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Guide
Salalah, Oman π΄π²
#559
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Salalah is the largest city in the Dhofar Governorate of Oman, noted for its beautiful beaches, frankincense trees, and rich cultural heritage. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 200,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of around 50 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 OMR (Omani Rial) β 2.60 USD; Credit cards accepted widely |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is advised |
π Power | 240V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Omantel and Ooredoo are the primary mobile providers offering prepaid SIM cards. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Bank Muscat, HSBC Oman, and Oman Arab Bank are popular among expats. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in malls and restaurants. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Consider staying at Al-Nasr Hotel or Salalah Gardens Hotel for budget options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Al Hafah neighborhood is popular due to its proximity to the beach and attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Al Wadi area is preferred for longer stays as it offers residential facilities and good access to co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Dhofar Co-Working Space offers a vibrant environment for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Lab is a popular spot for freelancers. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for events on Meetup.com or local Facebook groups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Salalah Expats Facebook Group organizes frequent meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Karwa Taxi Service is widely used for on-demand transport. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is limited; consider renting a car to explore. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Al Mughsail Beach is about 40 minutes away, known for its stunning views. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Salalah Airport serves domestic flights; Oman Air is the main operator. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer connections from Salalah. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major highways connect Salalah to other cities like Muscat. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no railway; road travel is the primary mode of transport. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available; no extensive pass system. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses connect Salalah to nearby cities like Mirbat and Taqa. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Dhofar Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and Well-being offers classes and wellness services. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Gold's Gym are available. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Various laundromats such as Al Zubair Laundry provide services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Shuwa', a traditional Omani dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Grand Mills Restaurant offers good vegetarian selections. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Try the local 'Halwa' at Al Shorfa. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the local souks for fresh produce and spices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Visit Carrefour's online shop for groceries. |
π Grocery Delivery | Batelco and Lulu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Hilton Salalah boasts a lively bar scene. |
π» Local Brewery | Alcohol is limited due to Islamic regulations; no local breweries. |
π· Wine Bars | Most hotels serve alcohol within designated areas. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Visit Al Hafa beach for street food vendors offering shawarma. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and KFC are popular fast-food joints. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque for stunning architecture. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Frankincense Land Museum offers insights into Oman's history. |
π° Historical Sites | Explore the ruins of Ubar, the lost city. |
π Religious Sites | The Al Baleed Archaeological Park is significant for its historical relevance. |
π Annual Events | The Salalah Tourism Festival attracts visitors every summer. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The town center showcases a mix of traditional and modern Omani culture. |
π Theater Venues | Performances can be found at local cultural centers. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Al Hafa Souk is a must-visit for local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local festivals feature Omani music and dance. |
π¨ Street Art | Public spaces have murals celebrating Omani culture. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes that focus on Omani cuisine are offered locally. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Local galleries feature works by Omani artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old town features traditional Omani architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Frankincense, native to the region, is a symbol of Omani culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Dhofar mountains offer hiking and stunning landscapes. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Salalah is close to the Wadi Darbat park known for its waterfalls. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Al Mughsail beach are ideal for strolling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Don't miss the view from the cliffs at Taqa. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Wadi Darbat is popular for birdwatching, especially during the Khareef season. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local laws; some beach areas are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex have offices in Salalah. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and computer repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have table tennis tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Several institutions offer Arabic language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Dhofar University library is a good study spot. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Local community centers regularly host cultural events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; many enjoy games at home due to internet availability. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Oman. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 OMR per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 60,000 OMR) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 OMR per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 48,000 OMR) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,750 OMR per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 105,000 OMR) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,400 OMR per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 84,000 OMR) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 OMR per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 160,000 OMR) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,600 OMR per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 128,000 OMR) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% for most businesses |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
π¦ Tax System | Non-residents are taxed only on Omani income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%; no personal income tax |
π§Ύ VAT | 5% standard VAT on most goods and services. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, but with lenient conditions. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | No property transaction taxes apply. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% personal income tax, making it very appealing for digital nomads. |