Job Discussion Forums

lovetoteach · Joined: 12 Oct 2011 Posts: 17

Where would be better to go to save money - Oman or the UAE ( Sharjha)? Which has the lower cost of living? Between the two which is a nicer place, Sharjha or Sohar , Oman?

Also, can an unmarried couple live together in Oman?

I understand that in Oman flats come unfurnished, is it possible to find furnished ones (i.e with fridge, bed general necessities) and for what price?

Thank you for any advice Very Happy

apollolight · Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Posts: 25

I have almost identical questions about Oman...any response with information would be greatly appreciated...

urbanversion · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 426

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I don't know of any Western couples who have been lashed and only know of a very few who have been arrested and deported. There are a few unmarried Western expat couple living together - and always has been, but you really need to know the culture and the ropes. A mis-step which offends the wrong person can cause the legal problems. (the first couple who ended up in jail in Dubai some years back was turned in to the law by her ex-husband) It is only possible if both members of the couple are employed... with full work/residence visas and provided housing... preferably by the same employer. Either the pretense of two separate flats is maintained or the couple "pretends" to be married as far as neighbors and general society know.

BUT... IMHO, in this part of the world, it is best to be married if you plan to live together... especially if you are living/working in a small town in Oman.

VS

Sleepwalker · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 454 Location: Reading the screen

I would agree - either marry or look elsewhere - it's a big, big world.

blackorchid · Joined: 25 Dec 2010 Posts: 14

Can someone please comment on the original question. Oman vs UAE. I would be interested on hearing your comments.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

Sohar or Sharjah? For me it would be Sharjah, without a moment's hesitation.

madrileno · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 270 Location: Salalah, Oman

UAE tends to have higher salaries, but the cost of living reflects that. Be prepared to spend a whole lot more if you live in Sharjah, especially with Dubai right next door.

Sohar will be far more cheaper, and also more quiet. However, the amenities will be limited. You'll be traveling to Muscat if you want to get any western products or to visit a bar.

Getting a fully furnished flat depends mostly on your employer. Most employers provide a housing allowance though, so you can go in search of your own place if you'd like.

As far as cohabitation with a non-married partner, I wouldn't risk it. In this part of the world, offending the native's sensibilities may get you the lash and deportation. I'd consider somewhere else in the world if you want to stay with your unmarried partner.

Geronimo · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 498

madrileno wrote:

nicole2010 · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

The Carrefour is currently open in Sohar. It is in the Safeer Mall. Also, Sohar is close to the UAE, so weekend trips to Dubai or the UAE are a reasonable option.

urbanversion · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 426

nicole2010 · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

Hi urbanvision...aren't you in China...? Just was stating the facts because it seemed there was confusion among the previous posters. To clarify more on hypermarkets in Sohar:

1. The Carrefour is in the Safeer Mall 2. The LuLu's was burnt down in the protests and there are plans to rebuild but in a different location 3. The Safeer Hypermarket in Safeer Mall closed down in 2010 4. The Al Fair closed down in 2011 5. There are smaller markets such as Almeida 6. There is a Safeer Market near Sallan Roundabout.

There are three main hotels: Crowne Plaza, The Beach Hotel, and (the becoming infamous) Wadi Hotel where Westerners "hang out." Take care.

nicole2010 · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

re love to teach

Where would be better to go to save money - Oman or the UAE ( Sharjha)?
This depends on your salary and the "extras" in the contract. Cost of accommodation would be a real factor in saving; is it provided or do you get an allowance? Rent in Sohar is relatively cheap, but you need an Omani friend to negotiate. Lots of expats live in the Palm City- a gated community with villas and apartments. The rent is on the steep side, but worth it as you are insulated and have access to a pool and other amenities. Also, no one (Omani men) will pester your girlfriend if she is hanging alone. Here, probably no one would ask you about being married and no one would care about it. Also, you will need a car which is costly. You can save some money in Sohar. Also, which school would you work for; some don't pay on time. Please research the employer to make sure they are reputable.

Which has the lower cost of living? Sohar

Between the two which is a nicer place, Sharjha or Sohar , Oman?

Sohar is still like a village; you can meet everyone quickly. There are not that many expat teachers- mostly expats are from the Valle and Sohar Aluminum. There is a nice beach. The only major stores are CentrePoint and Carrefour. It can become boring quickly without socializing and creating your own fun. It is possible protests could start again in the future. Every few months (two months back), its reported some cars or trucks were set on fire in "protest."

Sharjha offers more and is closer to civilization you might be used to.

Also, can an unmarried couple live together in Oman?

I would say it is easy to "get away with" in Oman (especially if you are living in an expat compound or renting your own villa), but technically it may not be exactly legal. However, non-Muslim expats have different rules applied to them, i.e. you can get an alcohol license and purchase from authorized stores (not allowed for Omanis). Your only problem would be if an Omani became your enemy and wanted to make trouble for you.

I understand that in Oman flats come unfurnished, is it possible to find furnished ones (i.e with fridge, bed general necessities) and for what price?

Yes, it is possible, but most don't. Flats in the expat compounds would come with a fridge, but you may need to buy your own bed and TV. Sometimes, if accommodation is provided in your contract, the flat will come furnished. Sohar is cheap enough, you could rent a small villa with a garden. It is possible to buy furniture from departing expats for a reasonable price. Good luck.

apollolight · Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Posts: 25

Hi Nicole..you seem to have a lot of accurate information about Sohar so if I do get a job offer there, I'll probably pester you about the details in it and see if I'll be able to save while I'm there..cheers and thanks