OmanPride: Oman residents share their views of the Sultanate

#ReadersResponses: Oman has always been a land of peace and tranquillity, and it’s provided a backdrop for many residents to learn many lessons of life that have stayed with them since. Times of Oman reached out to residents in the Sultanate, who had much to say about their experiences in the nation, and how it had enriched them.

“The biggest lesson learned after I reached Oman was that I found myself,” recalled Carmen Storck. “This country is full of peace and harmony and opened my eyes to the important things in life. It makes me happy to stay in this beautiful country with wonderful people, every day.”

“The lessons of Oman go beyond the hospitality of the Omanis and its deserved status as an oasis of peace under his Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, to include the diversity that the country has to offer in terms of architecture, such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the adventurous offroading in the wadis and mountains, the multiple choices of wonderful hotels, the wide range of sea life to explore, including dolphins, turtles, and whales, and the vast amount of world heritage sights and greenery around,” added Rowland Daniel, another expat in the Sultanate. “Oman is truly a wonderful place in the Middle East to visit.”

Oman’s worldwide reputation for peace and tolerance was one that was touched upon by many residents. Pakistan native Syed Iftekhar Shah was one of them. “I learned here how to practice patience and have a down to earth attitude,” he told the Times of Oman. “Above all, I learned about having abundant belief in the Almighty, when my driving instructor told me to keep the faith, even after I’d failed my test thrice. I think I am grateful to God for settling us here in peace.”

“I have learned much from the Omanis,” said Sarfaraz Ansari. “Humanity, cleanliness, hospitality, a down to earth attitude, and helping nature are just a few examples of these. That’s what Oman and Omanis are all about.” The kind, selfless nature of Omanis, too, seemed to rub off on expats living in the Sultanate. “The best thing about Oman has to be her people, who are friendly and tolerant, sharing and humble,” said Shagufta Aziz.

“Next on the list for me has to be architecture: The way city is laid out is incredible and totally environment-friendly. There are no high rise buildings and no glass facades, which helps not only in conserving heritage, but also contributing towards temperature control a bit, which is pretty beneficial for a country like Oman. It’s like the Greece of the Middle East.”

“After that, another lesson I’ve learned here would be the conservation of beaches and other places,” Aziz added. “Unlike other places in the world, there are no commercialised or crowded spots and it still gives off a pretty natural experience. In my opinion, that must be conserved in its natural form.”

“I’ve been living here for nine years, and Oman is definitely a land of peace,” added Ann Shah Ariffin. “A country and nation that has its own unique sense of calm, which has taught me the necessity of sometimes being laid back and developing a humble character where ever I go. Oman is the best getaway for you if your life and mind need a total overhaul.”
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