An InterNations survey has ranked cities and countries based on a survey conducted among expatriates.
In 2022, a total of 11,970 expatriates took part in the survey, representing 177 nationalities and living in 181 countries or territories across the world, following which the Expat City Ranking 2022 was released.
About the Sultanate of Oman, the survey said housing is easy to find and afford, and expatriates do not struggle to settle in.
Expats find it very easy to find their footing in Oman, as the country ranks 5th out of 52 in the Ease of Settling Index. In fact, nearly four in five expatriates in the Sultanate of Oman (79 percent) feel welcome there (vs. 66 percent globally).
The country ranks third in the Local Friendliness Subcategory, with 89 percent describing the Omanis as generally friendly towards foreign residents (vs. 65 percent globally).
In fact, Oman ranks second worldwide for general friendliness towards foreign residents, only beaten by Mexico.
With a friendly and welcoming culture, Finding Friends is also a high point. Oman ranks tenth in this subcategory.
Nearly two in three expatriates in Oman (65 percent) find it easy to make local friends (vs. 42 percent globally).
Close to two-thirds of expatriates (63 percent) have a personal support network in Oman (vs. 59 percent globally), and 73 percent find it easy to get used to the local culture (vs. 62 percent globally).
More than one-third (34 percent) even find it very easy, compared to 24 percent globally.
Additionally, it is easy to live in the Sultanate of Oman without speaking the local language (75 percent vs. 51 percent globally).
Oman falls short when it comes to Leisure Options (46th): 15 percent are not satisfied with the opportunities for recreational sports (vs. 11 expatriates globally).
It also seems hard to get to the activities since the country ranks in the bottom 10 for both the affordability (46th) and the availability (52nd) of public transportation.
While 73 percent of expatriates find it easy to get around on foot and/or by bicycle vs. 77 percent globally), they are happiest with the infrastructure for cars (91 percent vs. 75 percent globally).
Expats are generally satisfied with the Environment & Climate (20th). Especially concerning air quality, Oman only narrowly misses the top 10 (11th). Respondents find that the government supports policies to protect the environment (70 percent vs. 61 percent globally).
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
