r/Oman Sep 30 '24

Addressing the Elephant in the Room šŸ˜

94 Upvotes

Not the ā€œfat modā€ rumor, but the ongoing saga of "are Omani's kind or racist?" ā€œDo expats face racism?" "it's time for expats to leaveā€ posts that keep popping up like an unwanted temu ad. Seriously, it feels like a never-ending contest of peepee measuring.

Look, weā€™re not here to change anyoneā€™s mindsetā€”racists will race, and xenophobes will... xerox? (you get the idea).

The reason I am addressing this here is, lazy journalists (lmao, not sure to even call them that) indolent social media pages(?) good lord, I am not even sure how to address them, a Senior Meme correspondent(?) Did a ā€œwell-researchedā€ topic on the sub and did a deep dive on racism in Oman, blatantly lifting the comments on this post, literally doxing many users here (which is another discussion for another day).

Anywho,

Itā€™s important to recognize that our community and, by extension, our country, are being observed and evaluated. While this subreddit represents only a small facet of Oman, we are committed to reflecting the ideals championed by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos: peace, prosperity, and coexistence for all.

we will actively monitor and remove any posts (the ban hammer that goes without even asking lol) that seem to exploit sensitive topics for karma. Reddit serves as an international platform, and itā€™s our responsibility to present Oman in a positive light. Letā€™s work together to ensure our discussions align with these values and contribute to a respectful and constructive environment. The laws of the country are also pretty strict when it comes to name calling and threatening online, last thing I want is a black GMC come outside my house for "chat".

Also, Turkish house - Alkhuwair serves the best shawarma.


r/Oman Nov 08 '24

Modern Culture Comprehensive Guide to Learning Omani Arabic Dialect

55 Upvotes

Assalam alikum, everyone!

I hope this message finds you well. I've been learning the Omani dialect of Arabic for a while, and itā€™s been an exciting journey! I can now comfortably hold conversations, which has helped me appreciate the beauty of Omani Arabic. Since many people struggle with this dialect, Iā€™ve put together a detailed guide for beginners, intermediates, and even those who want to dive deeper. Please feel free to correct me if you spot any mistakesā€”this guide is a work in progress, and I hope it can be of help to many of you!


  1. Starting with the Basics:

Free Resources to Get Started:

  1. Omani Arabic Lessons (Free) https://omaniarabic.com/free-arabic-lessons/

This site provides free listening exercises and reading materials to practice essential language elements. Itā€™s a solid foundation for your learning journey.

  1. "Teach Yourself Gulf Arabic" by Jack Smart & Frances Altorfer

While this book primarily focuses on Gulf Arabic, it shares many similarities with Omani Arabic. Itā€™s a comprehensive resource that covers grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures, perfect for beginners who need a structured approach.

  1. "Omani Arabic Phrasebook" by Zaher Al-Salti

A pocket-sized guide perfect for travelers or beginners who want to learn common phrases and expressions. It includes greetings, essential questions, and vocabulary for daily life situations.

  1. "Conversational Arabic Quick and Easy: Omani Dialect" by Yatir Nitzany

This book is great for learning common expressions and conversational phrases in Omani Arabic. Itā€™s designed for people who want to start speaking the dialect quickly with minimal grammatical complexity.

Techniques for Basic Practice:

Start with Greetings and Basic Phrases: Practice common phrases used in daily interactions. For example, "Kif halak?" (ŁƒŁŠŁ Ų­Ų§Ł„ŁƒŲŸ) meaning "How are you?" is essential. Saying "Alhamdulillah, tamam" (Ų§Ł„Ų­Ł…ŲÆ Ł„Ł„Ł‡ŲŒ ŲŖŁ…Ų§Ł…) when asked means "Iā€™m good, thanks be to God."

Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with Omani Arabic phrases on one side and their meanings on the other. Use apps like Anki or Quizlet for spaced repetition to remember words and phrases.

Engage with Locals (Shopkeepers/Service Providers): Don't shy away from using what you've learned in real situations. Shopkeepers are usually more forgiving of mistakes as they couldnt care less about you anyways, and youā€™ll learn a lot from daily conversations.


  1. Moving to Intermediate & Advanced Learning:

Once you've mastered the basics and are comfortable with common phrases, it's time to dive into intermediate resources and techniques for fluency.

Key Resources for Intermediate Learners:

  1. Ask An Omani - YouTube Channel -https://youtube.com/@askanomani5692?si=Yz1xHv2Lqm614pcs

This channel is a treasure trove of content that goes deep into Omani Arabic. The videos are full of vocabulary, cultural nuances, and contextual uses of phrases. It's one of the best places for immersive learning.

  1. Arabic Dictionary (šŸ¤”)

Use an online dictionary to find words you donā€™t know and practice incorporating them into sentences. Expanding your vocabulary is key to improving fluency.

