MUTTRAH CITY TOUR

Al Dhalam (Darkness in Arabic) Souq is the local name for the Muttrah Souq. The Muttrah Souq is perhaps one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world. It is located adjacent to the harbour of Muscat harbor and has seen immense trade in the age of sail, being strategically located on the way to India and China. It has been named after darkness because of the crowded stalls and lanes where the sunrays do not infiltrate during the day and the shoppers need lamps to know their destinations. The name of the market has been drawn specifically from the part that extends from Al Lawatiya Mosque to Khour Bimba where the place is really full of stores and stalls and the narrow area of lanes does not allow the sunlight to enter. The market was a source of supply for Omanis where they can buy their needs in the 1960s when life requirements were simpler than today. Most of the goods were imported, in addition to local products like textiles, fruit, vegetables and dates.

Other things sold at the souq include Omani pots, paintings, hookah pipes, framed khanjars (daggers), leatherwork and incense.

• Royal Opera House Muscat
• The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque(daily between 0800-1100 Hrs, except Fridays/holidays) ***
• Qurum and Muttrah Corniche
• Muttrah traditional, gold and fish markets
• Al Alam Palace and Old Muscat
• Muttrah Fort, Al Mirani and Al Jalali Forts
• Shagri-La fjords

*** Dress Code: Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf. Men should wear normal shirt and trousers).