Oman’s cultural heritage can be found in the traditional wares and souvenir items visitors can take home with them after their visit. One of the most prominent items is the traditional silver-sheathed dagger called the khanjar, a veritable Omani national symbol as it appears on the national flag. It is a legacy of Oman’s tribal heritage. There are many types of khanjar all varying in design and quality. If you really want to purchase a good one, you need to be ready to spend at least $1,800.
Those on a much lower shopping budget can purchase Omani silver, something the country is also famous for. Apart from silver jewelry, the more traditional silver items which can be bought in the country’s many markets or souqs are silver rosewater holders, Nizwa boxes, and message holders.
There are quite a number of souqs in Oman, some of which have existed even before the country was established. One of these old souqs is Muttrah Souq in Muscat. While fairly small, the market can still be a dizzying experience with all its crisscrossing lanes and alleys. Silver and gold items as well as the aromatic resin frankincense and a whole lot of spices can be bought here.
Nizwa is another Omani city with a great souq. The market comes alive in the mornings, selling all sorts of products. Here, visitors can buy everything from meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, to handicrafts, gold and silverware. The place is especially bustling every Thursday and Friday morning as the goat market takes place during these days. As with all souq shopping in the Arab world, bargaining and haggling are practiced, providing for a great cultural experience altogether.