I lived in Oman 2000-2003, If you're in Muscat, you'll like it. Expat community is pretty strong. When I was living there the social circle in Muscat revolved around the Hotel Pool memberships. The PDO Petroleum Development Oman (could be called something else now) kind of had their own social clique that was difficult at first to break into. I haven't been back to Oman since leaving in '03, but on my way out there was significant construction and development. There are (maybe was) limited places to drink, basically limited to the hotels/resorts (the Sheraton in Ruwi was popular for expats; bar is located in the basement also has a bowling alley). Another great place for expats to socialize was the Dive clubs.
I was also there for 9/11 and being American you'd think that it might be a little hairy at times, but honestly it felt like nothing changed. Super Safe, tourism from europeans etc.. was still pretty good even after 9/11.
I was also there for 9/11 and being American you'd think that it might be a little hairy at times, but honestly it felt like nothing changed. Super Safe, tourism from europeans etc.. was still pretty good even after 9/11.