Job Discussion Forums

[veiledsentiments]

MOM=Ministry of Manpower.

Everywhere is what you make of it, and I am not the outdoorsy type, but it sounds like you would enjoy life in the interior. I personally enjoyed the mix of cultures in Muscat, and had plenty of Omani friends... and don't share the tribal Omani prejudices. There are a number of charming Baluchi and Zanzibari Omanis too. And IMHO they are just as much "Omanis" as those in the interior if you study the country's history. (this is all reminiscent of East Coasters vs West Coasters in the US or Northerners versus Southerner... who ARE the real Americans. )

There are both advantages and disadvantages to the "everyone will know you" part of living in the Gulf. It can get a bit incestuous. I only recall one branch of McDonald's in Muscat (the one that keeps getting flooded out in Qurm), but then I never ate there. I think the only US based fast food place that I ever visited was Pizza Hut a couple times. I still managed to save 85-90% of my pay in the capital area. (but then I don't drink... which can be many people's major expenditure in this part of the world it seems)

As long as you have a car, getting over to the UAE (or wherever you want to visit in Oman) is easy. The only problem is the lines at the border during the major holidays.

BTW... I am not disputing any of the information given by usa_in_gulf as I agree with him on his comments and preferences. I'm trying to give another opinion as we all are not looking for the same lifestyles. (assuming that there are also women reading these threads and contemplating the move.) Just a comment on the airport situation. As a single woman, I wouldn't consider taking a taxi for 2.5-3.0 hours driving through an empty rural area at 2:00 in the morning... in any country in the world actually. The few times I took a taxi from the airport while living in the Muscat area, the drivers were nothing but polite and respectful... but... well... the women reading understand what I am saying if you men don't.

VS

[usa_in_gulf]

veiledsentiments wrote:

[veiledsentiments]

[johnslat]

Dear usa_in_gulf,

This may be a "difference of opinion" matter. It would seem, however that VS is not alone:

"There are a lot of times when women are harassed by Taxi drivers. And mind you these are not omani women but Expatriates. A lot of them have had the audacity to even say things like "I love you " and there have been instances when they even stop turn around and touch the passenger.
Incidents such as these have been happening during the day. Isnt there any sort of authority that can handle such issues. Complaining to the police has not been of any help. There was a time when a relative of mine complained to the police furnishing details such as car no. and description of driver.But the same guy was seen the very next day making lewd comments at a group of women passing by.
Its scary to think that if my sister and a friend of hers were to have a car breakdown on an isolated road at night and come across some taxi driver similar to guy mentioned above. And mind you it doesnt have to be late at night anytime after sunset is as bad.
Will this ever stop?????

http://www.omanforum.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-3609.html

For example, he next poster, Liquid_Dreams," disagrees.


And, of course, this was in 2003, so maybe it has changed since then?

This one, though, is more recent (2009)

"hi rachel!
I'm an expat woman working here in Oman. Its not safe to go by your own. I've been here for quite a while.
Don't go out alone, and make sure you rent your own car.
NEVER ride a taxi on your own!
NEVER trust anyone.
thats all I can say. But Oman is a very nice place. its so peaceful. in general, people are nice.
but there is a "but" :
You will experienced cars stopping by you, asking you where you wanna go. You might say its okay...its just a ride. but the other girls who did, were not able to go back home.
just travel with a companion.
rent your own vehicle. then you'll be safe.
better yet, look for someone from ireland as well that can show you around muscat.
like one girl was asked to get a ride on her way home from work,(hotel) since its just a few blocks away she said yes. and the next day she was found dead and was thrown in the cliff.
so better think again.
we only live once so better take care.
if you have some questions i would love to help."

There does seem to be room, however, for more than one opinion.

Regards,
John

[celticbutterfly]

Holiday accommodation tends to be way overpriced in the gulf for weekend getaways, and there aren't any backpackers to speak of in the main centers, although there might be some budget places opening in the future in Dubai. Oman particularly you can pay outrageous prices for very mundane hotels. Cheaper hotels in Dubai and AD are very dubious, so be warned (check out the number of working ladies in the bars downstairs to figure out how dubious these places are!). This said, in summer you can find huge hotel discounts as nobody is around.
Best thing for cheap weekend getaways from Ibri is take a tent and go off-road. Plenty of awesome camping spots where it's just you and a few goats/camels.
PS: Have friends of friends in Ibri and they seem pretty happy there.

[santivalle]

[quote="PierogiMonster"]
Yes, I am one of those people/teachers who prefers to get to know the local culture rather than live in a foreign version of Main St USA / High St UK (I'm English). In fact, I'm having regular Arabic lessons now to get as much language as I can before I arrive (inshallah).

Also good to hear about the low turnover rate at ICT (although, of course, one shouldn't only listen to the good news: I'll put it all in the mix).

One thing, usa_in_gulf, what does the acronym MOM mean? I missed that one.

And, for those times when you've just gotta get away for the weekend, is it easy enough? E.g. such places as Al Ain, Abu Dabi, Dubai and Muscat ... are there fairly cheap hotels (or hostels) to stay at for a weekend break?
[quote]

I'm sorry. I don't agree with a previous poster. Ibri College of Technology is the pits. The expats have nothing to do with their time, so they spend it gossiping, backstabbing and fighting. The HOD of ELC and the acting dean are equally incompetent and don't know the first thing about people management, going as far as making disparaging remarks about ex-teachers at staff meetings, etc.
My advice would be to look for something else. Perhaps even at Ibri College of Applied Sciences. But, if you feel you can make it, just keep your head down, ignore everything and everyone, and do the best job you can. The students are unmotivated, but good people. They just need a firm and knowledgeable hand. Your problems won't come from them - mostly. LOL
Whatever you decide, I wish you a good experience and that you will come to love Oman as most of us do. The people are wonderful, the culture is rich and the scenery is stunning in a lot of places.
It's pretty easy to get into UAE. Just drive to the border and get an entry visa - once you have your residency, that is.
MOM is Ministry of Manpower - the powers that be for colleges of technology in Oman. Don't ask for my opinion on them. ROFL