Western Stores Already Present Are Zara

In 1998 there was slump in oil prices and there is also little agriculture development due to its dessert climate so more is imported rather than exported. Oman has diversified its focus by focusing on tourism and been busy building roads, hotels and shopping malls in the last few years. Therefore opening doors to western cultures to invest there. Labour is generally outsourced, even though Omani law stipulates that employers have to employ mainly Omanis. 400 plus accommodation for labour workers from Oman, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Philippines. 400 is 2-5 times higher than back in their own countries. Most men labour workers come to Oman to work for this financial gain and then send their families money back in their home countries. Oman is a relaxed country and very strict on being peaceful. The police are serious on arresting anyone for car hooting, any rude hand gestures and hollering out at women.

Being in a Muslim country men and women are required to behave and dress accordingly. Men wear a long robe called a Dishdasha and a Kumera hat. Shopping experience is still in its development stage. The main area where most of the population reside and work in is Muscat. There are two major shopping centres - City Centre Seeb and City Centre Qurum. Other smaller complexes are Sabco and Shatti, for boutiques and smaller stores. Women's, men and children's clothing are very conservative in comparison to western cultures, due to the high regard for the Muslim religion. However, as the movement of westerners coming into Oman implementing change and investing there, so trends are fast becoming more fashionable and less traditional. Western stores already present are Zara, Mango, Bodyshop, Nine West, Diesel, Pierre Cardin and Marks and Spencers. Large supermarkets are Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefor, Al-Fair and the Sultan Center where various brands are brought in or the best local fruits are sold.

The Souk is a traditional Omani market place to purchase material, rugs, incense, local products and souvenirs. The nightlife of Muscat is limited yet pleasant. Only hotels or restaurants owned by hotels have a liquor license, so for a lovely meal and bottle of wine, it can be a costly night out. However, Muscat does offer a variety of live music entertainment, in a small area. Intercontinental Hotel has three live music venues: Trader Vics presents a salsa band of three female singers and a keyboardist accompanied by backing tracks. The five-piece band in Al-Ghazal showcases classic hits and each member can skillfully sing and play an instrument as well. At Senior Pico's, the Mexican restaurant, is a male or female singer accompanied by a keyboardist or guitarist. At the Grand Hyatt, in the John Barry Bar is a duo playing (normally female singer whilst pianist plays on a transparent grand piano which is very elaborate).

The main lobby area they have another showpiece Porsche styled piano with a pianist tinkling its ivories with classical music Jobs. Part of the Grand Hyatt is the Safari Club sitting beneath the Rooftop Grill, where a six-piece band performs current and classic top-40 hits. Similarly is Rock Bottom, part of Crowne Plaza Hotel, there they have a six or seven piece band that also plays top-40 hits and there is also DJ playing between sets and after the show. Whilst performing on stage, musicians are not allowed walk off the stage and sing or dance with the audience. There are various other places with smaller bands and pianists playing in lobbies and smaller venues like Cellar Bar at Radisson Blu and in Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Bars and nightclubs with a DJ are found at Left Bank, Zouk and Copacabana. There are many restaurants in Oman and cuisines include Arabian, Lebanese, Indian, Thai and international as well. A note to self when visiting is trying Shistawook from a 24-hour street styled restaurant called Turkish - everyone who needs a midnight snack goes there, especially after a night in the town.