Hijrah - my move to the Middle East and life in Oman
As-salamu alaykum. I left the UK in September 2023 and returned to Oman seeking a calmer life, away from the fitna of the West and the stress of raising a family amid London’s chaos. I’m not saying there isn’t good in the UK - there are many masajid and people making sincere efforts, alhamdulillah - but I wanted a place where my Islam felt at home and where visiting Makkah and Madinah would be easier. I considered Dubai, but it felt too crowded and overwhelming for what I wanted. Oman appealed to me because it’s more connected to nature, housing is genuinely affordable, and it’s not too far from the Haramayn. I feel I can raise a family here without constant worry about exposure to things that clash with my values. Moving wasn’t without challenges. I’d recommend being financially prepared before you relocate. Money earned in the West can go a long way - you can buy a nice home and obtain residency if you own property. Buying a house here is relatively straightforward; I can walk someone through the process from experience. One helpful point: there are payment plans for properties. You can find a flat in a pleasant area for around £100k, and if you look above £200k you can find larger homes like three-bed apartments. Typical down payments can be 10–20% and monthly payments might be around £1.6k, but plans are flexible depending on your situation. I was surprised at how affordable it was. Life here has been beautiful - good food, mountains, beaches, hiking, and lots of nature to explore. People have been friendly and kind, and the mosques are lovely. So far my experience has been very positive, alhamdulillah, and I plan to stay in Oman while I continue to learn more about the country.