Experience Omani culture through your senses

From the wafts of saffron and frankincense to the call to prayer echoing from the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, any trip to Oman is bound to awaken the senses unlike anywhere else. Prepare to take a multisensory journey through its eclectic heritage and influences, from its delicious food to its friendly and hospitable locals…

Muscat is home to an array of architectural marvels. From the traditional Grand Mosque to the modern Royal Opera House, Muscat offers plenty of majestic beauties to behold. A visit to Muscat is incomplete without visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, named after the late HM Sultan Qaboos. It boasts spellbinding Islamic designs encrusted on the exterior, a massive sparkling crystal chandelier that draws in crowds from near and far, and the second-largest carpet in the world situated in the peaceful main prayer hall.

The equally impressive Royal Opera House of Muscat (ROHM), which was established in 2011, is another dazzling structure that should be explored during a visit to the capital city. The all-white stone and marble building which resembles a royal palace is located near Shatti Al Qurum beach and is a dramatic sight to see with its gleaming colonnaded facade along the blue waters of the sea in the backdrop.

Another commanding building to see is the ceremonial Al Alam Palace. It is one of the most exceptional structures in the city, with dramatic gold and blue features standing alone in the old Muscat district. It also is adorned in white marble finishings, and wooden balconies ornamented in traditional Omani style.

The village of Misfat al Abbriyeen (Shutterstock)

Recognised by the UNWTO as a ‘Best Tourism Village’ in 2021, Misfat al Abbriyeen is a historic village that offers mystical views of old mud houses in which locals once resided. Visitors can walk beneath an old fort and step back in time by observing the ancient falaj irrigation system running through the village, which is fed by the surrounding Omani oasis and dates back around 2,000 years. As part of the Oman 2040 Vision, it’s hoped to develop Misfat al Abbriyeen as a self-sufficient tourist destination, through a range of heritage-led initiatives. Already, you’ll find historic B&Bs dotted along the village’s narrow alleyways, where you can sit and talk with locals on its rooftop verandas to learn more about the rich past of this settlement. You’ll also gain a great view of the date palms that stretch out in every direction.

Shuwa is a classic dish in Oman (Shutterstock)

Omani cuisine has welcomed host of influences over centuries, from African gastronomy to Asian, but this all comes together to deliver distinctive Arabian cuisine. While staples in Omani dishes include meat (either chicken, fish, or lamb) and rice, they are usually infused with an array of fragrant spices and herbs. One of the most iconic dishes is shuwa, a plate often prepared for special occasions like Eid. The meat (usually lamb or goat) is cooked on average for two days and is marinated in Omani spices, then wrapped in banana leaves or palm leaves and put in an underground sand oven. After days of cooking, the meat is so tender and succulent, making it a much-loved dish amongst locals.

An additional favourite dish includes halwa, a delicious, gelatinous sweet desert flavoured with saffron, cardamom, ghee, nuts, and rose water. You must try khubz also, which is a crisp and thin crepe like bread traditionally served either with sweet or savoury toppings at breakfast. Harees is another popular dish often served during family gatherings and holidays. It consists of wheat mixed with meat or chicken, which is then cooked until it forms a thick paste-like consistency.

One of the places where you can truly get immersed in local Omani life is its souks. The smells of fragrant spices like cardamon and cinnamon here, as well as traditional frankincense, waft through the air while you’re perusing other stalls selling traditional gifts, gold and other Omani goods like lanterns and clothing. The colourful displays of turmeric, traditional oriental spices and dried roses thrust your senses into life as you stroll up and down the winding, crowded alleyways. Enjoy popping in and out of small shops in souks such as Muttrah, the most popular souk in Muscat. It is also called Souk Al Thalam, or ‘market of darkness’, due to its wooden ceilings, making the fragrant smells drift even further and longer.

Additional souks worth discovering to get a share of frankincense for your home include Bahla souk, which also offers a host of locally sourced honey brands and flavours to choose from. In the southern Dhofar region the Salalah souk is home to a huge selection of perfumed bakhoor and frankincense scents including oud, rose and amber.

Nizwa Fort is an iconic symbol in the city (Experience Oman)

Stepping into Nizwa, an ancient city in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Oman, is like stepping into a living history museum. Nizwa Fort, which dates back to the 17^th century, is one of Oman’s most visited sites. The fort is open to tourists daily and next to it is another must see site in the city the ancient Nizwa Fort, with its towering, unique large round shape. After exploring these historic ruins venture to discover the adjacent Nizwa souk. It is home to the best silver artifacts in the country and the early morning cattle market on Fridays. Locals and tourists flock to the market for the uniquely Omani experience to see the hustle and bustle of Omanis who travel from around the country to haggle over the variety of goats for sale. During a trip to Nizwa, especially during summer months, make time for a detour to nearby Jabal al Akhdar for its terraced orchards of roses and pomegranates, flowing wadis and abundance of hiking opportunities among the mountains.