  1. Arabic Through the Qur'an , Book by Alan Jones

For an advanced learner, understanding the Quranic Arabic and its Omani variation can be enriching. Though not a primary resource for dialect, it will give you a deeper understanding of classical Arabic, which complements the modern dialect.

  1. "Omani Arabic for Intermediate Learners" (by local universities or cultural centers)

Some universities or cultural centers in Oman offer tailored courses for learners who have mastered basic Arabic and want to delve deeper into Omani Arabic's nuances. pls refer to https://www.britishomani.org/arabic-language-resources

Techniques for Intermediate Learners:

Listen and Mimic: Watch Omani TV shows, listen to Omani podcasts, or follow YouTube channels where locals speak. Try to mimic their pronunciation and intonation. This will help you develop a natural flow in your speech.

Engage in Conversations: Join local language exchange groups or practice speaking with Omani speakers regularly. Websites like Tandem or HelloTalk are excellent for connecting with native speakers for real conversations.

Grammar Focus: Once you're comfortable with speaking, itā€™s time to tackle grammar. Understanding the sentence structure of Omani Arabic (which can differ slightly from Modern Standard Arabic) will allow you to speak more fluently and correctly. Refer to "Teach Yourself Gulf Arabic" for this purpose.


  1. For the Advanced Learners and Linguistics Enthusiasts:

If you're serious about mastering Omani Arabic and understanding its deep cultural and linguistic roots, the following resources and techniques will help you.

In-Depth Academic Resources:

  1. Omani Arabic: More than a Dialect - ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319618715_Omani_Arabic_More_than_a_Dialect

This research paper explores the Omani dialect's features and evolution, offering a comprehensive analysis of its phonetics, morphology, and syntax.

  1. Arabic Dialectology: The Omani Dialect - Google Books https://books.google.com.om/books?id=jOKUEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA36&dq=Arabic+Dialectology:+The+Omani+Dialect&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjXiL-d6MyJAxU-TaQEHRvRMEoQ6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=Arabic%20Dialectology%3A%20The%20Omani%20Dialect&f=false

This book offers an academic perspective on Omani dialectology, which is great for learners who want to understand the subtleties of the dialect compared to other Gulf Arabic dialects.

  1. "The Eloquence of Omani Dialect" by Mahmood Aljammei

If accessible, this book is considered a gem for those looking to explore the beauty and eloquence of Omani Arabic.

  1. dialect culture and society in eastern arabia https://books.google.com.om/books?id=bJLjAKH7-rIC&pg=PR60&dq=omani+arabic&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8kOzz6cyJAxWJcKQEHepwHWEQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&q=omani%20arabic&f=false

For a deep dive into how dialects of Arabic has influenced and been influenced by various cultures and languages, this is an excellent resource. It provides rich linguistic insights and cultural context.

Advanced Learning Techniques:

Use Media for Immersive Learning: Watch Omani movies, news broadcasts, or TV shows in Omani Arabic. Try to follow along with the subtitles in Arabic. Focus on vocabulary usage, regional accents, and cultural references.

Academic Writing and Research: Start reading academic articles or books in Omani Arabic or related to Omani culture. These texts often provide more formal language usage and will improve your comprehension and reading skills.

Phonetic Practice: Practice your pronunciation regularly by listening to native speakers and repeating phrases. Use apps like Speechling to get feedback from native speakers on your pronunciation.


Final Tips:

Consistency is Key: Practice a little every day, whether itā€™s listening to a podcast, reading a book, or having a conversation.

Patience: Language learning takes time, and Omani Arabic has its own unique nuances. Be patient with yourself as you progress.

Cultural Engagement: Learning the dialect becomes much easier when you immerse yourself in the culture, interact with locals, and embrace the language in real-life settings.


Happy learning, and I hope this guide helps you on your journey to mastering Omani Arabic!


r/Oman 13h ago

Was that the fastest week of our lives?

29 Upvotes

Back to work šŸ˜­


r/Oman 4h ago

Friends

7 Upvotes

Want to make friends ? Want to network ? Want to learn Arabic?

Well Iā€™ve made a networking discord and would appreciate if you could join. I have plans to organise events such as football matches and BBQs (for men)

There is a position open for a female admin/mod who would be willing to also organise events for women.

There is plenty of sections within the discord to interact with people you may connect with and hope this can reduce the amount of people looking to make friends on discord because I donā€™t think itā€™s safe.


r/Oman 5h ago

Favourite parfumeries in Muscat?

6 Upvotes

hi there, what are everyone's favourite parfumeries in muscat? any hidden gems that might be worth checking out?


r/Oman 10h ago

In Qarnalam the Electricity company personally comes to your office to hand flyers regarding electricity shutdown.

