Salalah’s shopping scene is as much characterized by its quaint street-side markets or traditional Arabic souks than by its plush new malls that are slowly sketching a modern identity for the town. Salalah is known as the ‘Perfume Capital of the Middle East' and visitors can lay their hands on the finest fragrances in the region. Here is a comprehensive guide to shopping in Salalah.

Haffa Souk

Trips to the Middle East are never consummated without a trip to their famous regional bazaars--the souks. The street-side flea markets are a cultural experience and are packed with tourists who come here to savor the local culture and lifestyle in a colorful setting. Haffa Souk is the largest and oldest souk in Salalah and tourists can pick up a range of eclectic items from the seemingly never-ending stretch of stalls. Travelers can buy the celebrated Frankincense souvenir here along with a string of other items like kaftans, woollen caps, perfumes, jewelry, lanterns, ceramic figurines, bells and wooden handicrafts.

Lulu Shopping Center

Lulu is a known brand of super markets having outlets all around the Middle East and is very popular with western tourists for its electronics and crockery items. This is one of the best places to buy imported goods, dry fruits, fine coffee beans and freshly baked-bread. Lulu is well-stocked with perfumes, cosmetics, artifacts, toys, upholstery, and a host of other items and offers quality merchandise at great bargain prices.

Al Husn Souk

Al Husn Souk is very popular for its trademark Omani silver shops, ancient silver weapons and jewelry. Visitors can bargain for decent prices and pick up traditional silverware items including kohl containers and incense holders. There are also some good perfume shops and textile merchants in the souk. Watch out for the local goldsmiths who craft lovely made-to-order jewelry pieces that can beat any international brand hands down for inventiveness and attention to detail.

Centrepoint Shopping Mall

This is a sprawling, modern local mall featuring mostly high-end apparel brands, accessories and home décor stores. Several international fashion labels have their outlets in the mall, which also houses a multi-cuisine food-court and an electronic games play-zone for children.

Salalah isn’t as much of a shopper’s paradise as other Middle East destinations; however it does have a decent mix of local bazaars, super markets and swanky malls to choose from.