Shopping in Oman - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Exotic and oriental Oman is like one giant market full of interesting items, fresh fruit, and mind-blowing sweets. Shopping is simply irresistible here because of cheerful sellers, a broad range of quality items, and an inimitable oriental atmosphere that lingers in modern shopping centers, old bazaars, spacious hypermarkets, and small private shops. The most important thing is not to forget that the vast majority of venues in Oman close at 1 pm and reopen at 5 pm. Lulu, a large hypermarket in Nizwa, is famous for its affordable prices and is very popular with residents of the city and its suburbs. It sells sweets, clothing, accessories, electronics, and drinks (there is even some alcohol available). Also, there is a McDonald’s café.

Muscat Grand Mall in the capital of Oman is not much different from western shopping centers, but it is somewhat smaller in size. In the mall, visitors will find 150 shops of internationally famous and local brands, cafes and restaurants, a playground for children, a museum of illusions, an archery club, and cinemas. Another popular shopping center in Muscat, Oman Avenues Mall is the largest mall in the country. It is a wonderful destination for everyone interested in purchasing authentic Omani goods, dining in one of the numerous restaurants, and entertainments for children in a special play zone. Salalah Gardens Mall in the city of Salalah is a must-visit destination for all fans of shopping. Inexpensive prices, quality goods, and charming cafes are among the advantages of this mall.

In Sohar, travelers are recommended visiting Safeer Mall famous for its rich choice of Arabian and Omani delicacies, shops by international brands, a restaurant court, a special play zone for children, ice skating rink, cinemas, and jewelry shops. Tourists staying in Nizwa can also visit Nizwa Grand Mall. As a rule, tourists head to this mall when they want to eat Western food because it is not easy to find it in the city. Besides food, the shopping center sells perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, clothing, souvenirs, household items, decorations, and textiles. There is a playground for children aged 1 and older, a train for small kids, a cinema, and ice skating rink. In Barka, tourists can visit Barka Grand Center that is excellent for the whole family. This is a relatively small shopping center with a hypermarket and only forty shops, but it is possible to drink excellent Arabian coffee. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Street markets in Arabian countries are usually referred to as souqs. As a rule, these are big bazaars in the commercial part of the city. One of these markets, Al-Husn Souq, is located in Salalah. This is one of the oldest markets in Oman that opened centuries ago. Travelers interested in purchasing quality Arabian and Omani clothing should visit this market in order to purchase low priced beautiful textiles. The scent of frankincense lingers in the market. Al-Husn Souq is a wonderful place to shop for various oils, perfumes, and fragrances, and then eat in one of the local restaurants. Nizwa also has its own “souq” that has a very laconic name - Nizwa Souk. It is a wonderful place to shop for souvenirs and antiquities, vegetables and spices, halva and coffee.

Authentic and colorful Mutrah Souq, which is located in Muscat, is one of the oldest souqs in the world. Here, visitors can find silver, gold, traditional textiles, items made of camel’s hair, jewelry, and other Omani and Indian goods. This market is very interesting to explore even if you don’t plan to buy anything because a stroll along narrow streets among countless vendors with interesting items will surely leave only positive memories - Mutrah Souq is an incredibly lively and colorful place. When it is time to buy souvenirs, consider visiting the Rozna Muscat shop. It offers embroidered pillows, scarves, and many other charming items that can make any house cozier and add interesting oriental accents to any design. Al Besat Al Hariri shop specializes in selling authentic Persian carpets.

Browny Popcorn is a shop and café in Muscat that offers popcorn in different colors and flavors, from usual ones like caramel to less widespread types, for example, cheese popcorn. Fans of exotic variations can order popcorn with chocolate. Many tourists visit Sarah Gallery in Muscat in order to buy wonderful artworks at affordable prices. This gallery offers paintings and photographs of modern talented Omanis. Visitors can buy the original artworks or their copies, books about Oman and its art, drawing easel, pens and brushes, and all kinds of souvenirs: bookmarks, calendars, ceramics, and other items.

It is quite hard to choose souvenirs in Oman because it is not possible to buy everything. Omani silver is an excellent choice. Travelers can find silver jewelry, jewel-cases, coffee cups, scent-bottles, and figurines. In local markets, visitors can find a popular souvenir – alarm clock shaped like a mosque. Essences, frankincense, spices, and dates – these are the most popular items that most tourists prefer to take home. Clay pots are also very popular in the country. They are used to store water or as a decoration. Beautiful scarves made of pashmina are very light and warm, so tourists like them. Items made of palm tree wood, clothing in different bright colors, Omani Kuma hat, Arabian perfumes – the choice of wonderful souvenirs is virtually endless.