Oman National Day

Oman has a grandiose history. However, what is most relevant for the world to sit up and notice about, is what Oman has achieved since the 1970s.

In 1970, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos  Bin Said acceded to the throne, the growth in industry and infrastructure since then has been radical. In the 1960s, the same households that lived without electricity, roads and used water out of Falaj streams, had them all inclusive of free education and medical help by the end of the 1970s. By the early 1990s, the worst nightmare for an Omani is the AC not working, a necessity that did not exist just a few decades earlier.

How many of you have a picture in the Corniche back then and now?

Oratory and harangues by political leaders have either been cliché and archived to the ash heap of history and viral twitter humor or have been phenomenal and erudite, setting vision about the path of progress and inspiring listeners with an unrelenting hold encouraging them to action . Like PM Narendra Modi, President Barrack Obama to King George VI, HM Sultan Qaboos maintains this oratory ritual of delivering speeches every National Day ever since the first historical speech on July 23rd 1970  (which is often referenced by Omanis about the "new Oman").

With over 4 decades of Renaissance, Oman has put in place a world-class infrastructure in terms of roads, flyovers, hospitals, schools, universities, ports, airports, industrial estates, transport and communication and continues its march towards all-round development.

Oman is still in its early stages of setting up railway system.  Muscat International and Salalah International Airport including three regional airports are under development and several projects specifically leisure resorts, golf courses and hotels are planned / underway to boost the tourism sector.  Concentration on human resource development continues to be the base of sustainable development policies adopted by the Sultanate. Huge attention is being paid towards the welfare and development of citizens considering the basic role to be played by them as a resource in the continuing development of the Sultanate.

As we all enjoy the long weekend, city light up in decorations and fireworks this 44th National Day,  we wish His Majesty and everyone in Oman with peace, health, prosperity and success.

Read more at www.omanforamericans.wordpress.com

6 Top Winter Activities in Muscat by Vaishnav Ramesh

So with winter round the corner all of us are sure looking forward to it. I've been here only 5 months as on date so I'm really looking forward to winter in Oman - my first winter experience in Oman, more so because all I've heard right from time I landed till date is the beauty of winter in Oman - so that makes it all the more curious.

So here are a couple of things we can indulge in making the best use of winter.

1) Take your machine on a drive - One thing that has been giving me utmost pleasure in Oman is the fantastic road infrastructure. In this part of world with such pleasure-to-drive roads and extremely cheap fuel the best option would be is to endlessly keep driving, go on long distant drives, a desert safari. You could pretty much do anything by yourself when you go on a drive. 

2) Go Camping - This is one thing that is so common in this part of the world. Just the fact that you've such lovely landscapes around, good cars and roads to drive, camping somewhere on the outskirts would be a good option too

3) Take a stroll on the beach with your loved ones - The best chance to start work-life balance! 

Considering the life we all live in money plays so much importance. We are all dragged into the maddening rat race of business and personal chores. But, as we all know it there's more to life - End your hard days of work by taking your family to the beach, go on and walk with them and have a good laugh. With winter around you don't have to be worried about sweating. It's no-sweat time, literally!

4) Start that long pending exercise you've been wanting to start - Ever since! 

I'm sure most of us have been wanting to hit the gym to stay fit. Instead how about a jog? Save the buck and may be start running - trust me you will love it!

5) Sit by the beach and there's so much you can do - Spend time talking, or make some barbecue or just read a good book - the best way to let your creative brain work. Oh well, if you're making some barbecue please make sure you invite me. 

6) Karak Tea - If you're a tea lover let's forget the fancy swanky coffee shops (I love them but let's have a change). Stop by one of these small tea shops and experience the Hot karak tea. We will let you experience it rather than us explaining it to you. 

These are some of the suggestions I've to offer at the moment. If you've more please feel free to suggest and share so that I make sure my first winter in oman is exciting.

Thank you!

Regards,

Vaishnav Ramesh

(A member of the Muscat-Where Can I Find Community Writing Team. If you would like to contact Vaishnav, his email address is vaish1703@gmail.com)

What tips would you offer up to Muscat Newbies?

In our MWCIF survey we found 17% of members were newbies to Oman or had been in the country less than 1 year.  So the following on question to this survey is

'What top tips would you offer up to Muscat Newbies?

answers below in the comments section please. :)

cheers

P.S. if you want to see the survey we took check out the November newsletter.  

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