Job Discussion Forums

franziska · Joined: 20 Apr 2007 Posts: 9

I have job offers at Higher Institutions in both countries for the fall. Oman is offering quite a bit less than UAE. I haven't ruled Oman out though given what i am hearing about inflation in the UAE and commercialization. I am wondering what the cost of living is in Oman (is inflation as bad as in the UAE?), and if anyone who is familiar with both could comment on which country they liked better and would recommend for a newbie (quality of living, teaching, sight seeing, things to do, ME experience...) Thanks

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

If you share the specific institutions this will likely affect the advice you'll receive. How much experience do you have? Do you have MA TESOL or a related degree?

I received an offer from SQU in Oman...they came in way below the UAE institutions. If money were no object I would have been happy to take that job. Oman, IMHO, is much more culturally rich if you'recoming to the Gulf region with hopes of seeing and relating to local culture.

franziska · Joined: 20 Apr 2007 Posts: 9

Thanks for your reply Mishmumkin, so often no one replies to posts..
What I was wondering about, however, had nothing to do with the institutions - I can weigh the benefits of the different offers I have received; what I want to know is what the cost of living is in Oman (is inflation as bad as in the UAE?), and if anyone who is familiar with both could comment on which country they liked better and would recommend for a newbie (quality of living, sight seeing, things to do, ME experience...)

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

It depends on your interests. If you like busy city life, clubs and glitzy shopping centers, the UAE is your choice. If you like a more laid-back life and outdoor activities - like camping, hiking... a bit more of the traditional "Arabia" if you search for it... then Oman is the place. That said, outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the lifestyle is more similar to Oman.

The costs of most things related to expat life are probably very close, but from what is said here, the UAE seems to be more expensive. (and the salaries there are double or more for those with a good CV) Inflation will be an issue for both of them as they live on imports and their currencies are based on the dollar - which pushes up the cost of imports.

For a newbie, I might be more concerned about the job than the country. Laughing

Both countries have their pros and cons, but the wrong job can make it all seem bad.

VS

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

When I go to dubai from muscat, i see almost all prices identical. When item x in oman is 1 rial, it is 10 dhs (which is the same) in dubai. As VS said, life in both countries is the same with a few exceptions maybe.

margaurina · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

Inflation and cost of living in Oman is ridiculous. But you can still save money. Not the same place it was many years ago when you could save heaps. Just the same, after traveling all over the place in nearby countries, I was still able to save about 12000 dollars. Better than living in home countries and not saving anything!!