SOHAR - FAQ`S
Sohar is a port city located on the northern coast of Oman, facing the Gulf of Oman. It is approximately 124 miles northwest of the capital city, Muscat.
What is Sohar known for?
Sohar is the home city of Sindbad the sailor, once an important Islamic port, and the largest town in the country. Nowadays, Sohar has a new port under construction. The city is renowned for its copper deposits, and archaeological evidence points to copper extraction being carried over 5,000 years ago. There are still three copper minds in operation in Sohar and over 18 tons of copper deposits.
The main attractions include Sohar Fort, Sohar Corniche, Silver Jubilee Park, and the Sohar Royal Gardens. The city also has several traditional markets (souks) and modern shopping malls. There are several beautiful beaches along the coastline, popular for relaxation and water activities.
Sohar has an airport, Sohar International Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights.
How do I get into Sohar?
There is a bus run by Oman National Transport Company that runs four daily buses from Muscat (3 hours).
By car from the Emirates crossing the border in Al Ain, it is a 1 hour and 30 minute drive by car.
The city has a public bus service, taxis, and car rental options for getting around.
Sohar is located in the Al Batinah region of Oman. The Al Batinah region is a narrow coastal plain bounded by the sea on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other. Getting around the Batinah region is straightforward, thanks to the fast dual-carriageway coastal highway which runs from Muscat via Seeb, Barka and Sohar and on the UAE board, a total distance of 168 miles.
The national currency is the Oman Rial (OMR). Circulation of the OMR is in banknotes and coins. Banknote denominations are 100 and 200 baisas, and 1/2, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 rials. Coins have denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 baisas, and 1/4 and 1/2 rials.
When it comes to tipping, most restaurants and hotel establishments automatically charge a service charge. In addition, you are free to tip service staff – the norm is 10%. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Oman by clicking here Oman - Tipping.
Sohar has a hot desert climate, characterized by extremely hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 104°F and mild winters with temperatures averaging around 68°F. Rainfall is sparse and occurs mainly in the winter months. The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are warm (63°F to 95°F) yet not too hot.
What is the local cuisine like in Sohar?The local cuisine in Sohar features traditional Omani dishes such as shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), majboos (spiced rice with meat), and hallway (a sweet confection). Seafood is also popular due to the city's coastal location.
Are there any cultural festivals or events in Sohar?Yes, Sohar hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the annual Muscat Festival, which often includes activities and performances in Sohar, showcasing Omani heritage and traditions.
I don’t speak Arabic will many people speak English?Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken in cities and to a good extent in areas that have tourism. We recommend you get a good English-Arabic guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me and the numbers 1 -10.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Sohar has several healthcare facilities, including Sohar Hospital, which provides a range of medical services to residents and visitors.
In case of a medical emergency, dial 999, the emergency services number in Oman.