the official authority in the UAE, the MoHRE, for concerns or questions that you may have regarding these matters.
Working in a foreign country may cause one to think of getting naturalised in order to maintain their way of living, which they’ve built in their host country. Working in a country such as Oman has plenty of benefits not only for citizens, but also for foreign nationals. However, with the recent changes in the region’s economic performance, foreign employment is being reduced in favour of nationals, who are also seeking to join the workforce.
Of course, the process varies from one country to another – and unfortunately, certain eligibility requirements are imposed to limit those who want to apply for citizenship, as in the case of Oman.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Gov’t Sets Application Fee for Omani Citizenship at RO 600
However, for those who are deemed eligible to apply for citizenship in Oman, the government has issued a decision (No 92/2019) on the executive regulations of the Omani Citizenship Law, which elaborates on the fees required for regaining, renouncing, and applying for citizenship, as shared in a report by the Muscat Daily.
As per the new decision issued by His Excellency Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, an RO 200 fee has to be paid to apply for regaining or renouncing Omani citizenship and RO 600 to apply for the citizenship.
Furthermore, an RO 300 has to be paid to apply for citizenship for an expatriate wife of an Omani, widowed or divorced.
When applying for citizenship, as in the case of a minor son of an Omani woman, the applicant must pay RO 300, based on a decision issued on June 2.
The update, though, is not for all, since obtaining citizenship in Oman is limited to children of nationals who emigrated before 1970.
These people, who are the only known foreign applicants of Omani citizenship, who seek for this benefit on a relatively consistent basis, may return to Oman and apply for citizenship through the Ministry of the Interior, but they are by no means guaranteed success. It is for this reason that the government´s citizenship policy has been viewed as extremely controversial.
In most cases, the government will grant only half a returning family citizenship. In others, it will not even grant some members of these families residence or work permits.
Meanwhile, for those who have no Omani heritage, their only chance at citizenship will be through marriage to an Omani national, and even then their application will probably be denied.
It is more common, however, for generous employers to reward loyal workers by providing them with work and residence permits of indefinite duration. Even still, there is a good chance this support will end when those workers retire.
Therefore, the outside chance of acquiring citizenship in Oman may be more trouble than the actual benefit this may offer, especially for those who do not have a direct relation to the country, and are only trying their chances at migration.
Nevertheless, Oman is still one of those countries, which, when given a good chance, people would enjoy living in, as the sultanate boasts of rich cultural heritage and history, as seen in the many beautiful places travellers get to enjoy even on short visits.
Every country has its own set of set of customs and traditions on top of international standards when it comes to traveling and importation of products and items. And the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, being a Muslim country, has got quite the list to take note of, as expected of a conservative Islamic state.
Generally speaking, anything that violates Islamic rules and traditions are not allowed in the country. Failure to recognize this may lead to unnecessary trouble with immigration and the Saudi police, and could even result to deportation or getting blacklisted in extreme cases.
Credits: Nicolas Raymond/Flickr
Things You Shouldn’t Bring When Travelling to Saudi Arabia
In this post, we will identify both the prohibited and restricted items in the Kingdom. As the terms suggest, “prohibited” items refer to those which are strictly not allowed to be brought into the country, whereas “restricted” items may be allowed – as long as they meet certain requirements and (legal) specifications:
What are the Prohibited Items in Saudi Arabia?
Alcoholic products: Beverages and other products that may contain liquor such as cooking wines, flavouring extracts, as well as other related products, all fall under this category. These are strictly not to be imported in the country.
Pork products: Food and manufactured items containing pork or any of its parts (i.e. meat, fat, blood, etc.) are also not allowed.
Pornographic materials: While these materials may be accepted in other countries, in Saudi Arabia they are considered “offensive” and in violation of Islamic principles.
Publications on Religion: Any other religion other than Islam is considered illegal in the country. Similarly, “politically-sensitive” materials are also considered as taboo in the Kingdom.
Narcotics: Any form of illegal substances is strictly prohibited in the country.
Games: Materials and paraphernalia used for gambling purposes are also not allowed in KSA.
Fireworks: Similarly, these explosive items used for celebration and merry-making are also prohibited in KSA.
Imitation/Fake/Counterfeit Products: The country observes high standards when it comes to products being brought into the Kingdom, and so be sure to only possess genuine or authentic products, especially when these merchandises are intended to be put on sale.
What are the Restricted Items in Saudi Arabia?
