Reflections of an expat living in Oman...
Published: 04:05 PM,May 13,2025 | EDITED : 08:05 PM,May 13,2025
As a British person who has lived in many places around the world, I can say with absolute sincerity that no country has ever welcomed me - or moved me - quite like the Sultanate of Oman. The experience of living here is not just a chapter in my life, it is a gift I never anticipated, one that continues to shape my perspective, my values and my sense of belonging.
Oman is often described by travellers as beautiful, peaceful and safe. While all these are true, what makes Oman truly exceptional lies beyond its breathtaking landscapes and modern achievements. It is the people - dignified, warm, generous - and the culture, rooted in humility, hospitality and grace, that set this country apart.
From my earliest days here, I was struck by the effortless kindness shown by Omanis in every interaction, whether in cities or the most remote villages. Strangers greet you as a friend, and hosts treat you as family. There is a civility here that transcends mere politeness, it is part of the national character.
Omanis carry their traditions with quiet pride, and they share them not to impress, but to welcome. The famed Omani hospitality is no cliché - it is a living practice. Invitations into homes are sincere. Coffee and dates are offered not out of obligation, but as a gesture of connection.
You are never made to feel like a foreigner; you are made to feel like a guest, and often, a friend. It is this spirit that makes Oman, without question, the most civilised country I have ever visited. But for me Oman is not just a place to admire from the outside. It is my second home. I am honoured to be married to an Omani woman - an extraordinary person whose strength and warmth reflect the very best of her country.
Through her, I have come to know not just Oman's customs but its soul. Her family - now my family - has embraced me with a love and acceptance that is as generous as it is natural. They have shown me what it means to support one another, not out of duty, but out of deep familial devotion. Living within this extended family has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It has taught me patience, compassion and the quiet strength of togetherness. Here, family is not just a unit, it is a way of life. It is in the shared meals, the community gatherings, the care shown to elders and the joyful inclusion of children in everything. There is wisdom here, passed from generation to generation and it exists not in textbooks but in daily life.
As someone from a culture often defined by speed, independence and individualism, Oman has been a gentle and profound teacher. It has taught me to slow down, to listen and to value the richness of relationships. It has taught me that progress need not come at the expense of tradition, and that modernity can coexist with heritage when both are honoured.
I believe everyone should visit Oman at least once in their lives. Not just to see the mountains of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar or the sands of Rimal Al Sharqiya, or to explore ancient forts or vibrant souqs. Those are remarkable, of course. But the real treasure lies in the people. In their quiet dignity, their sense of honour, their humour and their generosity. A visit to Oman is not just a journey through a beautiful country - it is an encounter with one of the world's most gracious cultures.
Karim Easterbrook
The writer is a former Cambridge School Principal and an Interview Skills Adviser
Oman is often described by travellers as beautiful, peaceful and safe. While all these are true, what makes Oman truly exceptional lies beyond its breathtaking landscapes and modern achievements. It is the people - dignified, warm, generous - and the culture, rooted in humility, hospitality and grace, that set this country apart.
From my earliest days here, I was struck by the effortless kindness shown by Omanis in every interaction, whether in cities or the most remote villages. Strangers greet you as a friend, and hosts treat you as family. There is a civility here that transcends mere politeness, it is part of the national character.
Omanis carry their traditions with quiet pride, and they share them not to impress, but to welcome. The famed Omani hospitality is no cliché - it is a living practice. Invitations into homes are sincere. Coffee and dates are offered not out of obligation, but as a gesture of connection.
You are never made to feel like a foreigner; you are made to feel like a guest, and often, a friend. It is this spirit that makes Oman, without question, the most civilised country I have ever visited. But for me Oman is not just a place to admire from the outside. It is my second home. I am honoured to be married to an Omani woman - an extraordinary person whose strength and warmth reflect the very best of her country.
Through her, I have come to know not just Oman's customs but its soul. Her family - now my family - has embraced me with a love and acceptance that is as generous as it is natural. They have shown me what it means to support one another, not out of duty, but out of deep familial devotion. Living within this extended family has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It has taught me patience, compassion and the quiet strength of togetherness. Here, family is not just a unit, it is a way of life. It is in the shared meals, the community gatherings, the care shown to elders and the joyful inclusion of children in everything. There is wisdom here, passed from generation to generation and it exists not in textbooks but in daily life.
As someone from a culture often defined by speed, independence and individualism, Oman has been a gentle and profound teacher. It has taught me to slow down, to listen and to value the richness of relationships. It has taught me that progress need not come at the expense of tradition, and that modernity can coexist with heritage when both are honoured.
I believe everyone should visit Oman at least once in their lives. Not just to see the mountains of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar or the sands of Rimal Al Sharqiya, or to explore ancient forts or vibrant souqs. Those are remarkable, of course. But the real treasure lies in the people. In their quiet dignity, their sense of honour, their humour and their generosity. A visit to Oman is not just a journey through a beautiful country - it is an encounter with one of the world's most gracious cultures.
Karim Easterbrook
The writer is a former Cambridge School Principal and an Interview Skills Adviser