What makes Oman friendly for those who want to accumulate disposable income and save?

Nada Abduljalil Shubbar Senior webmaster
Simplicity of life in Oman contributes towards leading a balanced life. Omani families are close units wherein all members contribute to the needs. This lessens the burden of expenditure on a particular member and also helps save more. The economy better job opportunities and good salaries are added factors to the saving environment.

Zakariya al Kindi Job seeker
Most Omani people do not boast about their money and neither are they obsessed with the latest in gadgets or fashion. The culture of savings runs strong. People follow the footsteps of their parents in saving for the rainy day. They buy only what they need and are not extravagant. Most expats too manage to save more in Oman because the cost of living is not that high as compared to other nations in the region.

Obaid Hashil al Hinai Religious preacher
The varied topography of Omanfrom mountains to deserts to coasts - has influenced its society. It has made people work hard to acquire wealth. Therefore luxury was not given much consideration and not prioritised over earning bread and saving.

Ahmed Salem al Badi Documents specialist
Omanis are hard working people. They follow a culture of saving buying only what is needed and planning for the future. The cost of living in Oman is not very high. This makes saving more easier for Omanis as well as expats.

Hilal al Omrani Teacher
The high morals of Omanis keep them grounded. They do not prioritise luxury and extravagance and hence spend their money economically and wisely. Also for most expats saving money to remit back home is priority. Whatever the circumstance they try to save as much as they can even while enjoying a decent lifestyle.

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What kind of things do you use your disposable income on the most?

Antra Bose Private sector employee
We have fewer attractions in Oman than say Dubai and so the temptations to splurge are limited as well. I personally like to invest in a good club membership that enhances my networking and also helps me keep fit and healthy. I love travelling so any disposable income is spent on seeing new places.

Majid al Balushi Private sector employee
Disposable income is different for different job categories. I don't save a lot. Whatever I manage to save after several months is spent on shopping and travelling. But this is not a pattern of spending.

Abdul Hameed Private sector employee
I don't think Oman gives the scope of saving well. Expenses have risen in the last few years with most goods and amenities getting costly. And salaries haven't kept pace with the rising cost.

Hussain al Balushi Private sector employee
I like electronic gadgets and love to upgrade to newer phones and game consoles. Eating out and taking my family for trips abroad is something I like to spend my disposable income on.

Mohammed Nazeer Private sector employee
The percentage of expatriates with high disposable incomes is quite less. Most save to remit the money home. I like to spend some part of my savings on body building which is my passion and once in a while splurge on a new phone.

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Do you think people can save more in Oman because spending options here are lesser compared to neighbouring countries?

Faris Ghulam Mohammed Private sector employee
Compared to other GCC countries foreign capital and the cost of living in Oman have remained less. Due to these reasons spending options too are lesser which allows people in Oman to save more.

Amjed al Belushi Accountant
Omanis have been following a low-profile lifestyle. The country's economy and corporate culture are a reflection of this. Hence avenues to spend are also less. Because of this people can save more in Oman than in any other GCC state.

Faiz al Balushi Oil and gas sector employee
Because spending options in Oman are limited people go to other countries to shop which turns out to be a more expensive affair.

Ayman Sabeel Bank employee
The cost of living in Oman is less and the country has very few high-end international brands to spend on. Hence people can save more.

Laith Ibrahim Student
Most Omanis prefer a simple lifestyle. Also Oman does not have many costly entertainment options or ultra expensive luxury brands. This definitely allows for good savings.

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What are your essential and non-essential expenses?

Anil Cherian General manager
Like for many my biggest non-essential expenditure is buying the latest gadgets. We tend to buy them despite knowing that upgrade is just a minor one. Also most of us do not even use all the features of a gadget. Rent food bills and education remain unavoidable expenses.

Ayodya Mahabaduge Accountant
I feel indulging in fancy mobile phones is an expenditure I can avoid. I have three such phones. Eating out is another non-essential spending. I think most of us tend to eat out frequently because fast food joints here are affordable. Trips to my home country food education are main expenses that cannot be avoided.

Saif al Harthy Businessman
Eating out with friends forms a big share of my unnecessary expenses. I end up spending lots of money on dishes that can otherwise be cooked at home at a lesser cost. Another avoidable expense is spending on video games. The most important among essential expenses is my children's education.

Abhirup Roy Private sector employee
I end up spending a lot on Internet data because of my habit of unnecessary browsing for videos and chatting on the social media. For me paying salary to my cook is an essential expenditure because I cannot cook myself.

Ahmed Khalaf Private sector employee
I buy clothes and perfumes every month. I don't need the clothes but sales tempt me and I end up spending unnecessarily. Another expense that I should avoid is on eating out during weekends. Fuel Internet cards and weekly groceries are essential expenses.