Cash amounting to or exceeding SAR 60,000: Any amount of cash (in local or foreign currency), which may come in the form of notes, checks, or bonds will have to be declared upon arrival in the Kingdom.
Medications: Any form of personal medication must be presented in its original packaging, bearing the notes and prescription from your doctor. A representative from the Ministry of Health may also have to handle and inspect the medicine.
Electronic Gadgets: These include phones, modems, radio, transmitters, etc. Even if you have brought any of these devices for personal use, they may be checked for any potential “offensive” material (see Prohibited items above).
Pets: Traveling with pet animals in the Kingdom will require a health certificate and vaccination records approved by a Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate. Furthermore, upon arrival in the country, your pet would need to be inspected by a quarantine expert first. Similarly, importing birds into the Kingdom would require a permit from the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development.
Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives, and All Types of Blades: As these materials easily fall under the category of dangerous and bodily harm-inflicting products, these will need permission from and be proven necessary by the Ministry of Interior to be brought into the country.
It’s important that you understand the restrictions that come with travelling into the country with certain items (intentionally or otherwise), so as not to find yourself in a situation compromising your personal safety as well as the public’s.
Travelling to new places for the first time will require some level of adjustment in the case of the visitor, as we very well know that no two countries are the same no matter how close they are in the region, or similar they are in their form of government, society, or lineage.
It is for this reason that we need to be informed and sensitive enough to do what the locals expect us to, when sharing the experience of being or living in the same country as unique individuals. And when visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered as one of the most culturally diverse and socially conservative countries in the Gulf Region, there are certain things that we need to take note of.
Basic Things to Note for First-Time Travellers in Saudi Arabia
And while the purpose of travelling is to get a more in-depth learning experience of other cultures, knowing some of the basics beforehand will oftentimes keep you out of trouble and help you enjoy your trip in a country such as Saudi Arabia, especially when it’s only your first visit to the Kingdom:
Society
Islam is Saudi’s official religion, and the curriculum in the Kingdom is focused on the study of their religion, as no other religion or form of faith is tolerated or to be practiced inside the Kingdom.
Unlike other countries in the region, Saudi Arabia does not have a constitution; the state is instead governed according to Sharia (Islamic Law).
Saudi’s form of government is a monarchy, with the King serving as both the Head of State and Government. The current king is King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who is also called the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Saudi Arabia is split into 13 administrative regions, and these are further divided into 118 governorates.
In Saudi Arabia, punishments for serious crimes include amputation, beheading, hanging, and stoning.
Abdul Aziz ibn Saud named his captured territories Saudi Arabia after unifying them in 1932.
Customs and Traditions
Men wear white cotton robes called a thob with a colorful kerchief called a ghutra as their headgear.
Women wear a black robe known as an abaya while their heads are covered by a black veil.
Traditionally, men were the only ones allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Women were not allowed to drive until 2013 or even travel abroad without a male relative’s or spouse’s approval.
Aside from a black veil, women traditionally wear a mask, known as a burka or batula, to cover their faces in public. Meanwhile, Saudi men wear an Igal, or two intertwined black cords that form a ring, on their heads.
Any type or form of alcoholic product is strictly forbidden inside the kingdom.
Men and women cannot be seen together in public that even in elevators, men and women should not be seen together or else they face interrogations from the Mutaweens, the Islamic Religious Police. Only in hospitals can men mingle with women in public.
Men take pride in having thick beards and moustaches, as these represent their devotion to their faith and to show that they are pious and religious. In Saudi society, the longer and thicker the beard, the more pious a man is.
The most common food in the Kingdom is kabsa, a rice dish mixed with raisins, nuts, and spices.
Pork is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom; no one can sell or eat pork.
Living in Saudi
Diesel is much cheaper than water; the price of a litre of diesel is more or less half the price of a litre of water.
Even though taxis have meters to measure the fare for the trip, it is quite common to bargain the price for a certain distance with the driver.
Commercial establishments and public places stop activity during times when “salah” is practiced. Salah is Arabic for prayer.
In Saudi Arabia, there is no income tax deducted from salary coming from jobs in the Kingdom.
While there are no direct taxes imposed in the Kingdom, a 5% value-added tax (VAT) has already been put into effect since 2018, making Saudi Arabia together with the UAE as the first GCC countries to impose VAT in the region.
Foreigners must carry their work permit at all times to avoid question and interrogation by police if caught without one.
