All You Need to Shop in Muscat (2025): Malls, Souks & Insider Savings - Xplrverse

Introduction to Shopping in Muscat

The first time I stepped into Muttrah Souk in Muscat, I was completely overwhelmed. The labyrinth of narrow alleyways, the symphony of shopkeepers calling out, the intoxicating blend of frankincense and spices… I got hopelessly lost, overpaid for everything, and ended up with three identical pashminas because I couldn’t say no to persistent vendors. Seven visits to Oman later, I’ve learned my way around the shopping scene in Muscat, from traditional markets to ultra-modern malls. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

Muscat’s shopping landscape offers a fascinating blend of old and new—glittering malls with international brands sit just kilometers away from centuries-old souks where bargaining is still an art form. Whether you’re hunting for authentic Omani crafts, designer clothes, or just everyday necessities, this guide will help you navigate Muscat’s diverse shopping terrain in 2025.

Understanding Muscat’s Shopping Culture

Before diving into specific shopping destinations, it’s important to understand the shopping culture in Muscat. Shopping isn’t just a transaction here—it’s a social experience rich with cultural significance.

Shopping Hours in 2025

In 2025, most malls in Muscat operate from 10 AM to 10 PM, with extended hours until midnight on weekends. However, there’s a midday lull you should know about:

Many smaller shops close from roughly 1 PM to 4 PM during the hottest part of the day
Friday mornings are quiet as this is the main prayer day
During Ramadan, shopping hours shift dramatically, with many places open late into the night

After my second trip, I learned to plan my shopping around these times rather than fighting against them. The mall at 2 PM in summer can feel like a ghost town!

Currency and Payment Methods

The Omani Rial (OMR) is one of the world’s highest-valued currencies, which can make price conversion tricky. Current exchange rates (as of 2025):

Currency	Approximate Value in OMR
1 USD	0.385 OMR
1 EUR	0.420 OMR
1 GBP	0.490 OMR

Insider Tip: Remember that 1 OMR = 1000 baisa (the smaller unit). When someone says something costs “five hundred,” they usually mean 500 baisa, which is 0.5 OMR. This confused me terribly on my first trip!

Most malls and larger stores accept credit cards, but in souks and smaller shops, cash is king. Since 2024, digital payment platforms like BM Wallet have become more widely accepted, especially among younger vendors.

Traditional Shopping: Souks and Markets

Muttrah Souk: The Crown Jewel

No shopping trip to Muscat is complete without visiting Muttrah Souk, also known as Al Dhalam (“darkness” in Arabic) Souk because of its covered alleys that keep out the harsh sunlight. This ancient marketplace has been Muscat’s trading hub for centuries.

What to buy at Muttrah Souk:

Frankincense and Myrrh – Oman produces some of the world’s finest frankincense, particularly from Dhofar region
Omani Silver – Khanjar daggers, jewelry, and ornate boxes
Pashminas and Textiles – Including the colorful kumma (traditional Omani caps)
Spices – Look for the unique Omani blend called “baharat”

Bargaining Phrases: Try “Kam hatha?” (How much is this?) and “Ghali!” (Expensive!) followed by “Shwaya takhfidh?” (Can you reduce a little?). Using even these simple Arabic phrases has saved me at least 15-20% on purchases.

Other Notable Traditional Markets

Nizwa Souk

While technically a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat, the Nizwa Souk is worth the journey if you’re serious about authentic Omani crafts. I made this trip on my third visit and kicked myself for not doing it sooner!

The Friday morning goat and cattle auction (7-9 AM) is a cultural experience you won’t forget. The handicraft section sells pottery, copper items, and the famous Nizwa silver jewelry at prices 20-30% lower than in Muscat.

Sindbad Traditional Market

A smaller, less touristy alternative to Muttrah Souk located in Al Qurum. I stumbled upon this place by accident when my taxi driver took a wrong turn, and it became one of my favorite discoveries! Look for handcrafted wooden items and Bedouin jewelry at more reasonable prices than in the main tourist areas.

Modern Shopping: Malls and Retail Centers

Muscat’s Top Shopping Malls in 2025

For air-conditioned comfort and fixed prices, Muscat’s growing collection of malls offers everything from luxury brands to everyday necessities.

Mall	Location	Specialty	Must-Visit Stores
Mall of Oman	Seeb	Largest mall with entertainment	Carrefour, VOX Cinemas, Snow Oman
Muscat Grand Mall	Al Khuwair	Fashion and dining	H&M, Centerpoint, Fun Zone
Avenues Mall	Ghubra	Luxury brands	Debenhams, Zara, Pottery Barn
Oman Avenues Mall	Bausher	Family entertainment	Lulu Hypermarket, Splash, Toys R Us
Panorama Mall	Al Ghubra	Local boutiques	Al Farid Home, Tuga, Paul Bakery

Mall of Oman: The New Flagship

Since its completion in 2022, Mall of Oman has become Muscat’s premier shopping destination, and in 2025 its popularity continues to grow. The mall houses Oman’s largest Carrefour hypermarket, which I’ve found has the best prices for everyday items and food souvenirs like dates, halwa, and packaged spices.

