Family life in Muscat: schools, weekends and costs

Why many families choose Oman for a slower pace, and what a typical month costs.

Oman6 min readLast updated 24 Oct 2026Fact-checked 24 Oct 2026

In short

Muscat is relaxed, green by Gulf standards and family-friendly, with beaches, mountains and less traffic. Expat families live mainly in Al Mouj, Qurum and Madinat Sultan Qaboos.

Family visa salary: From OMR 300
Weekend: Friday–Saturday
Outdoors: Wadis, beaches, mountains
Emergency: 9999

Step by step

Your progress0 / 3

Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.

After your resident card is issued.
Month 1–2

Documents checklist

Documents ready0 / 2

Attested marriage and birth certificates
Tenancy contract

Do’s and don’ts

Respect modest dress in villages
Check flash flood warnings before wadi trips

Don’t

Don’t drive into wadis after rain

Cost estimator

International schoolOMR 3,000–8,000 per year

Your estimateOMR 3,000 – 8,000

Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.

Watch out

Flash floods are dangerous in wadis. Always check weather alerts.

Common questions

Is Muscat good for kids?

Yes – safe, calm, and with plenty of outdoor activities.

Official links

Oman e-Governmentomanportal.gov.om

Background and more detail

The pace

Muscat is low-rise and spread along the coast between mountains and sea. Traffic is lighter than in Dubai or Riyadh, and the outdoors is never far away.

Schools

International schools are concentrated in Al Khuwair, Qurum, Al Mouj and Ghala. Fees are generally lower than in Dubai and Doha.

Weekends

Wadi Shab, the Daymaniyat Islands, Jebel Akhdar and the Wahiba Sands are all within a few hours' drive.

A typical month

A family of four in a three-bedroom villa might spend OMR 1,500–2,200 including rent, utilities, groceries, fuel and activities, excluding school fees.