By Esraa al Saadi
Van life in Oman not only allows travellers to explore nature but also provides an opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
Oman’s diverse landscape offers an ever-changing canvas of natural wonders. Along the coastal regions, van lifers can park their homes on pristine beaches, waking up to the rhythmic sound of waves and exploring turquoise waters.
One of the greatest advantages of van life in Oman is the ability to unlock the country’s hidden gems. Unlike traditional travel itineraries, van lifers have the luxury of exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and stumbling upon remarkable sites that are often missed by conventional tourists. Whether it’s discovering hidden wadis (dry riverbeds) like Wadi Shab or camping under the starlit skies of Jebel Shams, van lifers in Oman can experience the country’s untouched beauty from a unique perspective.
Understanding the growing need and the emerging trends of travellers to the Sultanate of Oman, Mohammed al Rashdi decided to venture into this territory, hoping to create a different experience for a particular segment of society that might be new to Oman but has long been adored in Europe and the Americas.
Al Rashdi established Van Life Oman in 2019, a company that has gained prominence as one of the companies that specialise in renting, adjusting, and customising vans to suit a traveller’s needs.
Mohammed shared that it all started as an idea, but slowly he worked his way to making it a reality.
When he customised his first van, it was very limited, and he didn’t have the right machines.
“I learned fast that I needed to invest in cutting and welding machines, which are essential when making customisations for a van,” he shared.
Having understood what he needed, he decided to open his own workshop that would enable him to work in a comfortable environment.
His first workshop was located in Al Maabela Industrial Area, but as he added more specialists to the team like mechanics, carpenters, and electricians, he eventually moved his operations to Barka Industrial Area.
“This project requires passion and dedication. There aren’t a lot of companies in Oman that do this kind of thing, so we have to learn on our own and understand what is needed for our business,” he shared.
The company utilises both technology and brilliance in producing practical vans. For instance, it uses certain technologies to reduce water and electricity consumption, operates caravans efficiently using the solar system, and designs the vans in a way that makes use of the spaces as much as possible.
The costs of Van Life Oman caravan designing services can vary from RO3,500 to RO7,000 or more, depending on the size of the van, the internal design, and the qualities and features the customer desires.
Mohammed shared that there have been a few obstacles they have encountered, such as the lack of capital, the novelty of the project’s idea to society, the competition between them and international companies, and the challenges of incorporating new technologies. However, he asserts that they have overcome most of those obstacles and gained a respectable and trustworthy reputation in the market.
Mohammed claims that Van Life Oman’s team not only aims to please their customers by fulfilling their needs but also provides them with more than they expected or imagined.
As van life gains momentum as a top activity in Oman, Mohammed shared that they find satisfaction in being able to provide an option for those seeking to enjoy the country differently. Whether cruising along the coastline or navigating through the majestic mountains, Oman is the perfect location to unlock the spirit of adventure and savour the freedom of van life.
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