In Saudi Arabia, the work week starts on Saturday and ends on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Thursdays and Fridays are considered the official weekend.
The way of writing is from right to left as opposed to the Western way of writing, which is from left to right.
“Sadik” is the Arabic word for friend; however, it is used casually that everyone calls each other Sadik, even if they’ve just met or simply to greet each other in public.
Most importantly, religion is a taboo topic. Religion is extremely sacred in Saudi Arabia.
And there we have it, even if we’ve only covered the basics, you’ll find these things extremely helpful in certain situations at work, or even during a visit or a vacation in the Kingdom.
As opposed to what some people think of the Middle East, the region is made up of different unique countries with their own cultural identities and distinct traditions.
If you’re planning to visit the region, or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular, there are some considerations or things that you need to keep in mind so that you can enjoy what the Kingdom has to offer to the fullest. This short guide will help you gain some insight on what you can expect about life in Saudi Arabia.
5 Reasons to Visit Saudi Arabia
As the Kingdom has now begun to open to visitors, as reflected by the government’s decision to issue tourist visas, there’re plenty of good reasons why foreign nationals should go visit the Kingdom at least once in their lives, but in this post, we’ll only share our top 5:
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
It’s a Spiritual Haven for Muslims.
Part of the travel experience is to get a closer look at the worldviews and traditions of the people in the place that you’re visiting, and Saudi Arabia is no exemption to the rule. Mecca and Medina are Islam’s holiest cities, cherished by over 1 billion Muslims around the globe.
Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the cubical building that was first built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, while Medina has the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the final messenger of God in a long chain of messengers including Moses and Jesus.
Despite these two cities being off-limits to non-Muslims, they are a must-see for believers of the faith. The spirituality, history, and the sense of unity you get from this visit can be overwhelmingly emotional if not empowering.
This is even more emphasized during Hajj, when as many as 3 million Muslims gather for a deeply personal – yet collective – experience, a journey in which all become equal before Allah.
Credits: ActiveSteve/Flickr
It Offers a Rare Glimpse of Pre-Islamic Arabia
Saudi has astonishing pre-Islamic sites, including three recent discoveries that changed how we understand history: Al-Magar in the south, estimated to be around 9,000 years old; an 85,000 year-old human footprint; and the mind-boggling Phironic inscription of Ramses III found in the north.
Alternatively, you can also explore an array of pre-Islamic rock art in Hail province covering 10,000 years of history, or see the astonishing 111 monumental tombs of Mada’in Saleh, an all-time favourite for travellers. The sheer size of the tombs and the level of craft work is enough to create inspiration from the Kingdom’s immensely rich culture and history.
Credits: Wajahat Mahmood/Flickr
There’s Much Diversity to Enjoy
Let’s take a look at the figures: around one-third of the population in the Kingdom is composed of a multitude of nationalities from around the globe, as local citizens are diverse, coming from very different backgrounds, as well. This can be observed as you travel across the Kingdom.
Saudi also has a diverse history: from sites related to local rulers, such as the Barzan area in Hail, Shubra palace in Taif, and the very popular Masmak Fort in Riyadh, to sites related to Islam’s grand empires, including a dam from the Umayyad Empire, the Abbasid Darb Zubayada, and the Ottoman castle of Tabuk.
Credits: prilfish/Flickr
Scuba-Diving is a Specialty in the Kingdom
Looking onto the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia offers an endless array of beaches, many of which are still hidden and untouched. Local guides now offer boat trips from cities such as Jeddah, Yanbu and Al-lith, with a number of sites having shipwrecks, some even dating to ancient times.
Unbeknownst to many, the Red Sea offers top diving experiences, warm temperatures and great visibility. Out in the sea, you can encounter sharks, barracudas, rays, turtles, morays and a plethora of colourful reef-dwelling fish. Dolphins can also be commonly spotted while sailing.
With a mega project on the Red Sea coast already in the pipeline, Saudi Arabia is looking to give competitors a serious run for their money.
Tip: While you’re out frolicking in the beaches, it’s also a great idea to go bird watching as the both the Red Sea and the Gulf coasts are home to some exquisite avian species located in the region.
Credits: marviikad/Flickr
There’s Much Greenery than Meets the Eye.
It’s a well-known fact that Saudi Arabia is a famous Kingdom in the desert, but there’s more to it than meets the eye, including a variety of landscapes and environments where there’re actually plenty of greeneries! If you’re cynical about it, be sure to check out the mountains in in the west and south where you’ll discover amazing locations for lovers of nature, history, heritage and photography.
