Sohar has another seasonal reason to visit this August. According to an Oman Observer report published on 13 August 2026, Arabian Souq is taking place from 12 to 23 August, bringing together around 50 artisans and home businesses. The programme described in the report includes traditional products, food and family entertainment, making the event a practical addition to a North Al Batinah day trip.
For visitors based in Muscat, a rental car offers the flexibility to travel at their own pace, carry purchases comfortably and combine the market with another stop in Sohar. Before leaving, however, confirm the event’s current location, opening hours and daily programme with the organiser. Those details were not included in the published report and may change.
Why visit Sohar by rental car?
Sohar is well suited to an independent day out. Instead of building the journey around a fixed group-tour timetable, you can choose when to leave Muscat, decide how long to stay at the souq and add a cultural or waterfront stop if time allows.
A private vehicle is also useful at a market. Handicrafts, packaged foods and gifts can be placed safely in the boot rather than carried between transfers. Families can keep water, sun protection and other essentials in the car, while travellers staying overnight can bring luggage without reorganising their trip around public transport.
The important point is to match the vehicle to the actual itinerary. A normal saloon or compact crossover is generally the sensible choice for a city-based visit on paved roads. A larger crossover or SUV may offer more space for a family, luggage or shopping, but the Arabian Souq itself is not a reason to book an off-road vehicle.
Build a flexible Sohar day plan
Leave enough time for the journey
Start with the event time you have confirmed, then work backwards. Allow a realistic margin for fuel, a rest stop and local traffic on arrival. Do not plan an important activity immediately after your expected return to Muscat; a flexible buffer makes the day more comfortable.
Check your rental agreement before departure, make sure the driver’s licence and rental documents are in the vehicle, and save the pickup provider’s contact details. Fill the tank early rather than waiting until the end of the day.
Add one complementary city stop
If opening hours suit your schedule, Sohar Fort is a logical cultural pairing. Experience Oman describes it as a historic fort and museum reflecting Sohar’s maritime heritage. Verify admission and opening times directly before travelling, particularly on Fridays, public holidays or during special events.
Keeping the itinerary to one main attraction plus the souq is often better than rushing between several places. It leaves time to browse, speak with producers and enjoy the journey rather than treating Sohar as a checklist.
Visit the souq with a practical plan
The Oman Observer report mentions traditional products, food, folk performances, henna and other activities. It does not confirm that every activity runs every day, so avoid planning around a single performance unless the organiser has published a dated programme.
Carry a payment method that works for both formal retailers and small home businesses. If buying food or a craft made from natural materials, ask the seller about storage, ingredients and any customs restrictions that might apply when you fly home. Keep receipts for higher-value purchases.
Driving and parking considerations
Use the exact venue pin supplied by the event organiser rather than relying on a generic “Arabian Souq” search result. Once the venue is confirmed, check the final approach and parking arrangements on the same day. Seasonal events can introduce temporary access routes or busy periods that are not visible when the trip is first planned.
August conditions also require preparation. Carry drinking water, avoid leaving food or temperature-sensitive purchases in a parked vehicle, and never leave children or animals inside the car. Follow posted speed limits, wear seat belts and keep a safe distance. If you feel tired on the return journey, stop somewhere safe before continuing.
Choose a day trip or overnight stay
A same-day return can work for travellers who confirm an event session that fits comfortably around the drive. An overnight stay may be better for families, visitors who want a slower schedule or anyone combining the souq with more of Sohar.
If staying overnight, confirm hotel parking and check-out arrangements before booking. Keep valuables and travel documents with you rather than visible in the vehicle. The next morning, inspect the car and refuel with enough time to meet the agreed return schedule.
Reserve the right vehicle for your Sohar trip
Arabian Souq offers a timely reason to explore Sohar, but the best self-drive plan remains simple: confirm the event details, choose a road-appropriate vehicle and leave room for one or two worthwhile stops.
Mersad Car Rental & Tours can help visitors arrange a suitable rental car for a Muscat-to-Sohar itinerary. Share your travel dates, passenger count, luggage and preferred pickup point when requesting a quote so the team can recommend an appropriate available vehicle.
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