Sohar, Oman 🇴🇲
#560
24.357754, 56.713704
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sohar is a port city located on the northern coast of Oman, known for its rich history and cultural significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 OMR ≈ 2.60 USD; major banks include Bank Muscat and Oman Arab Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Omantel and Ooredoo are the primary mobile providers with prepaid and postpaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as HSBC and Citibank are present; ATMs widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb; average price for a 1-bedroom apartment is around OMR 200. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, though cash is still common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies provide short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels such as Al Batinah Hotel and OYO properties offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sohar Freezone and supported business centers offer coworking facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Royal Café is known for its quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Business Chambers and various entrepreneur meet-ups are common; check Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Sohar Facebook Group often organize meetups and mixers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the preferred ride-hailing option in Sohar. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; most locals use taxis or personal vehicles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sohar Beach is a popular nearby beach for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SalamAir serves the region with connections to Muscat and other Middle Eastern cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Oman Air operates flights from Sohar to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Muscat-Sohar Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service available; buses connect to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available, but no dedicated passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Muscat and other cities are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sohar Hospital is a major healthcare facility providing various services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various fitness centers offer yoga classes; check Oman's top fitness chains. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and other local gyms are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats and dry-cleaning services can be found around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the most popular food delivery service in Sohar. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Shabaik is a traditional Omani dish made with fish; try at local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; check Al Noor Restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweets and pastries from local bakeries like Fathima Bakery are highly recommended. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Sohar Souk offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq is a popular choice for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Talabat Groceries offers grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; most locals socialize in cafes and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is limited to hotels; local beverages are often non-alcoholic. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability; check hotel lounges for options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls are common near markets and offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various international cuisines can be found at restaurants like Pind Punjab. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sohar Fort and the old souk are historic sites worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sohar Heritage Center offers insights into local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient ruins at Sohar Castle. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al Ameen Mosque is a prominent and beautiful mosque to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Muscat Festival and National Day celebrations are popular yearly events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old part of Sohar for a traditional experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Few performing arts venues; check local listings for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sohar Souk is a great place for shopping and experiencing local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be found at local events, though western music is popular in venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local urban projects are underway. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are available in neighboring cities. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries feature Omani artists’ work; check local listings. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Sohar Fort is an architectural landmark worth a visit. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sohar is known as the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor, an enduring local legend. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Al Jizzi provides scenic views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nizwa is within a reasonable traveling distance with beautiful natural landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Prominent coastal pathways along Sohar Beach for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the high viewpoints in the mountains near Sohar. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wadi Sohar is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire pits are located in some parks and beaches. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer parcel services in Sohar. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops provide repair services; check for reputable vendors. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries, such as the Sohar Public Library, provide study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Sohar Community Center hosts various cultural and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; some cafes offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not common in Oman; check hotels for entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. OMR 1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = OMR 40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. OMR 800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = OMR 32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. OMR 900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = OMR 54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. OMR 700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = OMR 42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. OMR 850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = OMR 68,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. OMR 600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = OMR 48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Oman has a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Oman has no strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No transaction tax on properties. |