Commune with nature when you visit mountain cities such as Taif, Baha and Tabuk (where it snows!) – a stark contrast with the common images of the Saudi desert.
However, if you’re all about the most stunning sceneries Saudi nature has to offer, then it would be great for you to visit the city of Abha in the south, with its breathtaking over-the-clouds views in Saudi’s highest peak, Jabal Sawda. Furthermore, Abha has been chosen as the capital of Arab tourism in 2017, and offers a number of parks, historic sites and festivals, which makes it a trip not to be missed!
Part of what expats need to understand about moving into the Middle East is that much of the traditions and customs observed in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are heavily defined by its laws based on their religion, Islam – from the food and work practices, to public decency, which deals with dressing up and behaviour in public, among others.
In this article, we will discuss the things which expats need to be reminded of in terms of dressing up, especially in public. Do note, however, that some places tend to be stricter than others when it comes to enforcing these rules. Nevertheless, it pays to know what are allowed and what are not, regardless of where you may be in the country.
What You Need to Know About the Dress Code in Saudi Arabia
Of course, there are separate restrictions for men and women, as with everything else here in Saudi Arabia. So we will take a look at the items allowed for men versus those that are not, as we will do the same for the women.
Men are allowed to wear the following in public:
Decent and smart clothing that does not reveal the shoulders and legs.
Office attire typically includes suits and ties (despite the heat!)
Men are NOT allowed to wear these in public:
Shorts and sleeveless tops, and those with obscene language or messages
Skinny jeans
Jewellery other than your wedding ring (if married) and a wrist watch
Wearing traditional Saudi outfit is not advisable as this may seem bizarre or even offensive behaviour to local Saudis.
Now for the women…
Women are allowed to wear the following in public:
Decent and smart clothing that covers the wrists, ankles, and chest
An abaya – a long cloak (usually black) that is put on top of your “regular” clothes; or
A hijab – which is similar to a headscarf for covering
Women are NOT allowed to wear these in public:
Tight and ill-fitting (body-hugging) clothing
See-through or very light fabric
Heavy make-up; remember… simplicity is the best.
Over the years, there have been many reforms regarding women’s rights and functions in society. Among these include allowing women to drive, to join the army, and assume roles that were traditionally designated only to men. Even the Saudi Crown Prince remarked that abayas “are not necessary” for women. Nevertheless, we want to be as respectful and decent as we can be in society, and to avoid offending others, especially the traditional Saudis.
In summary, the general rule when it comes to dressing up in public (as logic would tell us) is to be as smart and modest as you can when in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or anywhere in the Middle East, for that matter.
Also, note that the correct observance of dress code is monitored by the Matawain (religious police) who are responsible for the enforcement of modest dress code in accordance with Islamic law in the Kingdom.
In a small island such as Bahrain, with a total population of around 1.5 million, one would think that social services including healthcare delivery has always been well taken care of.
Throughout history, Bahrain has managed to provide universal healthcare dating back to as early as 1960s. By this standard, government-provided health care has always been free to Bahraini citizens and heavily subsidised for non-Bahrainis. As such, the quality of health care in Bahrain is generally high and equal to that in Western Europe and the USA, except for highly specialised treatment.
Credits: MOFA.gov.bh
Bahrain PM Recognized with Global Leader Healthcare Award
Because of such standards, Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has been recognized by the World Health Organization for his leadership in advancing global healthcare, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.
Prince Khalifa was awarded the first-ever WHO Director-General’s Health Leaders Honour by the health organisation’s leader Dr. Tedros Adhanom.
The award has been given to the Bahraini leader for his commitment to creating access to affordable healthcare for the kingdom’s citizens.
His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the #Bahrain ?? received WHO Director-General’s Health Leaders recognition to celebrate his outstanding political leadership in advancing health #WHA72
The Kingdom of Bahrain, for the longest time, has taken steps to provide nationals with free and heavily subsidised healthcare. Expats can also access this service, but will tend to receive subsidised services requiring a small co-payment.
Despite the country’s rapid development, Bahrain’s relatively small population means that long queues or delayed appointment times are uncommon, even in public healthcare facilities.
And while expats have access to the public system in Bahrain, many opt to get private medical insurance and to use private facilities instead of public ones. Expats will also find that the standard of care throughout the country is excellent as a large portion of healthcare workers come from the expat community, as well – however, it is important to be aware that specialist treatment centres may be limited and it may be necessary to seek such treatment outside of the country.
