Oman, a hidden gem on the southeastern side of the Arabian peninsula, is a land of diversity and natural beauty. The country is steeped in history, with centuries-old forts, bustling souks, vast deserts, and lush valleys. Shopping in Oman is an experience that combines trendy amenities with traditional charm. From world-class malls with international brands to ancient souq brimming with Omani handicrafts, every shopping destination is a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage.
Best places for shopping in Oman
Whether you’re looking for traditional crafts, unique souvenirs, or luxury goods, Oman has so much to offer. Here is a list of some of the best shopping places in Oman:
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Mutrah Souq
One of the oldest markets in Oman, Mutrah Souq, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of traditional Omani culture. The souq provides a mix of local and modern items ranging from hand-carved jewellery, silver, frankincense (scented Omani raisins), spices, and even unique souvenirs such as decorated khanjars (daggers), pottery items, and locally handcrafted textiles. The rich, lasting aroma of perfumes, especially those from Amouage, is a standout feature of the market.
- Location: 8 Street 125, Mutrah, Muscat
- What to Buy: Frankincense, silver jewellery, spices, Omani textiles, khanjars, and handicrafts.
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Nizwa Souq
Next to the famous Nizwa Fort lies a bustling marketplace called Nizwa Souq. It is a vibrant market offering fresh fruits and a variety of dates that are an indispensable part of Omani culture and cuisine. The market is lined with stalls selling textiles, handcrafted pottery, and antiques. Besides shopping, you can indulge in unique street foods like shawarma wraps and halwa that will win your heart.
- Location: Nizwa City Center, Nizwa
- What to buy: Pottery, silver jewellery, spices, and dates.
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Al Husn Souq
Al Husn Palace, near Salalah, is renowned for its proximity to the iconic Al Haffa Souq. The market is famous for its well-known Dhofari frankincense and perfumes that are available year-round. During Khareef (monsoon season), the market is crowded with tourists, and more tents are set up to accommodate temporary stores. You can find jewellery, traditional sticks, Omani costumes, and personalised souvenirs like pens with engraved names.
- Location: Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, Oman
- What to buy: Frankincense, perfumes, traditional Omani textiles, and silver crafts
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Salalah Gardens Mall
Salalah Gardens Mall is ideal for those looking for a modern shopping experience. With a variety of shops, eateries, and family-friendly attractions, this is a perfect spot for some family time. The mall's architecture offers a cosy and luxurious shopping experience with over 150 stores with brands like Salalah Mills, Zara, Al Hawdaj, and H&M offering everything from fashion, technology, and home décor. Besides shopping, there is a movie theatre, a kids' play area, and a spa, making the mall a social hub for both locals and visitors.
- Location: Ar Rubat Street, Salalah
- What to Buy: International and local brands, electronics, fashion, accessories, and groceries at Carrefour Hypermarket
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Omani Heritage Gallery
The Omani Heritage Gallery is a huge complex with five primary sections. Each section is dedicated to different aspects of Omani culture. The first section highlights a variety of traditional musical instruments, allowing visitors to explore the rich sounds of Omani music and listen to iconic songs by renowned Omani musicians. The second section features interactive screens displaying videos of traditional Omani dance styles, offering a visual immersion into the cultural heritage. The third section is dedicated to al-Bar'ah, an important musical tradition in Oman, providing insight into its unique rhythms and significance. The fourth section introduces visitors to Omani cuisine, showcasing the country’s flavorful dishes and culinary heritage. Finally, the fifth section honours the revered status of the horse and camel in Omani culture, highlighting their historical and symbolic importance. You can buy a range of conventional Omani crafts like handwoven rugs, silver jewellery, and pottery.
- Location: Jawharat Al Shatti Shopping Center, Muscat
- What to Buy: Handwoven rugs, silver crafts, pottery, and unique handicrafts.
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Gold Souq
Muscat's Gold Souq, housed inside the famous Mutrah Souq, is an appealing experience for jewellery lovers. Beautiful gold and silver jewellery, including elaborate bridal collections with bibs, buckles, and intricately designed belts, is on display in the souq's narrow alleys. Some alleys offer a unique site of seasoned artisans making or repairing pendants, rings, and other jewellery, upholding ageless Omani customs.
- Location: Mutrah Street, Muscat
- What to Buy: Gold necklaces, bangles, rings, and Omani-style jewellery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is unique about Omani silver jewellery?
Handmade Omani silver jewellery is created with age-old craftsmanship handed down through the generations and frequently incorporates cultural aspects.
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Are there any well-known Omani fragrances available for purchase?
Oman is home to the renowned luxury perfume brand Amouage. The nation is well-known for its frankincense and oud-based fragrances.
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What is a khanjar and explain its function in Oman.
A khanjar, a curved traditional dagger that represents Omani pride and heritage, is typically displayed at formal events and given as a token of respect.
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Which souq is the finest place to get traditional crafts?
Some of the greatest places to purchase traditional goods, including textiles, silver jewellery, and ceramics, are Muscat’s Mutrah Souq and Nizwa Souq.
Conclusion
Oman offers a diverse shopping experience, from apparel and handcrafted goods to unique perfumes. Don’t miss out on bringing a piece of Oman with you, whether through some silver jewellery, a fragrant bottle of oud, or a beautifully woven textile.
However, when planning your shopping trip, you must take certain precautions to protect your journey, especially when travelling to a new and unfamiliar place. To ensure your journey is stress-free, invest in international travel insurance. This policy acts as a safety net and financially aids you in travel emergencies like baggage loss, flight delays, and trip cancellations. Policies will cover unexpected medical emergencies and accidents, safeguarding your trip so that you can solely focus on enjoying the experience and indulging in retail therapy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.