MUSCAT FESTIVAL For those who lack the time to


HERITAGE GALLERY The Omani Heritage Gallery (OHG)


stocks a vast range of authentic locally produced items. Establis- hed in 1995, this 'not-for-profit' private company operates stores in Muscat and Nizwa. It has provided a vital link between traditional craft communities and the contemporary market- place, aiming to place real Omani souvenirs at the top of visitors' shopping lists.


The company operates a gallery at Shatti Al Qurum, which is stocked with pottery, tribal weav- ings, camel trappings, basketry, copper and leather articles. Its Nizwa outlet, which is located in Nizwa Fort, showcases the talents of local silversmiths, coppersmiths, artisans and experts in restoring weaponry, locks and keys. Visitors can take away a beaten copper tray or silver coffeepot as an authentic reminder of their journey.


make the trip to Nizwa, where the Friday goat and sheep market alone are worth the photo opportu- nity, Omani heritage displays are a feature of many festivals including the annual Muscat Festival staged each January. Here, mainly female artisans showcase their skills. Covered Bedu women weave brightly-hued rugs to the prepara- tion of bukhoor (Arabic perfume individually prepared with oils and scented wood). Demonstrations also take place of the transforma- tion of leafy dried palm frond into fans and the famed local date basket with its pointed cover, or a mouthwatering serving of halwa Ð the sugary dessert flavoured with cardamom and saffron.


Several excellent museums in


the capital also promote all things Omani. A visit to Bait Zubair or Bait Nadir is both informative and inspiring, with examples of Bedouin jewellery, carving, pottery and more on show, plus explanations of the origins of these handicrafts.


Other souks...


NIZWA SOUK- Nizwa Souk, restored to complement its neighbouring fort, is one of the best places to hunt for souvenirs in all of Oman. A vast range of goods are on sale in the bustling marketplace, but the intricate silverware on display is probably one of the biggest draws, particularly the crafting of traditional Khanjar daggers. A bonus on Fridays is the weekly goat and camel market, with farmers, traders and their families descending from the hills to socialise and auction their animals.


MUSCAT - MUTTRAH SOUK For shoppers keen to throw themselves into the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, the first port of call has to be Muttrah Souk on the capital's harbour front. The country's most famous


shopping precinct, Muttrah Souk provides a step back in time to a bygone era. The sights and smells that permeate the narrow, dimly lit alleyways are the same as they were 50 years ago. Lane after lane filled with small cavern-like shops under a palm frond roof sets the scene for Omani ladies to browse the latest imported fabrics, try their favourite Oud perfume and pick up some fresh fruit or dates. Tucked away in one corner is the Gold Souk. Here, you can create your own jewellery, mixing and matching gold, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, or choose from an array of readymade jewellery. Considering the local climate can be challenging for visitors who are not accustomed to the heat, some of the stores selling brass- ware, wooden chests, maps, camel saddles and heavy wooden picture frames are now air-conditioned.


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AL DHAHIRAH WOMEN'S SOUK- Once famous for its fine horses and horsemen,


Ibri is the gateway to the eastern region of Oman, located 150 kilometres from Muscat. Now, it is famed for its Wednesday souk run entirely by women. A visit to the souk can be combined with a trip to al Mansfah Village, a community of mansions once owned by prosperous merchants of the 19th century during the reign of Said the Great.


AL HAFAH SOUK- Al Hafah Souk is located three kilometres from the city of Salalah in Dhofar. The souk, which is surrounded by coconut trees, offers an authentic tropical experience, and is one of the best places in the entire country to buy a varieties of gum and incense. Other locally produced fare on sale includes traditional textiles and clothing, gold and silver jewellery and other traditional artefacts.


SOHAR HANDICRAFTS SOUK- Located in the Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar, the Sohar handicrafts souk opened in 1999, showcasing the work of local artisans and handicraft makers. Craft shops sprawl over an area of 7,000 square metres. Local handicrafts include leather goods, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, Omani sweets (halwa) and traditional weapons.


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