Oman » Things to do
Shopping Overview
Traditional souvenirs include silver and gold jewellery, khanjars (Omani daggers), coffeepots, saddles, frankincense (the sap of a tree that grows in Dhofar in the south of Oman), hand-woven textiles, goat-hair carpets, baskets and camel straps. Antique khanjars (over 50 years old) may not be exported. It is wise to check with the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for the necessary documentation before purchasing.
The two main souks (markets) are located in Muttrah and Nizwa, although most towns have a souk of some description. The Muttrah souk is fairly small compared to souks in other countries, its shops in winding streets stacked high with gold, silver, frankincense and other trinkets. The vendors will try to encourage you into their shops but they are fairly good-natured and not too persistent once they know you are not going to buy. Nizwa used to be one of the Arab world’s biggest souks, but modernisation has stripped it of some of its old-world charm. It is known for its silver, and you can still see artisans of all types working.
Muscat has several large shopping malls including the Markaz Al-Bahjah and Lulu complexes and Muscat City Centre, which boasts nearly 150 shops. Here, you’ll find famous international women’s fashion brands such as Mexx, Monsoon and Mango alongside electrical, cosmetics, sports and jewellery shops. The centre’s Magic Planet indoor family entertainment area offers games simulators, arcades and themed rides. You can find other modern shops around Shatti Al-Qurum.
Opening Hours
Nightlife Overview
You’ll find the main nightclubs and bars in Muscat and Salalah, although most of the nightlife centres in the hotels. A new convention centre with an 8,000-seat auditorium is being built, which will double as an entertainment and sports venue. It will include new hotels and shopping facilities and is due to open in 2014.
As part of its long-term plan, the country is investing in more entertainment venues such as the Oman Royal Opera House which opened in 2011. It will showcase Oman’s cultural heritage, as well as bringing international music to the local audience and visitors. Famous names to grace the venue will include Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, soprano Renée Fleming, cellist Yo Yo Ma and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the American Ballet Theatre and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis with New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra.
The Royal Opera House shares the grounds with a small theatre, restaurants, luxury shops and extensive gardens.
There are a number of modern cinemas in Muscat, such as the Al-Shatti Multiplex, Ruwi and Star, showing a variety of international films.
There is very little in the way of nightlife in other Omani towns with the exception of Salalah which comes alive during the khareef (rainy season in July and August) with festival activities.
Region Events
Salalah Tourism FestivalFrom Date: 2013-07-01 00:00:00
To Date: 2013-07-31 00:00:00
Colourful parades take to the streets while artistic and cultural exhibitions are arranged by organisations such as the Omani Society for Fine Arts, Omani Women's Society, Royal Oman Police and Royal Army.Festival activities include various artistic and cultural shows, in addition to parades.
Venue Name: Various locations around Salalah.
Salalah, Oman
Renaissance Day
From Date: 2013-07-23 00:00:00
To Date: 2013-07-23 00:00:00
This celebration gives thanks to the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said began his rule in 1970, transforming the country into the modern, advanced and industrialised country it is today. It is a day of reflection and rejoicing.
Venue Name: Nationwide.
Muscat, Oman
Tour Of Oman
From Date: 2012-02-14 00:00:00
To Date: 2012-02-19 00:00:00
128 of the world's greatest cyclists compete in the Tour Of Oman. Riders include Cavendish, Schelck and Canncellara.
Eid Al-Fitr
From Date: 2013-08-19 00:00:00
To Date: 2013-08-19 00:00:00
This important Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated throughout the country. The markets of Nizwa, Nafar and Suroor become especially busy with locals coming to bid for animals and stock up on meat and sweets for the celebration.
Venue Name: Throughout Oman.
Muscat, Oman
Traditional Boat Race
From Date: 2014-02-09 00:00:00
To Date: 2014-02-10 00:00:00
Oman's rich maritime traditions are commemorated with this boat race. Traditional boats like Dhow Boats and Old Houri, New Houri and Al Shash compete with each other.
Cultural Theatre Programme
From Date: 2013-01-01 01:00:00
To Date: 2013-03-31 00:00:00
Groups from around the world perform during these cultural evenings. Past performers have included traditional music and dance from Jordan, Germany, Egypt and Georgia.
Venue Name: Al Flayj Castle Theatre, Muscat, and Al Morooj Theatre, Salalah.
Salalah, Oman
The Islamic New Year
From Date: 2013-11-15 00:00:00
To Date: 2013-12-13 00:00:00
Celebrations marking the beginning of the new Islamic calendar actually start on the sunset of the previous day and continue for 29 days, according to the Muslim calendar.
Venue Name: Throughout Oman.
Muscat, Oman
Turtle Spotting
From Date: 2013-09-01 00:00:00
To Date: 2013-09-30 00:00:00
September is the best time of the year to see over 20,000 turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Haad and Ras Al Jinz. These turtles migrate from the Red Sea and the East African Coast.
International Salsa and Dance Festival
From Date: 2014-03-01 00:00:00
To Date: 2014-03-03 00:00:00
Professional dancers and instructors from all over the world attend Oman's biggest salsa event. Learn a few steps at the workshops, watch spectacular shows and join in the all-night dance party.
Venue Name: Al Nahda Resort, Barka.
Barka, Oman
Oman Food Festival
From Date: 2014-02-07 00:00:00
To Date: 2014-02-17 00:00:00
Held at the Qurum National Park, the Oman Food Festival is a great opportunity to try the best of Omani Cuisine. It's run in conjunction with expert chefs and students from the Oman Tourism College.
Venue Name: Qurum National Park
Eid Al-Adha
From Date: 2013-10-26 00:00:00
To Date: 2013-10-26 00:00:00
The Feast of the Sacrifice is the latter of the two Eid religious festivals and commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael to god. Morning prayers are followed by family getting together and exchanging of gifts.
Venue Name: Throughout Oman.
Muscat, Oman
Back to Oman
Disclaimer:
Content in the country guide is updated every 3 months and is to the best of our knowledge accurate and up-to-date. The information contained is intended as a general guide - any opinions or travel advise expressed are not necessarily those of AME Info FZ LLC.
The information is provided in association with Columbus Travel Publishing Limited and my not be republished or reproduced in anyway without the prior written consent by the publisher.
All information made available from within this product is provided without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to, any warranties as to merchantability, non-infringement or fitness for a particular purpose. We accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from this information.
AME Info FZ LLC or Columbus Travel Publishing Limited shall not be liable for any technical, editorial or typographical or other errors or omissions within the information accessible through this product.
Whilst changes are periodically made to the information herein AMEinfo.com FZ LLC or Columbus Publishing Limited does not warrant that information currently accessible is either up-to-date or accurate.
All product names mentioned herein are subject to the trademarks and/or trademark rights of their respective owners.
3D Animated Flags used in this section is courtesy of www.3DFlags.com
Please contact us if you have any questions or corrections to the content in this section.
Information in this section was last updated: Fri Apr 12 2013
