Joanna James
Oman's rich heritage is matched by its gorgeous landscapes of untouched deserts, gigantic mountains, and breathtaking coastal towns. The place is a magical blend of traditions, heritage, and modern life—explored in this list of cultural and traditional attractions in Oman.
You won't want to leave without purchasing a few souvenirs and gift items. Traditional arts in Oman are an ancient trade dominated by silversmiths, weavers, woodcarvers, and goldsmiths who use age-old methods to churn out exquisite pieces. Explore the souks and you will discover daggers and swords crafted from precious metals like gold and silver, as well as beautiful pieces of jewellery that display the artisan's talents. You will find souks in many top destinations across Oman; some like Muttrah Souk in Muscat are old-fashioned trading posts where you can purchase spices, fabric and antiques. Exploring and travelling between souks in different regions around Oman is easy with the likes of Oman Hotels, offering guests the option of travelling between popular destinations in Sur, Muscat and Sohar.
There are many places in Oman that you can visit to learn about the nation's rich heritage. The Oman Museum is the most prominent, located within easy access of hotels in Oman. There you can delve into the country's history as well as learn about Islams' influence over the ages, through interesting displays and a collection of vintage artefacts. To continue your journey of understanding, visit the Natural History Museum, the National Museum, and even the Children's Museum—a science museum with several intriguing interactive displays that kids will find fascinating.
A large portion of the Omani people come from desert tribes, and while lifestyles are changing, there is still a strong element of tradition within the population. For example, alcohol consumption is prohibited among the locals, while traditional attire is still worn by men and women predominantly in rural areas. As is customary, you will see some men complete their outfits with a jewelled dagger, or jambiya, hung by the side. It's quite an experience to be a part of these vintage traditions.
Traditional food in Oman is still widely enjoyed. Coffee and tea are the favoured beverages, while lamb and fish are the main meats for most dishes. Lamb cooked in various ways with fragrant spices is a must-try when in Oman. Rice is widely eaten, especially in the famed qabooli, which is rice slow-cooked with lamb shanks. Fresh dates too are popular and added to various desserts, or eaten whole as a rich form of nourishment.
Eid is the most popular festival in Oman and holds a huge significance in the Islamic religion. Your hotel in Oman will allow you to join in the celebrations by offering a variety of traditional meals prepared for the festival, marking the end of the fasting season for Muslims. Other festivals you may enjoy being a part of include the Muscat Festival, National Day, and the Salalah Tourism Festival.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
