SUR, OMAN

Travel Notes


Sur, Oman is an ancient port town roughly one and a half hours from the Omani capital of Muscat. Sur has been an important town for sailors and trade with East Africa and India since the sixth century given its position on the coastal waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. It became known for its shipyards, where large wooden boats have been constructed by hand for this trade. Today, Sur remains a worthy day trip destination for visitors staying in Muscat looking for a glimpse into the country’s seafaring past or combining with trips to the nearby wadis. Our Sur Travel Notes include a combination of recommendations for both cities.

Currency
Omani Rial

Time Zone
Gulf Standard Time
Language
Arabic, Local Bedouin Dialects

Local Cuisine
Middle Eastern fused with Indian and African
Best time to visit
Year-round

Dress Code
Flowing Caftans and Bedouin Scarves
WHERE TO STAY

THE CHEDI MUSCAT

North Ghubra 232 Way No. 3215
Street No. 46
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
+968 24 52 44 00

AL HUSN RESORT & SPA

Al Jissah Street
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
+968 24 77 63 88

AL BUSTAN PALACE HOTEL

Al Bustan Street
Quron Beach
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
+968 24 79 96 66

WHAT TO VISIT

MUTRAH CORNICHE

Mutrah Corniche
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE

Sultan Qaboos Street
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

SUNAYSILAH CASTLE

Sur City Centre
Sur, Sultanate of Oman

WHERE TO SHOP

OPERA GALLERIA

Al Kharijya Street
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 
+968 24 20 33 00

AL HARAMAIN PERFUMES

Souq Street
Sur, Sultanate of Oman

MUTRAH SOUQ

Mutrah Corinche
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
+968 98 27 74 78

WHERE TO DINE

KARGEEN RESTAURANT

Al Bashair Street
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
+968 99 25 33 51

SAHARI RESTAURANT

Al-Ayjah Street
Sur, Sultanate of Oman
+968 96 28 15 08

AL MANDOOS RESTAURANT

Al Badi Street
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
+968 96 00 45 49

REQUIRED READING

BY DIONISIUS A. AGIUS

PURCHASE
The Objects

Exclusive Edition 020 Omani Dhow Ships


As long as time can remember, the shores of Sur, Oman have been home to shipyards handcrafting the great merchant ships of our ancient trading civilizations. Today, a small number of shipyards continue to offer the creations, in varying sizes and shapes, born from full logs of wood sans building plans, crafted by hand and mind to the commissioning parties expectations.

Details

Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, the Al-Erimy family continues to craft  wooden dhow ships perfected by hand in Sur, Oman. Please contact Stories + Objects through our inquiry button should you be interested in information on commissioning a ship.

The Story

THE DHOW OF TIME


Aly Gomaa Al-Erimy comes from a long lineage of shipbuilders based in Sur, Oman where handcrafted ships, various types of dhows synonymous with ancient trade, have been constructed for several hundreds of years. The Al-Erimy family continues this tradition with the youngest generations of the family who learn by observing the hired craftsman build two commissioned ships a year within the yard.