Oman has a rich craft heritage and is famous for the purity of its silver. You can buy silver items such as
khanja, the ceremonial dagger worn by Omani men, in
Mutrah Souk. This is also where fine pieces of Bedouin silver jewelry, often using Maria Theresa dollars (a coin used in Omani currency for many years), can be found. Frankincense, a hardened, aromatic resin grown in Dhofar in the south of Oman, makes another fun purchase.
Two specialist craft shops are the
Bait Muzna Gallery, Akl-Saidiya Street, Old Muscat, and the not-for-profit
Omani Heritage Gallery, Way 2817, Shatti
al-Qurm, both of which sell quality craft items. While you’re in the vicinity of the latter, indulge in some chocolate-covered dates from
Bateel, Way 2817, in the Shatti al-Qurm shopping complex opposite.
Generally, shops open Saturday to Thursday 0800-0100 and 1630-2100. Some open Friday 1630-2100. Supermarkets (the most useful being Al-Fair and Lulu’s) open early to late daily.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Oman Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