The mall’s Snow Oman indoor snow park is a surreal experience—playing in snow when it’s 40°C (104°F) outside feels like magic. If you’re visiting with kids, this is worth the splurge.

Money-Saving Tip #1: Visit Mall of Oman on Monday when many restaurants offer “2-for-1” deals. I’ve saved at least 15-20 OMR (approximately $40-50) on dinner and entertainment by planning my mall visits strategically.

Specialty Shopping in Muscat

Gold and Jewelry

Oman has a long tradition of goldsmithing, and Muscat is an excellent place to purchase gold jewelry at competitive prices. Gold in Oman is sold by weight plus making charges, with prices changing daily based on the international gold rate.

The best areas for gold shopping:

Ruwi High Street – Concentration of jewelry shops with competitive prices
Muttrah Gold Souk – Traditional designs and atmosphere
Sabco Centre – Higher-end designs with less bargaining

When I was shopping for my sister’s wedding gift, I compared prices between these areas and found Ruwi to be about 5-7% cheaper than the others for the same weight of gold.

Money-Saving Tip #2: Always ask for the “gold rate” separately from the “making charges” when buying gold jewelry. Making charges are negotiable, especially if you’re buying multiple pieces. I managed to get a 40% discount on making charges by purchasing a necklace and earring set together.

Omani Frankincense and Perfumes

Oman’s most famous export is frankincense, particularly from the Dhofar region in the south. In Muscat, you can find various grades and forms of this aromatic resin.

Where to Buy Authentic Frankincense

Amouage Factory and Visitor Center – Oman’s luxury perfume brand offers tours and factory-direct pricing
Al Husn Souk (near Sultan’s Palace) – Small but high-quality selection
The Gallery Muscat – Curated, high-quality frankincense with educational information

I made the mistake of buying frankincense from the first shop I saw in Muttrah on my initial visit. On later trips, I discovered that the quality and price vary enormously. The best frankincense has a green-white appearance and should melt, not just burn, when heated.

Books and Local Art

For those interested in Omani culture, history, and art:

Bait Al Zubair Museum Shop – Excellent collection of books about Oman
Al Bhaj Bookshop in Qurum – Wide selection of English books about Omani culture
Omani Heritage Gallery at Bait Al Baranda – Supporting local artisans

I found a beautiful coffee table book about traditional Omani architecture at Bait Al Zubair that I’ve never seen available online—sometimes physical browsing still yields the best treasures!

Budget Shopping and Local Favorites

Where Locals Actually Shop

To find the best deals and experience shopping like a local Muscat resident, venture away from tourist zones:

Ruwi District

Often called “Little India,” this bustling area offers everything from electronics to textiles at prices 30-40% lower than in malls. The narrow streets around Ruwi High Street are packed with small shops selling everyday items.

My favorite discovery was a tiny shop called Al Karama Textiles (near the Bank Muscat branch) that sells beautiful cotton fabrics for just 2-3 OMR per meter—perfect if you want to have clothing made by a local tailor.

Lulu Hypermarkets

This regional chain is where most Muscat residents do their regular shopping. Prices are excellent, especially for food items, household goods, and basic clothing. The newest branch in Al Bandar has introduced self-checkout in 2025, making the experience even more convenient.

Money-Saving Tip #3: Download the Lulu app to access digital-only promotions. I saved nearly 25 OMR (approximately $65) on a week’s worth of groceries and gifts by using their app-exclusive deals.

Seasonal Sales and Shopping Festivals

Timing your shopping with Muscat’s sale seasons can lead to significant savings:

Muscat Festival (January-February) – The city’s biggest shopping event with special pop-up markets
Summer Sales (June-August) – Discounts of 25-70% to attract shoppers during the hot season
Pre-Ramadan Sales – Great deals on food items and gifts
National Day Promotions (November) – Patriotic-themed sales around Oman’s National Day

During my July visit last year, I picked up designer sunglasses for 70% off and high-quality pashminas at buy-one-get-one-free. Summer is low tourist season due to the heat, but it’s prime time for bargain hunters!

Sustainable and Ethical Shopping

Supporting Local Artisans

In 2025, there’s a growing movement in Muscat to preserve traditional crafts through sustainable business models:

Banat Oman – Women’s cooperative selling handmade products with fair compensation to artisans
Al Seef Artisan Market (open weekends at Al Mouj Waterfront) – Direct sales from creators
Oman Handicrafts – Government-supported initiative ensuring authenticity and fair trade

I’ve found that prices at these artisan-direct outlets are often comparable to or even lower than tourist shops, while quality is consistently higher. Plus, your money directly supports local families preserving traditional skills.

Eco-Friendly Shopping Options

Muscat has seen a surge in environmentally conscious shopping options in recent years:

Eco Bags Oman – Locally-made reusable shopping bags from upcycled materials
The Green Corner at Muscat Grand Mall – Dedicated section for sustainable products
Mandoos Refillery in Al Qurum – Bring your own containers for package-free shopping

Sustainability Tip: Bring a foldable shopping bag with you. Since Oman implemented plastic bag charges in 2023, most shops charge 100 baisa (0.1 OMR) per bag. Small savings add up, and you’ll reduce plastic waste!

