Expats find Oman to be most peaceful of all GCC nations

Energy Wednesday 11/October/2017 12:17 PM
By: Times News Service
Expats find Oman to be most peaceful of all GCC nations

Muscat: Oman truly deserves the high ranking it has been given when it comes to being one of the most peaceful countries for expatriates to live in across the world, say residents in the Sultanate.

According to the 2017 Expat Insider Report, which was released by InterNations, the world’s largest expatriate networking website and forum, Oman was ranked 6th when it came to peacefulness for expats (the highest ranking among all the GCC nations) and 7th in terms of political stability.

The report, which ranks 65 of the world’s most popular destinations for expats, also listed Oman as the second-most popular country to live and work in when it came to the Middle East (Bahrain was ranked first in the world), and 17th globally.

“It is actually reflective of the vision of peace as a means to prosperity that has been provided by His Majesty for the last five decades,” said Ali Javed, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman. “This is nothing but a translation of his vision, and we are deeply appreciative of the circumstances and the hospitality provided to the 272,000 Pakistanis that are prospering in Oman.

“We are equally grateful to the Omani nation for being such gracious hosts,” he added. “I see Oman as a beacon of hope, and this is only possible, because for the last 50 years, there is a person who has provided a vision for peace and stability. I think everyone living in this country would unanimously agree with this. All of this was possible because of HM’s vision, because he wants to see peace and friendship among everybody.

“All the credit has to be given to him, as he has been at the forefront of promoting peace and friendship as a path to prosperity and the honours being given to Oman and the respect given to Omani society is a direct translation of His Majesty’s vision,” said Javed.

Simon Cockerham is an English teacher at the Royal Air Force of Oman School in Ghala. Having lived in many other Arab nations, he’s always found an affinity with Oman which was lacking in the other countries in the region.

“I think this is great for the country, and I am sure this is quite true, because Oman is definitely a very safe place,” he told Times of Oman. “Particularly at night time, you’d never feel you’re unsafe, unlike some of the other places, even in England, where there are certain places you’d never go to at night, but here, I feel I am safe.

“The Omanis are very friendly people who will always help you if you are lost, or if you need some advice,” added Cockerham.

T. Bhaskaran, convener of the Indian Social Club’s Malayalam Wing, also echoed that sentiment.

“Oman’s peaceful coexistence has been recognised by the world,” he said. “It is known to the world that Oman is a very peaceful country to stay in. Under His Majesty, Oman is progressing very well in terms of peace and prosperity, and Oman has been a leader within the Middle East for all peaceful negotiations, and that is a thing for all of us to admire.

“Here, the rules are common to all, there is no disparity involved. If you follow the rules of the country, you are very safe here,” he added. “It is up to us to follow the rules laid down by the authorities.”

Finland was recognised as the most peaceful nation among expats, with Luxembourg taking first place when it came to stability. Nigeria was considered to be the least safe place among the nations polled, and Greece finished last in terms of political stability.