When it comes to the Arab world, Oman or The Sultanate of Oman as it is officially known is a most unique place. While it sits between the incredibly wealthy and prosperous countries of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia respectively, Oman has a fairly humble nature about it. The country remains fairly true to its traditions, and despite being modernised to a great extent, it lacks the glitzy flair of Dubai, and the gluttonously indulgent lifestyles of Saudi Arabia. Given that it shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan, Oman has a unique geography compared to her neighbouring countries.

The tourism industry in Oman has begun booming as of recent times, and the country is laden with exotic hotels and resorts such as the Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman, and if one truly wishes to do some unique Oman sight-seeing, then the Nizwa Souq is the place to go.

The city of Nizwa is iconic for producing various handicrafts and agricultural produce, and her massive traditional marketplace, known as a souq, is one of the most significant places in the entire country. Composed of mostly new buildings, the souq has a wide array of offerings, but the most popular items range involve the many types of fruits, vegetables and meat that are available within the market. Even livestock is sold at the souq, which can be slightly off-putting for people not used to such concepts, however if one avoids the souq between 7am and 9am on Friday, they will be spared the full-swing of the livestock market.

The most noteworthy products available at the souqs are the traditional silver knives known as Khanjars, which are made by the notoriously gifted Nizwa craftsmen. In addition to the knives, Nizwa craftsmen forge swords and various high-quality copperware too.
So take a trip to the Nizwa souq and bask in the heritage of the Arab world.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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