Living in Salalah, Oman. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Planning to work remotely from Salalah, Oman? This in-depth guide covers neighborhoods, coworking spaces, cost of living, and local culture, with monthly cost of living around $1,051 and average internet speeds of 129 Mbps. Everything you need to know about living and working in Salalah as a digital nomad.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Salalah, Oman, my home for several months. This charming city on the southern coast of Oman has a unique vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Middle East. With its stunning beaches, lush green mountains, and rich cultural heritage, Salalah is an attractive destination for remote workers looking for a relaxed and inspiring environment. The city’s laid-back atmosphere, combined with its relatively low cost of living and excellent internet connectivity, makes it an ideal spot for Salalah digital nomads.
One of the main reasons I fell in love with Salalah is its distinct seasonal pattern. From June to September, the city experiences a phenomenon called the “Khareef” season, where the surrounding mountains are covered in a lush green blanket of foliage, and the weather is mild and pleasant. This is the perfect time to explore the outdoors, go hiking, or simply enjoy the scenic views. As a digital nomad, I found that the Khareef season was the perfect time to get work done, with the comfortable weather and stunning scenery providing ample inspiration.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to stay in Salalah, there are several options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are a few areas that I recommend:
The cost of living in Salalah is relatively low compared to other major cities in the Middle East. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
Salalah has a relatively fast internet speed, with an average download speed of 42 Mbps. There are several internet service providers to choose from, including Omantel and Ooredoo. A monthly internet plan can cost around OMR 20-50 (approximately $52-130 USD) for a decent speed.
As for coworking spaces, there are a few options in Salalah, including:
Salalah has a small but growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events organized throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
Salalah has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of Arabic and African influences. The city is known for its traditional souks (markets), where you can find everything from spices and perfumes to handicrafts and souvenirs.
The food scene in Salalah is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Omani dishes like shuwa (a slow-cooked meat dish) and machboos (a rice dish with meat or fish). Some popular restaurants include:
As for nightlife, Salalah has a relatively laid-back scene, with a few bars and clubs scattered around the city. Some popular spots include:
Oman offers a relatively straightforward visa process for tourists and digital nomads. Citizens of certain countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, can obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 days. For longer stays, you can apply for a residence visa, which requires a sponsor and can take several weeks to process.
As for digital nomad visas, Oman does not currently offer a specific visa program for remote workers. However, you can apply for a freelance visa, which allows you to work as a freelancer in the country.
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Salalah:
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