Overall, Bahrain as a country is continuously evolving, and with the current number of expats residing in the Kingdom, changes regarding healthcare costs, delivery, and accessibility, are expected to improve still.
Traveling enriches the human experience, as a person is able to connect with the rest of the world, and with cultures they may not have heard of if they stayed back home. But when done alone, traveling can also be an emancipating and empowering experience despite the challenges that might come along with it.
But for the brave and the curious, the world is theirs for the taking. And since there are far too many great places to visit in an entire lifetime, it’s important that you choose your destination for what you wish to understand about life in that part of the world. A good place to start or to include in your bucket list would be Qatar, simply because not much is known about this country, at least even to well-traveled folks.
Tips for Solo Travelers in Qatar
To make your experience as meaningful and memorable as possible, ample planning is necessary. Ad when visiting Qatar on your own, here are some important tips to take note of:
Qatar is Safe.
Perhaps one of the main reservations people have in visiting Qatar is that it’s located in the Middle East. However, according to a recent report released by global records database, Numbeo, Qatar topped the list of 118 countries for being the safest in the world.
By looking at the numbers, Qatar ranked last (118th) in terms of crime index with 13.26 points, and it received 86.74 points in the safety index, giving it a follow-up achievement it first received in 2017.
Qatar’s excellent ranking can be attributed to a number of factors such as houding indicators, traffic, pollution, crime, health care, and cost of living. Of note, Qatar has consistently ranked first in terms of safety among GCC countries since 2015. This reflects the efforts of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) in providing unparalleled safety and security in society. This only means that you don’t have to worry about travelling alone in Qatar.
Book a Trip During Cold Months.
Located within the desert region, Qatar can be really hot in the summer but the opposite in winter. This means that a visit sometime between November and March would be ideal as you would experience temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius in the day, and as low as 12 degrees Celsius at night.
Use Uber.
There are plenty of local taxis and cabs in Qatar, but prices can get unreasonable for solo travels. As an alternative, you can take advantage of the technology and services offered by point-to-point ride hailing apps such as Uber, as these are often cheaper, and much more convenient than the country’s public transportation at this time.
Observe Dress Codes.
As an Arab nation, Qatar also observes modest and conservative dress codes, especially for women. While wearing hijab is not necessarily a requirement, clothes should cover the knees as well as the shoulders, especially in public.
Keep Learning.
From time to time, you need to travel on your own not just for the sake of seeing different places, but also to learn more about other cultures, way of life, and perspectives. Traveling is all about sharing human experiences, and until you open yourself to greater learning, you’ll always find your experiences shallow and lacking.
Going on a solo adventure is one of the most intimidating yet satisfying experiences in life. However, with ample research and planning, there’s nothing insurmountable out there for you to experience. Good luck and have lots of fun!
Oman is just unique a country as any is. However, the Sultanate is oftentimes overlooked by travellers. What escape the ordinary tourists’ eyes are the exotic and incredible attractions and cities the country has to offer.
In this brief guide, we will list some of the best destinations you can check out on your first (or next) trip to Oman.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Best Places to Visit in Oman
Oman is one of the most underrated places you can go to in the Middle East. There are actually plenty of desert landscapes, incredible mountain ranges, historic forts, and warm beaches to enjoy in this exotic country, depending on your kind of adventure or idea for a vacation. But, in this list, we give you several destination spots which are a “must-see” when visiting Oman anytime in the year:
Credits: DDERRICK | FlickrMisfat al Abryeen
While most cities in the country have adopted a modern look, there are still those which have preserved their traditional atmosphere and quaint charm, such as the small village of Misfat al Abryeen. This mountain village is made of stone buildings in shades of orange and brown, and it can look more like an Italian mountain village than something you might expect to find on the Arabian Peninsula.
A closer look into the city and you would see what mountain life in Oman is. Tread a steep road towards the mountain and walk among buildings under the shade of banana trees and lush greenery. Also, be sure to check out the ancient watchtower above the village that you can climb to see Misfat al Abryeen, as well as the surrounding fields and dams filled with water.
