Connecting people in Muscat since 1973

Just arrived in Oman and wondering how on earth you’re going to meet people? Well you’re not the first and you wont be the last!

This is exactly why the Women’s Guild in Oman exists.

We are a social group based in Muscat, and since 1973, we’ve been the place where expat women (and since 2019, men too) find their feet, find their people and actually start enjoying life here.

A wide-angle shot of nine women posing together in a brightly lit, modern restaurant. They are dressed in a variety of colorful casual and smart-casual attire, including a bright red dress, a lime green blazer, and a floral pink dress. The restaurant features a unique wooden trellis ceiling with decorative blue patterned ductwork and hanging cylindrical pendant lights.
7 WGO female members standing with white chef hats on around a table taking a cooking class

What do we actually do?

The heartbeat of WGO is our Wednesday Coffee Mornings. Every week, members old and new get together and if you’ve just arrived in the Sultanate, this is genuinely the best way to start. No agenda, no awkwardness, just good coffee and a room full of people who’ve all been the new person at some point.

Beyond that, we run at least two events every month. That includes:

  • Our Annual Ball – the social highlight of the WGO calendar, think glitz, glamour and a proper night out
  • Our annual Winter Bazaar – a proper institution
  • Bingo mornings – competitive, chaotic, and always good fun
  • Wellness events covering everything from mindfulness to staying active
  • Tours around Muscat and beyond
  • Croquet on the lawns
  • Cooking and craft workshops
See what Events are coming up

Who's here

Over 400 members from 51 nationalities. That’s not a marketing line, that’s just what happens when you’ve been running for over 50 years in one of the most international cities in the Gulf.

In 2019 we opened our doors to men, reflecting what we’ve always believed: that connection doesn’t need a gender qualifier.

Become a member today!
WGO members at a ladies event in Muscat, gathered poolside with prizes and gifts
Hilda Staal, founder of the Women's Guild Oman, photographed at a WGO event

Where it all started

WGO was founded in 1973 by Hilda Staal, wife of the Minister of the English Speaking Congregation in Muscat. The first meeting was held at Hilda’s home with thirteen women. The organisation was originally called the Women’s Guild of the Protestant Church in Oman.

The following year, their first bazaar raised 700 OMR. That tradition of community fundraising is still going.

In 1979, after a particularly quiet summer, only two committee members returned from the break. There were serious conversations about whether to carry on. The membership voted to continue. Given that we’re now in our sixth decade, it’s safe to say that was the right call.

One of those founding members, Eloise Bosch, remained active until her passing in October 2016. She’s a good example of what WGO tends to do to people – once you’re in, you tend to stay.

Why we exist

From the President’s speech at our 20th Anniversary:

“Let us today think of the many women here in Oman who are lonely, possibly far from home. Maybe they have not heard of the Women’s Guild; maybe they have no transport; maybe they just need a friend. Think of them and encourage them to come and join our fellowship.”

That was said in 1993. It still holds.

The Women’s Guild Oman brings together people from all backgrounds to build real connections through friendship, shared experiences, and mutual support – and to make sure nobody spends longer than necessary feeling alone in the Sultanate.