Omani expats mark their N-Day, hail UAE for treating them like citizens

Today marks the 47th National Day of Oman and the UAE is all geared up to celebrate it. Airports across the UAE are warmly welcoming Omani visitors with Omani flags, flowers and sweets, while major UAE landmarks have been illuminated with the Omani national colours. The Department of Tourism and Culture - Abu Dhabi will organise a number of cultural and entertainment events to mark the Oman National Day.
For several Omani nationals residing in Dubai, UAE feels like home. From close proximity to Oman and to being provided with equal opportunities as Emiratis, most Omani nationals Khaleej Times spoke to said: "UAE is a home away from home."
Celebrating Oman's 48th National Day, several Omani-nationals and long-term expatriate residents of the country said that the UAE is a land of opportunities, and there is immense mutual respect between Omanis and Emiratis.
Mohammed Al Busaidi, an Omani freelance photographer living and working in the UAE, who is married to an Emirati national, said that he feels at home in the UAE.
As Al Busaidi did not need a visa to shift and work in the UAE, the decision to shift came naturally to him. "As my wife is from the UAE, I would drive back and forth every weekend."
However, he moved to Dubai approximately eight months ago, after finding it hard to drive from Muscat to Dubai every weekend. He said: "I used to work as an accountant, but now, I've work as a full-time freelance photographer."
He added: "Dubai is a work-friendly and versatile city. There are a lot of things to do, and the pace is much faster as compared to Oman. However, in terms of financial stability and savings for the family, Oman is a better option."
Al Busaidi also said "Omanis are down to earth people and are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. So, Emiratis and Omanis have a lot of mutual respect for each other in this regard".
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Aisha Helal, an employee with the Environmental Society of Oman, was born in Dubai and has lived in the UAE for 25-years of her life. She said: "I completed my schooling here in Dubai, and finished my college education at the Canadian University of Dubai. Then I began my career with the Emirates Environmental Group in Dubai, till I got an opportunity with the Environmental Society of Oman.
"My parents still live in Dubai. I've never felt like I'm an outsider here in the UAE. We are given equal opportunities as Emiratis."
Helal added: "We get the same benefits for government-funded facilities, such as medical treatments, just like Emiratis. We are not treated differently. In terms of opportunities, UAE also has a lot more to offer."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

Historic bonds of friendship
As always, the UAE will celebrate the Oman National Day with patriotic fervour today. The special celebrations in the UAE mark the deep-rooted historic bonds of fraternity, compassion and common destiny.
How UAE will mark the day
Airports across the UAE are warmly welcoming Omani visitors with Omani flags, flowers and sweets. Major UAE landmarks have been illuminated with the Omani national colours.
The first meeting
In 1968, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan met His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman.
Passport-free travel
In 1991, an agreement facilitated free movement of Emirati and Omani citizens between both countries using ID cards instead of passports.
Cultural ties
Culturally, the two countries share some tangible and intangible heritage performances, dances and poems.
Economic ties
Trade relations reached Dh26.5 billion by the end
of 2015.
Tourism
Oman remains one of the most important destinations for holidaymakers from the UAE.