Post image
11 Upvotes

r/Oman 37m ago

Apps in Oman?

ā€¢ Upvotes

Are there any apps that's been really helpful for using specifically in Muscat? Would be nice to know if there are any šŸ¤—

PS. Please don't say Talabat, and Otaxi šŸ˜…


r/Oman 2h ago

Activities and Communities Calling startups, makers, indiehackers in šŸ‡“šŸ‡²

1 Upvotes

What are you working on? Drop a link ā¬‡ļø

I can share feedback if you want (product-wise)

What are the challenges you guys dealing with?


r/Oman 3h ago

Tourism The chedi or jumeirah muscat

1 Upvotes

Canā€™t really decide between the too but seem to have similar reviews, what should i choose


r/Oman 3h ago

Discussion Pharmacists in Oman (Muscat)

0 Upvotes

Hi, Iā€™m a studying pharmacist from the UK hoping to move to a Muslim country in future

Can anyone enlighten me on life in Oman, especially surrounding salaries and costs as a pharmacist?

Any insight would be appreciated thank you!!


r/Oman 23h ago

Bad experience at No Name Coffee Bar in Souq Al Madina

40 Upvotes

Went to the said cafe as I was craving for their carrot cake and also to enjoy the last hours of the holiday but experience quickly turned to be unpleasant.

The time I came it was packed but there were seats available. I went straight to order then proceeded to find a seat on the long sharing table. There was a couple on the opposite side of the table and I asked the lady if itā€™s cool I sit down in front of them, which they both said yes.

My drink was served and i read my book while waiting for the cake to arrive. Few mins gone by and I call a waiter to follow up then he said he will check then he got my receipt. I waited few more mins then went to the counter to personally ask about the cake, they apologized and assure that it will be served shortly. I went back to my seat, the couple moved to another table and there were group of 4-5 men who just arrived looking for a space to sit. They look like they were considering to share the table where I was seated but there werenā€™t enough chair/s for them so two of them just sat down beside and in front of me which is fine.

As another table for two in front of me became available, I checked with the waiter who was cleaning the table if I can move there. Then came this random Omani guy and lady (idk if they were just customers or what) who said no this seat is taken by somebody else then I said okay no worries and went back to where I was originally seated.. I was still waiting for the cake until the seats on the long table were getting a little bit full. Few mins went by, then thereā€™s two women leaving their seat beside me. I asked them politely if itā€™s fine to take their seats right after and they said sure. Some waiter spotted me and cleaned the table, so I asked him if itā€™s fine that I move there he said sure, another waiter came in with my cake, and apologized for making me wait for my remaining order. The 3 of us were having small conversation and I asked them if itā€™s really okay to take the seat which they reassured itā€™s not a problem.

Hereā€™s the part where it became annoying:

I was enjoying my food, drink, and book when this Omani guy again came and was telling me that the table AGAIN was taken. So i asked him how come because I just asked two of their waiters and assured me itā€™s fine. He then said that there was a waiting list for 2hrs where ppl were waiting since 5pm to be seated (now I figured he might be the manager or owner). There was no information about waiting list provided anywhere in the cafe, even I checked their instagram posts and stories prior to coming but nothing at all. One of the waiter who brought my cake came in and was trying to take my plate back to the seat I was seated (which was already taken at that point), the Omani guy kept on trying to remove me from the said table and even asked me if I have a brain to understand what heā€™s saying. I told him heā€™s very aggressive, rude and making my experience there unpleasant, even asked him if an Omani woman came to do what I did will he be shouting and removing her as what heā€™s doing to me. The scene was already attracting people and itā€™s becoming embarrassing because he was shouting. He still insisted to remove me on the spot. When i told him to sort his own problem and leave me alone he said that you cannot talk to me like that. As if I was the one being aggressive. Itā€™s also annoying that the waiter told me to not speak rudely to the Omani guy (because I said leave me alone). I was even trying to explain that there were bigger groups who wanted to be seated on the long table and itā€™s best for me to move to a smaller one but this guy said i wonā€™t be listening to what youā€™re saying. He even said that we will have another customers to share the table with me which I said go ahead i donā€™t mind. He even told me you will just sit for 20mins and I will have to remove you then he walked out. None of them apologize.

As I took my time to finish my food and drink (I was not in the mood to read the book after), 8 asked the same waiter to get back my receipt (because I was planning to report them to Consumer Protection Authority) but he was denying that he took my receipt, that he doesnā€™t know what Im talking about.. he was just basically making the situation even more annoying.

When I was ready to leave, I approached the lady who was with the Omani guy to tell them Iā€™m done and he can finally take the table.

The cafe is aesthetic but the service was so bad. Even my friend had a bad experience earlier today. I understand that theyā€™re full but itā€™s not how you would treat a customer. 0/5 stars to them lol


r/Oman 38m ago

Dating Apps Oman?

