Oman

Oman scores high because Islam is the state religion, daily life is publicly Muslim, halal food is normal, and the social climate is calmer than many larger Gulf markets. The score is moderated because the expat ecosystem is smaller and Islamic community options are less varied than in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, or Indonesia.

• The CIA World Factbook estimates Oman as 85.9% Muslim in 2020.
• Omani citizens are overwhelmingly Muslim, with Ibadi and Sunni communities both prominent.
• Muscat offers the strongest mix of masjid access, schools, and expat family services.

Oman is stable and orderly, but long-term residence is usually tied to work, investment, family sponsorship, or a specific approved route. It is less flexible than places with broader remote-worker or retirement ecosystems.

• Employment sponsorship remains a common basis for long-term residence.
• The labor market is smaller than the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Malaysia.
• Families should verify dependent sponsorship and school placement before moving.

Oman scores well for safety, cleanliness, calm pace, natural beauty, and social stability. It is held below the Gulf's highest-service hubs because the market is smaller, public transport is limited, and private school or specialist healthcare options are more concentrated.

• Muscat is the main hub for international schools and private healthcare.
• Oman is attractive for families wanting a quieter Gulf environment.
• Transport usually requires a car, especially outside central Muscat.

Oman can be practical for stable earners who want Gulf safety without Dubai-style intensity. The score is moderated by a narrower job market, car dependence, and expat schooling or housing costs.

• The job market is smaller and more specialized than the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
• A stable offer or business plan matters more than speculative arrival.
• Housing can be calmer and less frantic than Dubai, but family costs still add up.

Oman is accessible for many visitors through electronic visa routes and is easy to scout. The score is not higher because visit access does not create a broad independent residency path.

• Oman uses an official eVisa system for many visitors.
• Scouting Muscat is straightforward, but long-term permission needs a separate basis.
• Passport rules and visa exemptions should be checked close to travel.