Navigating Customs and Export Regulations

What You Can (and Can’t) Take Home

Before loading up on souvenirs, be aware of what you’re allowed to take out of Oman and bring into your home country:

Common Export Restrictions

Antiques – Items over 100 years old require an export permit from the Ministry of Heritage and Culture
Wildlife products – Including turtle shells and certain corals are prohibited
Desert roses – These natural formations are now protected and export is restricted

Duty-Free Allowances

When leaving Muscat International Airport, the duty-free allowances (as of 2025) are quite generous:

Item	Allowance
Alcohol	2 liters per adult
Tobacco	400 cigarettes or 50 cigars
Perfume	1/4 liter
Gifts	Items totaling OMR 300 ($780)

I learned the hard way that Oman’s gorgeous desert roses (crystallized gypsum formations) are now protected. Customs confiscated mine at the airport, despite the shop owner assuring me they were legal to export. Always double-check current regulations!

Tax Refunds for Tourists

In 2024, Oman introduced a limited VAT refund scheme for tourists, which has been expanded in 2025:

Look for the “Tax Free Shopping” logo at participating retailers
Spend a minimum of 25 OMR ($65) in a single transaction
Ask for a tax-free form at the time of purchase
Present your purchases, receipts, and passport at the airport refund counter

The refund is worth pursuing for larger purchases—the standard VAT rate is 5%, so on a 500 OMR purchase, you could receive 25 OMR back.

Your 5-Step Muscat Shopping Action Plan

After seven visits and countless shopping adventures in Muscat, here’s the strategy I’ve perfected for making the most of your shopping experience:

Start at Muttrah Souk for orientation – Spend your first shopping day here to understand traditional goods and baseline prices, but don’t buy everything immediately
Compare prices at multiple vendors – Note prices at 3-4 different places before committing to larger purchases
Mix high-end and budget shopping destinations – Balance your time between malls, souks, and local markets
Schedule one major purchase per day – This prevents decision fatigue and buyer’s remorse
Save space for last-minute airport finds – Muscat International Airport has excellent duty-free shopping with some items (like frankincense products) competitively priced

My last trip went so smoothly following this plan that I actually came in under budget while getting everything on my list—plus I had room in my suitcase for that beautiful hand-woven carpet I hadn’t planned on falling in love with!

Muscat’s shopping scene blends centuries-old traditions with modern convenience in a way few other destinations can match. The memories of haggling over silver in Muttrah, the scent of bakhoor incense wafting through the air, and the pride of finding that perfect handmade souvenir will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

With a bit of planning and these insider tips, you’ll navigate Muscat’s markets like a pro in 2025. Masalama (goodbye) and happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best days and times for shopping in Muscat?

Weekday mornings (Sunday-Thursday) are generally the least crowded for souks and markets. Malls are busiest on Thursday and Friday evenings. For the most peaceful experience, shop between 10 AM-12 PM on weekdays. Avoid shopping during prayer times (especially Friday afternoon) when many shops close temporarily.

Is bargaining expected in Muscat shops?

Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience in souks and independent shops, but not in malls or department stores with fixed pricing. A good rule of thumb is to start at 50-60% of the initial asking price in traditional markets, then negotiate to around 70-75% of the original price.

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Muscat?

The most authentic souvenirs include frankincense, Omani silver jewelry, hand-woven carpets, dates, traditional khanjars (ceremonial daggers), pottery, and Omani halwa (a gelatinous sweet). For practical souvenirs, consider pashminas, spices, coffee pots (dallah), or Amouage perfumes made in Oman.

How much should I expect to pay for a quality pashmina in Muscat?

For a genuine pashmina (cashmere) of good quality, expect to pay between 15-25 OMR ($40-65). Much cheaper options (below 5 OMR) are likely synthetic blends. Hand-embroidered pieces can cost 30-50 OMR ($78-130) depending on the complexity of the work.

Can I use credit cards in Muscat’s shopping areas?

Credit cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels, and larger stores. Visa and Mastercard have the highest acceptance rate. However, many small shops and traditional souks are cash-only, so always carry some Omani Rials. As of 2025, mobile payment options like Apple Pay are increasingly available in upscale establishments.

Are shops open during Ramadan in Muscat?

Yes, but with modified hours. During Ramadan, most shops and malls open later (around noon) and close during the day, then reopen after iftar (breaking of the fast) until late night (often 1 AM or later). This creates a vibrant night shopping scene that’s worth experiencing even for non-Muslims.

What’s the dress code for shopping in Muscat?

Muscat is relatively conservative compared to other Gulf cities. While there’s no strict dress code for tourists, modest dress is appreciated—shoulders and knees should be covered, especially in traditional areas and souks. Malls are more relaxed, but still avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect for local culture.