40 things I love about Oman #24 Coffee-Ancient & Modern

Photo by Mike Kramer/freelargephotos.com

There is so much about this photo I love. It captures many aspects of the Omani culture. A traditionally dressed Omani is sitting on cushions and carpets made in a unique weaving pattern found all over Arabia. In homes many Omanis will have couches, but the ancient way of socializing is by sitting on carpets with cushions. Coffee is a huge part of the hospitality in Oman. Kahwa (coffee) powder is usually brewed  with the spice cardamom and served from these beautiful traditional coffee pots, called Dahla. The "dahla" are symbolic throughout the Arabian Gulf representing the hospitality offered to those passing through Arabia. The coffee is served without sugar in small teacups without handles. It is considered very rude to refuse a coffee when offered!


The Ancient at some point has to give way to the modern. So all over Muscat, there are many Starbucks Coffee shops! This one overlooks the Arabian Sea.