Depending on what you are looking for options for shopping start from the bustling old-style, open air marketplaces in the city offering some of the finest Omani handmade crafts, souvenirs, antiques and local items to the towering size of modern day shopping malls in the city centre that boast top designer labels and high-end international brands.
Visitors can explore the authentic Arabian shopping experience at the souks in the city – Muttrah Souk, Fish Souk and Souk Al Dham are the popular ones. Bargaining at the souks and open marketplaces is a totally accepted Omani shopping practice and vendors know that their customers will buy goods for a much lower price than the price charged. Some of the most sought-after Omani items sold in the souks and markets are: Omani Khanjars, frankincense, perfumes, essential oils, incense powders, spices, silverware, Bedu jewellery, traditional clothing for men and women, Omni Halva (a gelatinous sweet cake), antique goods, carpets and rugs and much more. Muttrah Souk – one of the oldest and the most visited souks in Oman – is a shoppers’ delight with quaint shops and stalls bustling with activities and teeming with visitors looking to buy Omani souvenirs.
Muscat has more than enough shopping malls to suit all kind of lifestyles and budgets. Those with more exclusive taste will be pleasantly surprised how much Muscat can offer. Patrons can go mall-hopping in the city – buy specific brands of merchandise in the comforts of air-conditioned ultra-modern malls. Most of the shopping malls, such as Al Araimi Complex, offers everything you need under one roof; Muscat City Centre, the ultimate shopping destination in Muscat; Muscat Grand Mall; Al Harthy Complex; SABCO Commercial Centre and Bareeq Al Shatti, cater to the needs of locals and tourists alike. Some of the malls and shopping complexes here also double up as lifestyle centres offering popular dining options, hypermarkets, family entertainment centres, toy stores, value-added electronics & home appliances stores and much more to suit everyone’s fancy. So sport a big smile and polish your bargaining skills to get the most out of your shopping spree in Muscat.
