Muscat: a calm Gulf capital between the Hajar Mountains and the sea

The expat scene: Most foreigners in Muscat are here on an employer's sponsorship, so the community leans toward working professionals and their families rather than nomads or retirees. Oman as a whole was 43% expatriate in July 2023, so you won't be the only newcomer on your street. Learn the social rules before you sign a lease: it's illegal for unmarried couples of the opposite sex to live together, and having alcohol outside the rules or driving after drinking can get you arrested. Dress modestly in public; the State Department advises against sleeveless tops and shorts.

Healthcare: Care isn't free for most foreigners, so coverage matters. The Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital are Oman's best-known public hospitals, and both are in Muscat, but expats mostly use private hospitals such as Muscat Private Hospital and Starcare Hospital. Employers must provide basic insurance for staff and dependents under Oman's compulsory health insurance law. Coming without an employer, you'll arrange an international plan, and the State Department recommends medical evacuation coverage too. Mental health care is thin: psychological and psychiatric services are limited.

Internet and remote work: Home internet averages about $70 a month in our data. VPN and VoIP use is restricted and can bring penalties, which matters if you work remotely or call home over apps. Oman has no digital nomad visa, so remote work here usually rides on another residence route.

Schools: The American International School of Muscat (TAISM), in Ghala, has offered Oman's only American-based program since 1998 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Families wanting a British curriculum look at the British School Muscat.

LGBTQ expats: Muscat isn't a place to live openly. Consensual same-sex conduct is illegal, with jail terms of six months to three years. Most LGBTQ Americans will be better served by another country.

Black Americans: We couldn't find reliable, recent first-hand reporting on daily life for Black Americans in Muscat, and the State Department's Oman page doesn't address it. Before committing, talk with Black Americans who have lived in Oman or elsewhere in the Gulf, and spend time in the city on a scouting trip.

Limited mobility: Hard going. The State Department says to expect limited access in older buildings, including government buildings and schools, and handicapped parking is scarce. Sidewalks are inconsistent in a city designed around cars, so a wheelchair user will depend on a car or adapted taxi for most trips. Newer malls and hotels are the easiest places to get around. In September 2026, Muscat Governorate began surveying public and private buildings for disability access, so expect slow improvement, and check any apartment's elevator and entrance in person.

Retirement: Muscat works for retirees with a large fixed income. Oman's retiree residence asks for OMR 4,000 a month (about $10,400), plus health insurance and a home you own or rent long term, so Social Security alone won't qualify. Other routes run through buying property or investing. Our retirement visa guide compares options worldwide, and our Oman moving guide covers each route. The trade-off retirees feel daily is heat: even October still averages highs near 90F.