At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Oman and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.The Duncan Adventures
Facebook page | Instagram
Heather Duncan is a wife, mum, blogger and Scottish expat living in Muscat. If you need any motivation to get out and explore your new home-away-from-home, Heather’s feed will give it to you in spades. She regularly posts photos and videos of her family’s activities in the great outdoors – think lots of kayaking and climbing, or how about a ride in a tandem paratrike above the Omani coastline? You’ll also be plugged in to Omani events. Add some Duncan Adventures to your ‘following’ list and be inspired to live your expat life to the full.
The Muscat Mutterings
Facebook group
This is the Facebook page of what is known as Muscat’s busiest English language blog on life and events in Oman. Its author is a Western expatriate who has been living in the Sultanate of Oman since 2007. On the page you’ll find lots of recommendations for where to eat and go out. There’s also local news, suggested activities for families with young kids and frequent giveaways. The group owner even gives followers the heads up on road closures and when he spies great shopping deals.
Women’s Guild in Oman
Facebook page
With more than 3,000 members, the Women’s Guild in Oman aims to offer fellowship, an opportunity for women to connect, share information and experiences – and raise funds for charity. This is a very active group that welcomes new members with open arms. They always have an upcoming meetup (or three!) for newly-arrived expats to dive right in and learn from those who have been in the country for many years. There’s a weekly coffee morning held at various spots around Muscat, a buy and sell portal and various benefits to being a guild member.
Oman Tripper
Facebook page
Exploring Muscat and beyond, Ali is an engineer and self-confessed couch potato who happens to also be very passionate about nature, the outdoors and photography. His is a great page to follow if you want to know where to get out and explore in Oman. Ali and his friend Riyadh try to hit the outdoors every other weekend, and they film/shoot/write about the places they visit. They’re also very happy to answer questions from followers, whether they are planning a relocation, or need tips and advice for a shorter visit to Oman.
The Sewist
Facebook page | Instagram
Mayya was the first Omani woman to start a YouTube channel. Through her videos, blogs and Facebook posts she hopes to change the image the west have of muslim women. Mayya was born to her local father and a French mother – and she speaks four languages. Expat followers are given ‘real’ insight into this 30-something mum’s life, and she shares everything from recipes to fashion and beauty tips, outfits of the day and hijab tutorials.
Arabesque
Facebook page
This Facebook page is technically for books written about the Middle East, however followers quickly discover that it’s an even more useful feed. Updates cover everything from the latest visa permit changes to tips for coping with the summer heat. There’s Omani company/local business news and the writer – a British expat – also reflects on events happening both in the Middle East and beyond.
Buy/Swap/Sell Oman
Facebook page
Featuring 5,000+ members, this page does what it says on the tin; allows Omani expats and locals to list their goods for sale, or get hunting for a bargain. Furniture listings feature heavily but you can also find items like clothing, air conditioning units, cars, plane ticket transfers and gas cylinders.
Omani Paws Rescue
Facebook page
Cute kitten and puppy photos alert! If you’re passionate about animals, you’ll find a like-minded community in this group. It brings together people who have been working with stray cats and dogs in Muscat. They work to Trap, Neuter, Release and rehome fur babies, be they after injury or abandonment. They also raise awareness about animal welfare. If you’re looking to take in a cat or dog in need, this is also an excellent resource to see which animals currently need loving homes.
Oman Observer
Facebook page | Twitter
This is the longest-running and most trusted English-language daily newspaper in the Sultanate of Oman. It covers local, national, regional, and international news paying special attention to Oman’s economic development, the country’s natural, historical and cultural wealth. Follow these social media accounts to stay up-to-date and access the Oman Observer e-paper.
Living in Oman
Facebook group
This is a group for expats to share their experiences of living in the country. Posts cover all aspects; from settling in to immigration, traffic rules, social activities, schooling, shopping and more. If you’ve just made the move or are preparing to, you’ll find this group to be an excellent resource and way to connect with other expats in your new home.
We’re always on the lookout for more accounts to feature – if you write about living in Oman on social media, leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!
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