Oman

Oman

Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, Yemen to the southwest, and has coastlines along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Oman is known for its mountainous landscapes, desert terrain, and strategic maritime position.

Oman covers an area of approximately 309,500 square kilometres and has a population of around 5.4 million people as of 2025–2026.

Key Country Information

  • Capital City: Muscat
  • Head of State (Sultan): Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
  • Official Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
  • International Dialing Code: +968

Population and Economy

Oman has a population of approximately 5.4 million. The economy is largely dependent on oil and natural gas, though the government has been actively diversifying into tourism, logistics, fisheries, and manufacturing.

Foreign nationals play a significant role in the workforce, with employment opportunities in construction, oil and gas, healthcare, education, hospitality, and technology. Oman relies heavily on expatriate labor for both skilled and unskilled jobs.

International Memberships

  • United Nations (UN): Member since 1971
  • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Member since 1981
  • World Trade Organization (WTO): Member since 2000
  • Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – Observer: Not a full member

Living and Working in Oman

Foreign nationals require a residence visa and work permit to legally work in Oman. Employment typically requires sponsorship by a local employer. Salaries and benefits vary widely by sector, with oil, management, and healthcare roles offering higher compensation.

The cost of living in Oman is moderate, with housing and schooling being the main expenses for expatriates. English is widely used in business, government, and education.

Summary

Oman is a stable and strategically located country in the Arabian Peninsula with a growing economy. It offers a variety of opportunities for foreign workers, especially in the oil, construction, and service sectors. As a member of the UN and GCC, Oman is active in regional cooperation and international trade.