Who are you?
Hi, I am Huda. I am from Pakistan and have been living in Muscat, Oman for five years. I am a stay-at-home mum of two boys.I have a personal blog called ‘HudaSays’ and also run a Facebook group for women moving to a new city or country. The group is about reaching out, connecting and making friends in the new town, and it’s called “A new girl in town”. I love to travel and read books.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
Right after I got married, I moved to Muscat with my husband, who was working here.
What challenges did you face during the move?
I was nervous, yet excited about the move. Settling down in Oman was almost a breeze, people here are so friendly. I had a little difficuilty in sorting out my grocery items, but once I got to know about the places, I was good to go.
How did you find somewhere to live?
Initially my husband got to know about this flat in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. It was 1bhk but more spacious than regular 1bhk ones. We saw it and fell in love with it. Later on, we found the 3bhk in the same building and moved there. The area is purely residential with a supermarket, schools and cafes nearby.
Are there many other expats in your area?
Yes, there are many expats in this area, as the British school is situated here.
What is your relationship like with the locals?
I have found locals very friendly, nice and generous. I have many local friends.
What do you like about life where you are?
I love the peaceful environment here. Oman is perfect for family life. Life here is so subtle and humble.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
The unpredictability of it, you never know what will happen next. It’s home but yet not home. It’s like being in a limbo.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
I actually have found it quite similar. Pakistan and Oman share a history. Being from a Muslim state and then living in another Muslim country, it didn’t come as much of a difference to me.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country? What are your particular likes or dislikes?
The food in oman is really nice. I am a fan of Omani shuwa and kunafa. I like the traditional grilled food and hamour fish, but I still haven’t developed a taste for umm-e-ali.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
If anyone ever gets a chance to move to Oman, do take it. It’s a beautiful country with friendly people and so much to offer. You will find transitioning super easy here.
What are your plans for the future?
As much as I love Oman, I miss my homeland. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I’m waiting to go back to my country and being able to live among family and friends.
You can follow Huda's adventures on her blog, HudaSays, and on Instagram. You can also join her Facebook group, A New Girl In Town.
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