Moving to Muscat from the U.K & frightened to death! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Moving to Muscat from the U.K & frightened to death!

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2014 - 19:26

Hi everyone,

Firstly this is my very first post on your lovely site, so thanks for letting me join you all. My Husbands job will be moving us to Oman / Muscat in the near future ( no date as yet ) & I am scared to death. Where as I am looking forwards to the challenge of moving & settling for a while in a new place, I am worried about the massive culture change. So what I think I need is just some friendly advice from anyone who has been, or is in the same position as me.

Thanks again for any advice offered.

2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 18:20
Good for you taking the Arabic lessons. Dress code, we're a little more conservative here if you compare us to say Dubai. That is to say that expatriates tend to cover their shoulders and knees and cleavage out of habit rather than be surprised to find that they should do so. Locals you will meet will tell you it's unneccesary but respect goes both ways I find. You will not be on your own for long while your husband works. The womens associations in Muscat are strong, busy and active wee groups. You will meet one person, and next thing you know, you won't have a minute spare. It's a very welcoming (and small!!) community generally. Sorry EW, but: Muscat is so small, everyone knows everyone etc, that Facebook have several open pages that are for more frequented than this forum. Families in Oman. Muscat-where can I find. Useful resources for answering any queries/worries you may have. Good luck with the move. <em>edited by arohadxb on 02/03/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2014 - 22:28
Thank you so much for replying (,Airfix & arohadxb) I think the shocks that I am most worrying about is I don't want to offend anyone by mistakingly wearing the wrong thing, or saying the wrong thing. I have signed up for Arabic lessons, so that will help me settle better I hope. I am really looking forwards to going, but as my Husband will be working & I will not, I will have to get used to being on my own as well. So I guess its the opposite to what I do now lol, I currently work full time, so stopping that will take some getting used to. One of the main reasons that I joined here was in the hopes that when we get there, I will not feel so 'out of it' but thank you for help to ease my mind on this.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2014 - 14:25
Hi We are also moving to Muscat. Although I have been visiting for holidays for years, I can understand how you feel, all I can say that may help is it is a really small place and I am hoping it should be very easy to get around and it seems to have quite a small expat community so should be easy to get to know people?! The local Omani community are lovely. Really friendly people.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2014 - 07:49
You poor thing....don't be frightened! Be excited. I can sincerely say that Muscat and Oman generally would be a wonderful first expat experience. Other expats and Omanis are friendly, welcoming and it's a lovely relaxed way of life. If I knew what sort of culture shock you are expecting I might be able to reassure you on those points? The driving here seems to continually shock most people I know from the Uk :) And you have to go to about 3 different supermarkets to get your whole weekly shop. I'm thinking very hard here, and that's all I can come up with!