MUSCAT: Oman''s authorities have recorded tens of millions of Omani riyals in cost savings following the roll-out of a new framework for the governance of government projects contracted out for implementation via the Government Tender Board.
These savings, generated over the course of 2023, are expected to burgeon in the coming years once the new framework is meticulously applied in the tendering and award of government contracts estimated to total in excess of RO 1 billion in 2024 alone.
Development spending by the government has been on the uptrend in recent years, with around RO 505.3 million worth of government projects awarded via the Tender Board in 2022, up from RO 252.5 million a year earlier. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, government contracts with a lumpsum value of around RO 584 million were floated via the Tender Board''s Esnad electronic tendering system.
Effective from 2023, new governance procedures have gone into effect to help enhance transparency, better allocation of resources, and reduction of waste to ensure the implementation of government projects in the "most effective and economical manner", according to the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
Following a series of engagements with stakeholders, including government and private sector organisations, consultants and engineering firms, and related entities, a new ''Documentary Cycle'' was formulated to help tackle bureaucratic delays attendant in the tendering process.
At the same time, the Tender Board issued a new regulation via Decision 2023/169 to strengthen governance in the management of government projects. "The regulation aims to create an effective framework that enhances the efficiency of government projects, ensures rapid implementation, reduces change orders, and adheres to approved budgets. The regulation addresses all aspects related to the tendering of government projects through 7 stages, starting from the ''initiation'' stage and ending with the ''closure'' stage," the Vision 2040 Office, which oversaw the delivery of the initiative, noted.
In the wake of the adoption of the new governance code, change orders – long blamed for cost overruns – declined 24 per cent in 2023 alone, while the procurement cycle was slashed by an average of 40 – 50 per cent. Financial savings totaling several tens of Omani riyals also accrued to the government as a result of these efficiencies, it added.
Oman is a beautiful country in the Arabian Peninsula, known for its rich culture, natural wonders, Prestigious universities and friendly people. Oman offers a balanced lifestyle with a reasonable cost of living compared to other major cities and Countries in the West Asia region. But how much does it cost to live in Oman as an international student?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of the cost of living in Oman, such as food, housing, transportation, utilities, healthcare, education, and entertainment. We will also provide some tips on saving money and budgeting wisely in Oman. So dive in to get a clear picture of what to expect in living expenses in Oman.
The monthly average cost of living in Oman for a single person is around OMR 283.4, excluding rent, according to recent data from Numbeo. However, when factoring in rent for an apartment, total expenses range from OMR 141.06 to OMR 211.42. The living expenses in Oman vary depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences.
The amount of living expenses in Oman is more affordable than in other Asian or Gulf countries. Students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without financial strain at this cost. To give you a quick overview of important categories that contribute to the average cost of living in Oman, we have provided a general breakdown in the table below:
Now, that you have got an idea about the average cost of living in Oman. Let''s cover these costs one by one in detail.
When calculating the cost of living in Oman, accommodation is undoubtedly a major and crucial factor. Housing expenses vary based on location, size, and type of residence you choose. Typically, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Oman, can cost approximately OMR 211.42.
It’s a good idea to thoroughly research and compare different accommodation options in Oman to find one that suits your needs and budget. Larger apartments or those with additional amenities may incur higher costs. For your convenience, we have collected data on the average cost of housing for various apartments both within and outside the city centre in Oman.
Eating out in Oman offers a range of options, from budget-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants. Dining out can be pricier than cooking in your room and it may impact your overall budget for the cost of living in Oman.
The monthly cost of food in Oman is around OMR 135.43. For your reference here''s an approximate estimate of the average cost of a meal at restaurants in Oman:
Another expense that contributes to the cost of living in Oman, is groceries cost. It’s a wise idea for students to consider cooking at home. Grocery prices are a bit high in Oman so students can save money by buying groceries from local markets. However, it is essential to compare prices to get the best value for your money.
Local markets offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. The cost of groceries can significantly impact the overall cost of living in Oman. Given below is the list of grocery items and their prices available in the country:
The monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Oman is usually around OMR 38.80. This expense can vary based on usage and the apartment’s size. When budgeting your monthly living expenses in Oman, it’s essential to consider utility costs, as they cover a significant portion of your cost of living in Oman. Below is a table offering an overview of the average utility bills in Oman:
Public transportation in Oman is gradually improving, offering an affordable and convenient option for both residents and visitors. The main modes of public transport include buses, taxis, and shared taxis (also known as “maxi taxis”). Evaluating transportation expenses is crucial as they significantly influence the overall cost of living in Oman.
Transportation contributes to around OMR 22.25 per month in Oman’s overall cost of living. Here''s how much the different modes of transportation cost:
In addition to the primary categories of the cost of living in Oman, there are several other essential expenses to consider. These include costs for items and activities that you’ll likely need or want after spending some time in Oman, such as clothing, entertainment, and minor healthcare services. Below is a breakdown of some miscellaneous expenses:
Oman is generally considered a relatively affordable city to live in. While living expenses in Oman are 1.05 times more expensive than world’s average cost of living. When compared to some other cities or countries like Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Muscat, UAE, South Africa, the UK, Canada and Bahrain it boasts of a slightly lower cost of living but still it boasts a standard of living.
As shown in the table, Oman offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than many of its neighboring countries and other popular global destinations. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to balance a comfortable lifestyle with manageable living expenses.
Apart from getting information about the cost of living in Oman, did you know that it is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for higher education? The answer is, yes, it is and Oman offers a wide variety of programs and degrees through its prestigious universities and colleges. Therefore, understanding the average tuition fees is essential for prospective students planning their studies in Oman, ensuring they can study peacefully without any financial disturbances.
Please note that tuition fees may vary based on the chosen university, level of study, and field of study. See the table below for a summary of some of the tuition fees at selected Oman universities from various Courses:
In terms of education, Oman houses some of the world''s top universities that provide top-notch courses with international recognition, such as Sultan Qaboos University and Muscat University. Known for its reputation in the oil and gas industry, it offers many job opportunities to aspiring students in the sector.
Moving to a new country for studies can be exciting and enriching, but it’s essential to be well-prepared. Besides finalizing the budget for the cost of living in Oman, here are some key things international students should consider before moving to the Arabic country for their higher studies:
We hope that this blog gave you a complete insight into the cost of living in Oman for international students in 2024. For more such content on student life abroad, subscribe to Leverage Edu today. Thank you for reading!
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