Muscat – The Municipality of North Batinah has embarked on a rehabilitation project for Souq al Juma (Friday Market) in the wilayat of Sohar.

The market’s strategic location in the center of the wilayat, in proximity to the historic Fort of Sohar and other public markets in the wilayat, makes it a significant local and tourist hub.

The objective of the project is to increase the market’s capacity, thereby simplifying the showcasing of local products and enhancing the infrastructure to minimise overcrowding. An additional benefit will be ensuring seamless market operations during inclement weather conditions such as rain and flooding.

Eng Sulaiman bin Hamad al Sunaidi, Director General of North Batinah Municipality, confirmed the market’s renovation is aimed at diversifying the market landscape and ensuring its continued presence as an economic contributor to the community.

The project includes expanding the market to cover an area of 2276sqm, paving 1655m road, asphalt area extending to 17,260sqm, and a 1050m channel for rainwater drainage.

Sunaidi underscored that the revitalisation of the market will boost commercial and economic activity in the wilayat and the governorate at large. “Traditional markets, such as this one, attract numerous visitors from both within and outside the governorate, providing them access to local commodities.”