Tuesday 30 / June / 2026
I had been working in Qatar for nearly five years when I first heard about Oman—a country renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Although Qatar is geographically much smaller than Oman, it was far less developed in 2012 than it is today.
Preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 had just begun, and the country’s skyline was undergoing a dramatic transformation, with construction projects visible everywhere.
When I had the opportunity to visit Qatar again last year, I could barely recognise it. The modest airport I remembered from 2012 had been replaced by a world-class aviation hub. The scale of development was astonishing, and I was amazed by how much the country had changed within a decade.
My own journey to Oman began in April 2012 when I accepted a job with a media organisation in Muscat.
I landed late at night at the Seeb Airport, which was much smaller and quieter than today’s Muscat International Airport. The company driver was waiting for me with a placard bearing my name. As we drove towards the city, I was captivated by the wide, well-lit roads lined with greenery. Equally striking were the neat rows of low-rise buildings painted in similar shades, creating a unique and harmonious cityscape.
Enjoying the peaceful drive, I arrived at a hotel in Darsait, which would be my home for the next fifteen days until I found permanent accommodation.
Alone in my room, my first thought was to call my family and let them know that I had arrived safely. However, I did not yet have a local SIM card. The driver assured me that he would arrange one the following morning.
When I finally received the hotel’s Wi-Fi password, I discovered that Skype and Google services commonly used for international calls were unavailable at the time.
Having become accustomed to using them in Qatar, I felt frustrated and disconnected. Thankfully, a helpful gentleman suggested Yahoo Messenger, which became my lifeline to family and friends back home.
The hotel food was rather expensive, so I began exploring nearby restaurants. I soon found a place serving a hearty vegetarian thali, which was both delicious and affordable.
My routine became simple: a substantial lunch that was enough to keep me going through the evening. I followed this pattern throughout my stay at the hotel.
During my first day at work, I used the company transport. Later, I started commuting by the orange taxis that are common in Muscat.
Being unfamiliar with the local transport system, I once attempted to stop a vehicle used for training young drivers, not realising it was not a taxi. The driver understandably ignored my signal.
Eventually, an orange taxi stopped and took me to the Sheraton Roundabout area. The driver charged me one Omani rial for what was a very short journey. Unaware that I had been overcharged, I casually mentioned the fare to my colleagues at the office. They immediately informed me that the trip should have cost only about 300 baisas.
That experience taught me an important lesson. From then on, I became more careful and always agreed on the fare before starting a journey.
More than fourteen years have passed since that first night in Oman. Over the years, I have grown older and wiser, but my affection for this beautiful country has remained unchanged. Oman has given me professional opportunities, unforgettable experiences, lasting friendships, and countless memories.
What began as a new job in a foreign land gradually evolved into a deep connection with a country that I now proudly consider my second home. Even after all these years, my love affair with Oman continues without a hitch.
