Living and Working in Oman

The second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman sits in one of the most geographically strategic locations in the world. With an economy fuelled by large oil and natural gas reserves, the Sultan of Oman has been able to transform this rugged country from a regional backwater to a highly modern international locale. Still in the shadow of Dubai and Saudi Arabia, Oman is increasingly attracting the attention of foreigners, both for business and leisure purposes. Though very open to western ideas, Oman retains its traditional cultural and religious values that are far more conservative than westerners will be used to. Moreover, the large numbers of foreign workers, especially from India, Pakistan and China, add an additional cultural element which international assignees must understand in order to have a successful experience living and working in Oman.

Communicaid’s Living & Working in Oman courses are designed to respond to the needs of international assignees by providing practical information and advice on the various aspects of living and working in Oman. By completing a Living and Working in Oman course, you will have a thorough understanding of Omani culture which will help you counter any preconceived misconceptions or stereotypes so you and your family can have a more positive and successful experience living and working in Oman.

Benefits

A Communicaid Living and Working in Oman course will provide you with:

- An in-depth overview of Omani culture including information about its geography,   demographics and history.
- An introduction to Islam and how it impacts society and business in Oman
- An understanding of Omani politics and its position in the Middle East and the world
- A review of Oman’s current economic situation and progressive growth
- Key communication tools and skills to understand and respond to business and social   subtleties and nuances of Omani culture
- An awareness of culture and country shock and strategies for coping with it
- Essential practical information to improve your experience of living and working in the Oman

Who should attend

Living and Working in Oman will be of benefit to you if you:

- Are about to relocate or have just relocated to Oman for business purposes
- Work on short-term assignments or projects in Oman
- Spend periods of time in Oman for business

Course Content

All our Living and Working in Oman training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their personal and/or organisational requirements and existing skills set. A Living and Working in Oman course typically includes:

- An introduction to the history, politics and economy of Oman
- Information about Omani people and Omani society: urban vs. rural, impact of Islam
- Discussions to help break down any preconceptions and stereotypes of Oman
- Major cities and regional diversity in Oman
- Practical information on living and working in Oman
- Attitudes towards women and foreigners
- Managing culture and country shock
- Omani social and business etiquette: greetings, gift giving, invitations, privacy
- Key attitudes and values in Omani business culture: relationships, hierarchy, honour
- Working practices in Oman including meetings and presentations
- Strategies for effective business communication, whether face-to-face or virtual
- Tips and advice for successful living and working in Oman

Approach

Living and Working in Oman courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our training centres in London, Paris, Frankfurt and New York or at your offices in any location worldwide. We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.

Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input, activities and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.

The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your Living and Working in Oman course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy.

Living and Working in Oman Course Trainer

Your Living and Working in Oman trainer will be assigned to you following the results of your diagnostic consultancy according to your objectives and areas of focus. Detailed below is the profile of a member of our Cultural Awareness Training team.

DM

DM has travelled extensively throughout her 30 year professional career, and has visited more than 135 countries on five continents. She has been travelling to the Middle East regularly since 1978.

DM was Middle East Sales Manager for a Fortune 500 IT company for several years in the 1990s and early 2000s, running a territory from a regional hub in Dubai that extended throughout the Middle East to the Afghan border, as well as to countries in North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. She was also responsible for marketing and public relations, including print and broadcast media.

Her earlier career was spent at a major supplier of banking technology, based in London, where she opened and developed markets, again in the Middle East, as well as in India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

A British / American dual national, DM lives near London. She holds a University degree in Psychology from The University of Rochester, New York. She is UK Coordinator of the Travellers’ Century Club, the organisation whose members have travelled to at least 100 countries.