Sohar: The Pearl of Oman

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaea]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [athaar]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhair. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al ingileziya?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [aawad an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la aakol al lahoom]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [aawad an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [erhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassil batabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [aawad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا أتفرج فقط
  [ana atfarij faqat]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam saeruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yemkinuk khafd alsaer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssaah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [alashirah wannahf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [alduhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisaa]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu alunwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yemkinuk an tareeni (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tathkirah (ila ....)]

Sohar, one of the oldest cities in Oman, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its strategic location along the Arabian Sea made it a major maritime hub, facilitating trade routes between the Middle East, India, and East Africa. Archaeological evidence suggests that Sohar was a thriving seaport as early as the 3rd millennium BCE.

During the Islamic Golden Age, Sohar was an important center of commerce and learning. The city flourished under the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, becoming renowned for its shipbuilding industry and bustling markets. Sohar's prosperity attracted scholars, traders, and craftsmen from across the Islamic world, contributing to its cultural and economic development.

Sohar's maritime heritage is also linked to the legendary tales of Sinbad the Sailor. It is believed that the stories of Sinbad's adventurous voyages were inspired by the seafarers of Sohar. These tales, part of the 'One Thousand and One Nights' collection, highlight the city's historical significance as a center of maritime exploration and trade.

In the early 16th century, Sohar came under Portuguese control as they sought to dominate the trade routes in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese constructed a fort in Sohar to secure their hold over the region. This period of foreign occupation lasted until the mid-17th century when the Omani forces, led by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, successfully expelled the Portuguese.

Sohar Fort, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city, stands as a testament to Sohar's resilience. Originally built by the Portuguese and later reconstructed by Omani rulers, the fort has played a crucial role in defending the city from various invasions. Today, it houses a museum that showcases Sohar's rich history and cultural heritage.

In recent decades, Sohar has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a modern industrial and commercial hub. The establishment of Sohar Port and Freezone has attracted international investments, boosting the city's economy and creating job opportunities. Despite these advancements, Sohar has managed to preserve its historical charm, blending the old with the new.

Sohar is accessible via several means. The closest international airport is Muscat International Airport (MCT), located about 200 kilometers south of Sohar. From Muscat, you can reach Sohar by bus, taxi, or renting a car. The Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) operates regular bus services between Muscat and Sohar, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, taxis and rental cars provide more flexible travel options.

Within Sohar, transportation options include taxis, buses, and rental cars. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked through various mobile apps. Local buses operate on fixed routes and are an inexpensive way to travel around the city. For more convenience, renting a car allows you to explore Sohar and its surroundings at your own pace. Note that driving is on the right side of the road.

The official currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for use in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Sohar, and currency exchange services can be found in banks and dedicated exchange offices.

Sohar is generally a very safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty thefts such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. It is advisable to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 9999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Sohar has several hospitals and clinics offering medical care, including the Sohar Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff members speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in public places and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be courteous to other passengers. Avoid eating and drinking on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and use the right hand as it is considered more polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food and drink offers graciously. Avoid eating with the left hand, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sohar like a local, visit the traditional souks (markets) where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Engaging with locals can provide unique insights into Sohar's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Sohar Fort and the beautiful Corniche area. Additionally, try local delicacies such as Omani Halwa and Shuwa for an authentic culinary experience.