Oman has a large mix of people. It's population is predominantly Arab. Over the past few decades, Oman has been modernizing and a large expatriate workforce has been brought over to help with this effort, especially in the capital, Muscat. Many come from South Asia, mainly India and Pakistan, and there are also folks from Thailand and the Philippines. In the early evenings, when the work day is over, people of all nationalities go to the beach to stroll, picnic, and play soccer on the sand. It is a great place for people-watching. Recently one evening, we took the boys to the shore to play. The following photographs, taken on that day, show a small cross-section of Oman's population. We so much enjoyed seeing the many "faces of Oman."
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| Kids playing in the sand. In the background, a group of men have set up a soccer pitch. Most evenings, you will see dozens of soccer games along the shore. |
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| Two ladies enjoying the ocean. Some ladies wear colorful bathing attire that cover them from head to toe. Others, such as these two women, just wear clothes in the water. |
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| An Arab family. The men often wear shorts and t-shirts to the beach while the women wear traditional dress. |
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| Enjoying the local scene. |
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| Woman wearing head scarf and raincoat - more typical of urban women in Iran, maybe a tourist? |
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| Omani girls are often seen wearing colorful dresses. |
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| Omani family enjoying a picnic. |
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| These women are probably from India or Pakistan. |
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| Omani couple going for a stroll on the beach. |
You got some great photos! We miss being there. :)
ReplyDeleteThe lady wearing the raincoat looked exactly like how the women dressed in Turkey. The Turkish women didn't wear abayas, but wore belted raincoats everywhere (even in August!)
Glad you're enjoying it!