Badiyah, Oman

Reality check: Badiyah is a former Portuguese outpost, not a cushy expat haven. The region was conquered in 1507 and remained under Portuguese control until 1656, with the coastal cities serving as logistical hubs for their armadas. Exports were limited to basic agricultural goods - think cereals, fruits, and dried fish - with the lucrative horse trade as the main draw, netting 300-500% profits per animal. But don't expect an easy life - the city was repeatedly raided by Ottomans and local tribes, requiring the Portuguese to construct an extensive network of fortresses just to maintain control. Bureaucracy was a persistent headache, with the city under the direct rule of a Portuguese captain-general. This is no place for the faint of heart - Badiyah is best suited for those with a taste for history, a high risk tolerance, and a knack for navigating red tape.