Job Discussion Forums

Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

Hi everyone

I'm still something of a newbie to this part of the world. I've been in Oman for just under one year. As Ramadan is starting this week (and I'm kind of looking forward to it actually), I'm a little curious/worried about traffic in the evenings after sundown.

Is it necessary to allow A LOT of extra time to get to places if you're out and about in Muscat during this time? The main reason I'm asking is because I have to fly home soon and I'm wondering how easy it will be to get a taxi to the airport, (if I don't find someone else to drive me) and how much time I'll spend sitting in traffic on the way?

I'm sure this sounds like a really stupid question to those of you who have been around for awhile, so I apologize. Just trying to be prepared though. I'd really appreciate some responses!

CANDLES · Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:49 am Post subject: Ramadan

During Ramadan the only time when everything is on go slow is when they open the 'fast', at sunset -between 5-6pm. Omanis will let you know the exact time. Most of the shops are closed around that time for people to go home or to the mosques to open their fast.

If you need a taxi I'm sure you'll get one, but it'll be a long wait, so organise it beforehand. It's like this in all of the Middle East during Ramadan.

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

With your location versus the location of the airport, there shouldn't be much of a problem. You're very close and don't have to enter the main city of Muscat at all - which is where there will be traffic jams for much of the night. The key is staying off the road for the hour before Iftar (sunset)... that is the time that a large number of tired, hungry, thirsty people are trying to get home to break the fast.

Then for the next hour or so after Iftar, the roads will be eerily empty.

I agree that you need to plan ahead. Ask around in the department... I wonder if there isn't a company that specializes in airport trips. Hopefully there will be someone around that can take you. (in the "good old days" there was a long term lot at the airport and I used to just leave my car there for free whenever I flew anywhere - even over the summer.)

VS

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

Phone the airport taxi service and book a car

Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

Thanks everyone!

I have managed to find a lift. We'll leave during that quiet period while people are having dinner. I'll just get to the airport a bit earlier than necessary. Not thrilled about it. But it beats sitting in traffic. I was warned that people go from just plain stupid to homicidal on the roads here during this time of year...

Oh well.