Oman's attitude of blending modern and ancient also extends to its shopping. Ultra modern shopping complexes stand alongside the wonderfully quaint and traditional markets blending old and new.

Visitors can buy rose-water sprinklers, coffee pots, incense burners, fragrant frankincense, rugs and saddles. Women's jewellery is perhaps the finest expression of the silversmiths' art, ranging from kohl small silver boxes, to bracelets, earrings and rings, heavy anklets, belts and necklaces.

Traditional Souqs

The traditional Arabic marketplace is known as the souq where household items and traditional handcrafts can be found for sale, these are dotted around many towns throughout Oman. Besides its obvious economic purpose, the souq has long been the centre of social interaction. In some souqs like Nizwa and Sinaw livestock are auctioned and bartered.

Muttrah Souq

Muttrah Souq, the oldest market place in the capital is located behind the Corniche of Muttrah networked over a large area. Entering the Souq, transports visitors into an Arabian Nights fantasy, albeit a slightly modernised one. Frankincense, spices, dates and antiques jostle for position with the more modern electronics, Barbie dolls and fashion accessories. The maze of pathways leading in and out of each other with narrow, winding alleys and by-lanes, will eventually lead to the Gold Souq, tucked away in one corner. Here one can mix and match gold, pearls, precious and semi precious stones creating personalised jewellery.

Nizwa Souq

This traditional souq hosts a lively cattle market early each Friday morning where cows, goats and sheep are auctioned. The obstinate behaviour of the animals often provides great amusement for spectators. There is an abundance of local handicrafts and produce in the new covered souq. Silversmiths can be seen hammering patterns into the hilts of Khanjars and women sell the burqa -a glittering, embroidered facemask worn by local ladies.

Sinaw Souq

The souq is best visited early in the morning on weekends. It has similar ware to Nizwa souq, including a cattle market. Some of the silver shops sell the old silver Bedouin jewellery, but you have to look hard. This is actually the new souq, the old one, now abandoned being situated to the rear.

Ibra Souq

This one is unique: it is open to all, as long as you are female! It is a fairly recent innovation, opened in 1990 and is held on Wednesday mornings. It is the only souq in Oman which lends itself totally to the needs of women. Lotions, cosmetics, powders, textiles, perfumes and henna are amongst some of the items on sale.