Overview

Sohar, the largest city in northern Oman's Al Batinah North Governorate, boasts a long and eventful history. The origins of Sohar are prehistoric, and the town was an early part of Islam. At one time it was one of the most important trading centers on the Arabian peninsula. It was identified as the mythological birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. Today, the forts and other historical places to visit in Sohar stand as a testimony of its past splendor, attracting visitors from the far ends of the world to visit this oldest town of Oman.

Things to See and Do

Visit the Sohar Fort, regarded as one of the most prominent castles and forts in the North Batinah Governorate. This fort was built at the end of the thirteenth and the start of the fourteenth centuries. It has a distinctive tower and a 6-mile-long tunnel that was used as an escape route in times of siege. It is a stunning fort with five towers that are perched atop a hill. This fort premises has 2 parks that are the perfect places to escape the bustling city.

The square tower also boasts a small museum that is a living testament to the local history of Oman. The Sayyid Thuwaini Bin Sultan Al Busaid tomb is also an attractive feature worth visiting here. The Fort is furnished in a way that gives you an insight into the military life of Oman in the 19th century. The most visited landmark in Sohar is this fort!

The Silver Jubilee Garden in Sohar is a significant entertainment venue and a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk or to relax by the beach for a peaceful evening. The park is open with sprawling green spaces and beautiful water bodies that can make any casual visit to the park a memorable stay. There are also free children’s play areas where you can find different rides and water bikes to enjoy. One of Oman’s top restaurants is located in the Silver Jubilee Park.

Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Sohar, a breathtaking mosque that stands out from other royal mosques since it was designed in a way that combines elements of Omani and Persian Islamic architecture. This is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Sohar and held a great economic position in the history of Sohar. Ever since the mosque opened up for worshippers, more people have been stopping by this wonderful historic landmark, giving Sohar the recognition and fame that it deserves.

The Sohar Beach Corniche is a beautiful place overlooking the coast of Sohar. This street extends from Sallan Park past the Fish Harbor, the Sohar Fort, and the Mosque. This is a great place to start your exploration of the city. Spend some time strolling along the lovely sandy beaches, and stop in one of the several restaurants to have a bite to eat and enjoy the views. You can also find a small visitors park at the one corner of Corniche.

The Sohar Handicraft Souq is one of the best Souqs located in the Al Hajra region next to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Opened in 1999, this Souq is rich in culture and history supporting craftsmen and preserving Oman’s traditional handicrafts. It was built in the style of Arab-Islamic architecture. Here you’ll find a variety of Omani traditional industries and handicrafts under one roof, and artisan shops cover an area of over 75,000 sq ft. Enjoy shopping for ceramics, leather, cotton, palm leaves, gold, silver, and wool. You can also source the best herbs, perfumes, honey, and Omnai sweets from this market. The souqs are among the best Sohar tourist attractions to explore the local culture and history of Sohar.

The Camel Racing Track is one of the exciting things to do in Sohar. Camels and their owners gather at the racetrack, with the crowd cheering on with extreme enthusiasm as the camels race up to a 40 miles per hour. Camels have long been considered the “ships of the desert,” which means that desert life is their natural playground. Camels have changed every element of daily living in the desert as they are utilized for entertainment, celebration, and competition during festivals and other special occasions.

The excursion to the desert to observe the camel races is worthwhile if you have the time. It is best to hire a guide so that you will be aware of when a race is scheduled and able to attend. Being surrounded by onlookers and watching racers riding camels while wearing traditional attire is an unforgettable sight!

Sohar is filled with gardens and beaches. The Almenyal Beach Park is another great park to explore. The park is a sprawling greenery, perfect for rest and relaxation in a clean beach and garden space. Grab a cup of coffee from the nearest cafe and sit on the beach to breathe in the fresh air coming in from the coast of Sohar.