Welcome
to Oman
Marhaba!
Oman is a hidden gem of the Arabian peninsula, with a wonderful combination of heritage and modern life combined with the unique and welcoming hospitality of the Omani people. Oman is a welcoming, politically stable and friendly country. It has beautiful scenery, wonderful beaches, a very rich culture and a sunny climate that enables a wide range of outdoor activities to be pursued throughout the year.
Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Dhofar region. The city’s history stretches back two millennia, when, thanks to its strategic location, it was an important stop on the frankincense and silk trading routes. Today Salalah is still known for the cultivation and trade of frankincense (albeit now on a smaller scale), and is famous for its summer khareef (monsoon), when visitors flock to the region to escape the blazing hot temperatures elsewhere on the Arabian peninsula.
Oman has been named the safest and the friendliest country in the world for expats to live and work.
About
Oman
Arabic is the main language in Oman but English is widely spoken.
The official religion of Oman is Islam but other religions practice freely around Muscat.
The working week in Oman is Sunday to Thursday, with the weekend on Friday and Saturday.
Visitors to Oman are expected to dress modestly in accordance with the local customs. We advise staff (men and women) to keep their shoulders and knees covered when out in public.
Driving in Oman is safe with excellent roads. Visitors are able to drive hire cars with a valid international licence. Residents will need to have an Oman driver’s licence which, in most cases, is simple to obtain and will not require a road test.
Sunshine, EVERY day!
“The sun always seems to be shining in Salalah. Having an apartment on the beach and listening to the sound of the sea is hard to beat.”
Living in SALALAH
Salalah is well served by a new international airport, and flights are available to Muscat, Qatar, India, and the UAE with more opening up soon. Salalah is well equipped with a modern malls and supermarkets as well as a host of smaller shops, traditional souks, and opportunities to buy organic produce directly from the farmer. If you are looking for international shopping outlets and vibrant nightlife, Muscat and Dubai are great to visit.
Families living in Salalah enjoy trips into the mountains and remote desert areas and exploring the stunning coastline. One can swim, snorkel, and dive in the warm ocean, surf some cool waves, or relax at the growing number of international hotels that are springing up in and around the city. Horse riding, fishing, karate, football, and music are all popular activities. Salalah is well connected via Muscat or Dubai to many destinations around the world.
History
Salalah has always enjoyed a prominence in the region because of the Frankincense trade. The indigenous plant grows only in southern Oman and in neighbouring Yemen. The yellow nuggets of resin were exported as far as the Roman Empire to be used as incense in church whilst also being highly in demand even earlier on by the Ancient Egyptians for their funeral preparations into the afterlife. Salalah has many important UNESCO heritage sites because of this, and a museum in Al Baleed very nicely presents many important archaeological findings. Modern day Salalah also enjoys a special prominence in Oman as it is the birthplace of the Sultan and is said to hold a special place in his heart.
Sun, Sand and Sea
As well as its lush green pastures, Salalah is renowned for its stunning collection of beaches, which feel almost Caribbean with their coconut trees and relaxed vibe. Salalah has excellent hotels, beaches and spa resorts for those who like to spoil and indulge themselves. There are numerous private beach clubs with 5* resorts that you can join.
Wildlife
Salalah has vast areas of wildlife to explore, what with the wadis, mountains and the deserts stretching out for miles around. Wadis are dry riverbeds following the course of seasonal streams and rivers through rocky valleys naturally carved out by flood waters. The wide range of wildlife includes spinner dolphins and a variety of whales that frolic off the coast, ospreys, terns, steppe eagles and crested honey buzzards that can be seen in the mountains around Salalah. Oman is also home to several endangered species, many of which are protected by reserves established by royal decree.