Sleepy Oman
A country separate from the United Arab Emirates but part of the Middle East is sleepy and peaceful Oman. Dubai has always been well-known as the business capital of the middle east, but since the recession hit, the growth in Dubai has come to a standstill and foreign workers up and left. However, other developing regions up and coming are Abu Dhabi and Oman. Abu Dhabi’s lively city is a couple hours of drive from Dubai and part of the UAE. Oman is an independent country run under monarchy by the Sultanate of Oman with British influences. Its population includes nationalities from Oman (70%), Lebanon, Jordan, Tanzania, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Philippines, as well as a community of British, American, French and South African foreign residents.
In 1998 there was slump in oil prices and there is also little agriculture development due to its dessert climate so more is imported rather than exported. Oman has diversified its focus by focusing on tourism and been busy building roads, hotels and shopping malls in the last few years. Therefore opening doors to western cultures to invest there. Labour is generally outsourced, even though Omani law stipulates that employers have to employ mainly Omanis. The monthly salary is approximately under $400 plus accommodation for labour workers from Oman, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Philippines. To westerners this, is amount of money to live us seems miniscule but to these cultures $400 is 2-5 times higher than back in their own countries. Most men labour workers come to Oman to work for this financial gain and then send their families money back in their home countries.
The beauty of Oman, which makes it so unique from its neighboring Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) nations, is found along the clean beaches stretching along a 1700km coastline, and also in wadis (lush oases of greenery with deep pools), deserts and mountains. Oman’s wadis are where most tourists head to for swimming and picnics. Most beaches are part of hotels (Shangri-La), yacht clubs or diving resorts (Odyssey, The Dive Centre). From the dive centre and yacht club, boat trips and scuba diving can be organized for days out on the ocean. Turtle Beach is beautiful for seeing the turtles, which are amongst the oldest and most important marine species.
Oman is a relaxed country and very strict on being peaceful. The police are serious on arresting anyone for car hooting, any rude hand gestures and hollering out at women. Being in a Muslim country men and women are required to behave and dress accordingly. Men wear a long robe called a Dishdasha and a Kumera hat. Women in Muslim countries are seen as sacred and highly respected, which is one of the reasons Muslin women wear an Abaya, to cover every part of their body except their eyes whilst in public, it’s a sign of respect for her family and husband. Most Oman and Asian women are Muslim and very much homebound. Of course, non-Muslims do not have to wear any of this attire but there are rules of the Sultanate to abide to whilst living here. Omani days of the week differ to western culture; with Saturday (being a Monday) is the first day of the week for business and schools opening, therefore Wednesday is a Friday and on Friday (their Sunday) at 2am every nightclub and live music venue shuts. During religious holidays, Muslims fast and are restricted from drinking any alcohol and the country is run like this, so every liquor outlet, restaurant and hotel do not serve alcohol. (If you not a resident, you cannot buy alcohol from a liquor store – it is illegal).
Shopping experience is still in its development stage. The main area where most of the population reside and work in is Muscat. There are two major shopping centres – City Centre Seeb and City Centre Qurum. Other smaller complexes are Sabco and Shatti, for boutiques and smaller stores. Women’s, men and children’s clothing are very conservative in comparison to western cultures, due to the high regard for the Muslim religion. However, as the movement of westerners coming into Oman implementing change and investing there, so trends are fast becoming more fashionable and less traditional. Western stores already present are Zara, Mango, Bodyshop, Nine West, Diesel, Pierre Cardin and Marks and Spencers. Large supermarkets are Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefor, Al-Fair and the Sultan Center where various brands are brought in or the best local fruits are sold. The Souk is a traditional Omani market place to purchase material, rugs, incense, local products and souvenirs. Shopping times are similar to European times from 9am-2pm and reopening from 5pm-midnight.
The nightlife of Muscat is limited yet pleasant. Only hotels or restaurants owned by hotels have a liquor license, so for a lovely meal and bottle of wine, it can be a costly night out. However, Muscat does offer a variety of live music entertainment, in a small area. Intercontinental Hotel has three live music venues: Trader Vics presents a salsa band of three female singers and a keyboardist accompanied by backing tracks. The five-piece band in Al-Ghazal showcases classic hits and each member can skillfully sing and play an instrument as well. At Senior Pico’s, the Mexican restaurant, is a male or female singer accompanied by a keyboardist or guitarist. At the Grand Hyatt, in the John Barry Bar is a duo playing (normally female singer whilst pianist plays on a transparent grand piano which is very elaborate). The main lobby area they have another showpiece Porsche styled piano with a pianist tinkling its ivories with classical music Jobs. Part of the Grand Hyatt is the Safari Club sitting beneath the Rooftop Grill, where a six-piece band performs current and classic top-40 hits. Similarly is Rock Bottom, part of Crowne Plaza Hotel, there they have a six or seven piece band that also plays top-40 hits and there is also DJ playing between sets and after the show. Whilst performing on stage, musicians are not allowed walk off the stage and sing or dance with the audience. There are various other places with smaller bands and pianists playing in lobbies and smaller venues like Cellar Bar at Radisson Blu and in Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Bars and nightclubs with a DJ are found at Left Bank, Zouk and Copacabana. There are many restaurants in Oman and cuisines include Arabian, Lebanese, Indian, Thai and international as well. A note to self when visiting is trying Shistawook from a 24-hour street styled restaurant called Turkish – everyone who needs a midnight snack goes there, especially after a night in the town.
It’s peaceful, it’s bustling, it’s beautiful and it’s an open respectful community of people working in a developing country, rich in potential – Oman is a country of opportunity for future investment and a wonderful place to bring up family.
The author is a music band owner which offers its services to a variety of class especially five star hotels in Asia. There are several music bands which performs live shows six days a week. The band offers Musician Jobs and Band Job across the world.
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