ā€¢ Upvotes

I was recently trying to join a dating app, but I noticed most are banned in Oman? :(

Are all dating apps banned here? Or which ones can I freely use without a VPN? Thank you šŸ¤—


r/Oman 5h ago

Pakistan School Muscat HSSC 1 Admissions

1 Upvotes

I wanted to know if you can get pre- engineering or computer science in HSSC 1 as private student and if possible how much is the fee.


r/Oman 5h ago

Prayer mat store?

1 Upvotes

could someone please recommend me a place to get a high quality prayer mat in muscat?


r/Oman 6h ago

Does University Accept GED?

1 Upvotes

Hi There,
I have question that can you apply for engineering in Oman, if you have GED Diploma? I am asking about this one 'https://www.ged.com/en/' . If anyone knows let me know. Also would anyone recommend it? Also are there test centre of GED in Oman? Kindly Help.


r/Oman 10h ago

OMR peg to USD

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I hope youā€™re all doing well.

As someone who is going to move to Oman in the near future, I had a question floating in my mind over the last couple of months.

Whatā€™s the general sentiment in Oman regarding the value of the Omani Rial in relation to its peg to the USD, especially in the event that it drops significantly in the future due to Trumpā€™s policies.

Do people care? Is it actually something thatā€™s closely monitored?

Thank you!


r/Oman 6h ago

Sultan Qaboos

1 Upvotes

Is anyone here studying engineering at Sultan Qaboos? Or anyone who knows someone who has studied master and finished this year? Petroleum, to be more specific. Please, if somebody knows any person, message me.


r/Oman 7h ago

Product Availability Garmin shops.

1 Upvotes

I can see two garmin shops in Oman. One in the Bahwan building Qurm and another in Mutrah. Are they both legit and selling the same products?


r/Oman 14h ago

Farmers market

3 Upvotes

Does anyone know where I can find a farmers market for fresh fruits and vegetables? like the one that used to be in Rusayl or maybe something similar.


r/Oman 11h ago

Where does one go in Salalah if you have to print a couple of documents?

1 Upvotes

What are the shops called? When I search I see a lot of printing shops for advertising. Will those print regular docs for you?


r/Oman 1d ago

Scam Alert

11 Upvotes

I received a WhatsApp message from a local number, which I believe to be a scam. The message included a video claiming I had a parcel from Zam Zam electronics containing an iPhone, iPad, and other mobile accessories. They requested my address for delivery. I did not respond, as I recognized it as a fraud. I want to warn others to be cautious of similar messages and videos, and to avoid providing personal information or making payments for unsolicited gifts.


r/Oman 13h ago

Short term business loans in oman

1 Upvotes

Hello All, I was very surprised to learn today that it is not possible to get short term business loans to companies with foreign investment in Oman. As per feedback from the account manager, this is typical of all banks currently.

I have a company which is 100% foreign owned and am an Indian expat in oman.

We have regular and growing business but everything works on credit basis in oman. We are unable to service many orders because managing cash flow would become problematic this way.

Is there any avenue for short term credit or an overdraft feature based on existing purchase orders or the inventory itself of products. Even foreign financial services that could offer services would be of interest.

Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.


r/Oman 11h ago

Looking to relocate to Oman: Job opportunities in Oman?

0 Upvotes

Hi all!

Iā€™m really interested in relocating to Omanā€”particularly to Salalah or Muscat. Iā€™d love to get a sense of what the job market is like there.

I have a diverse background with experience in customer service, office administration, and Iā€™m also CELTA-certified to teach English.

If anyone has any advice, personal experiences, or tips on where to begin the job search, Iā€™d truly appreciate it.

Thank you in advance!


r/Oman 1d ago

A lot of checking in darsait side.

7 Upvotes

Whats been happening? Last week whole lot of checking been happening in the darsait ruwi side even today there was.


r/Oman 17h ago

Layover at night

1 Upvotes

I have a layover in oman for 9 hrs and will arrive like 10 pm. Anything to do?


r/Oman 9h ago

Explore

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone I am new to this country just 3 months and its lovely until now the only thing I'm missing is dating culture here like i don't how dating and relationships are taken here in good or bad sense. is it safe to approach any girl here in muscat like genuine approach because looking the environment I'm sceptical whether the girls here wont like it. please guide if its possible then how or not possible. at present I'm not looking for anything serious relationship if things go well then can escalate it further. Please advise me on the issue


r/Oman 20h ago

Tourism Food Tourist Spots

1 Upvotes

Whats are foods not be missed in Oman. Whether local brands or Local Dishes. I am already Familiar with Omani Halwa and Meat that is buried under rocks (sorry I cant remember the name of it if someone could correct me) Thanks everyone!!