Muttrah, Port city in Muscat, Oman
Muttrah is a port city along the Gulf of Oman coastline with a central harbor area, traditional markets, and neighborhoods built into the surrounding hills. The waterfront connects the active port to the famous souk, where narrow lanes pass through covered market sections and shops.
This port served as Oman's main commercial center until the 1970s and held major economic importance for the region. Portuguese forts from earlier centuries still stand today as remnants of its long trading history.
The Sūr al-Luwātiyah quarter shows the presence of Sindhi settlers and their descendants, who maintained their own language and trading customs over generations. You can see these traditions reflected in the local shops and daily life of the neighborhood.
The souk operates as the main traditional market with separate sections for gold, textiles, spices, and other products organized under covered roofs. You can walk through the central market lanes and ask vendors about specific items you are looking for.
The narrow Al Dhalam Souk market got its name from the limited natural light that enters through small openings in its corridors. This lighting creates a particular feel that sets this marketplace apart from other areas.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