Credits: Marlon Cureg/FlickrMasirah Island
Off the coast of Oman is the island of Masirah, which is an ideal place for travellers in search of sun, beaches, wildlife, and history. The island is home to an Omani air base, but the towns are relatively small. This generally means small crowds and plenty of secluded spots to explore. It’s quite easy to get to the place, since regular ferries are available to get you to and from the mainland. Some of the things you can enjoy on the island include swimming, checking out the abundance of shipwrecks just off the coast, and watching the more than 30,000 turtles that appear annually during hatching season.
Credits: Peter Dowley/FlickrBahla
Another great place to visit in Oman is the northern city of Bahla. A kind of desert oasis, Bahla has been a stopping point of travelers for centuries. The city prides in its historic fort, the Bahla Fort, which dates back to as early as the 13th century, when it was widely under the control of the Banu Nebhan tribe. Aside from exploring the Fort, visitors can also admire the city walls, which are made from adobe and stretch for nearly seven miles in length. There is also a souvenir market, where you can find an impressive selection of local pottery, which Bahla is widely known for.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsSalalah
Down south, a city regarded as second to Muscat, Salalah remains relevant to this day because it is the ancestral home to the Sultan Qaboos, the reigning sultan in Oman since 1970. A visit to this city will give you a first-hand view of the Qaboos Palace, and appreciate older architecture in the Old Town, known as the Haffa. There’s even the unique Al Baleed Archaeological Site, which you can visit if you’re into history and cultural heritage spots. As Salalah is known for its frankincense trade, be sure to pick up a souvenir from the souk in Haffa. From June to August, however, monsoon clouds from India bring a constant rain to the area and, as a result, the coastal region around Salalah is transformed into a green oasis with seasonal waterfalls and streams.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsJebel Akhdar
Locally translated as “Green Mountain,” the Jebel Akhdar is a part of the Al Hajar Mountains. However, don’t be misled by the green description, as the region is primarily composed of limestone. The area also has the highest point in Oman. Furthermore, don’t expect to see lush forests, but the elevation makes for cooler temperatures and more agricultural growth than in the desert below. The area is now under protection by the local government, but you can hike through beautiful terraces and even spot trees laden with fruit. While hiking in the desert doesn’t seem to sound very appealing to most, visitors know that this is one of best pastimes in the region.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsRas Al Jinz
To the east of the Sultanate is Ral Al Jinz, where you can find a turtle reserve that helps to populate and protect the sea turtles of the Indian Ocean. When you visit the area during the summer, or between the months of May and October, you can spot turtle nests along the beach and even watch the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean, pretty much like what you’d see in the Galapagos on the other side of the world. While a visit to this natural reserve is possible as part of a day trip from Muscat, most visitors opt to spend the night at the resort and check out other attractions like the Turtle Visitor Centre and Museum.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsMusandam Fjords
The Musandam Peninsula is located in the northernmost region of Oman, and it is separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. The Musandam Fjords stretch north and provides breath-taking sceneries. If you visit the Musandam Fjords, be sure to check out activities like boat trips to explore the coasts and peaks rising up from the water, spotting dolphins from a Dhow, or traditional Omani boat, and scuba diving out at sea. The area is sparse in human population but wildlife in abundance. Because of this, the region is considered as one of the best places to visit in Oman for nature lovers.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsNizwa
During the 6th and 7th centuries, the city of Nizwa served as the capital of Oman. Owing to this fact, the area still is widely recognized for its incredible fort, which was built in the 17th century under the direction of Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ribi, with some parts of the fort even dating back to the 9th century. The most iconic landmark in the city is the enormous cylindrical tower at Nizwa Fort. The fort, to this day, has some interesting defence mechanisms, including honey traps and unusually shaped windows for shooting approaching enemies. The fort has also become a museum, where you can explore 17th century life in Oman. When in Nizwa, you need to check out the souq (outdoor market), as well as the unusual goat market held two days each week in the city centre.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsMuscat
If you’re pressed for time during your stay in Oman, and can only afford to explore one place, it would have to be the modern capital city, Muscat. The city is a combination of traditional and modern amenities such as forts, palaces, museums, and markets. While you can’t visit the interior of the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace, you can head over to the harbour to get a close view of the amazing structure. Guarding the palace are the twin forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, which have been converted into museums and are now accessible to the public. Non-Muslim travellers can also check out the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on most mornings, where they can admire huge crystal chandeliers, marble wall panels and the second largest Persian carpet in the world.
The beauty in visiting a country like Oman is that not much is known about the country, and so you’re experience can only be the most authentic as it can get. And while you’re at it, be sure to take pictures (where it is allowed) and to spread your travel experience in the country!
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