Muscat – Muscat Municipality has unveiled a new project in Mawaleh in Seeb in an effort to regulate street vending activities in the city. The initiative is set to centralise street vendor operations, enhancing not only urban aesthetic but also ensuring safety and orderliness.

‘Muscat Municipality invites bids to set up a project for street vendors on an area of 16,715sqm in South Mawaleh along Sultan Qaboos Street with the provision of all necessary services and facilities in one integrated location,’ a statement said. 

A critical aspect of the project is to boost the business environment for street vendors, ensuring they can operate without inadvertently causing traffic congestion. 

The municipality’s objective is to eliminate random and unregulated business activities while enhancing the overall visual appeal of the area. One of the strategic elements of this initiative involves repositioning entrances and exits and keeping vending sites at a safe distance from residential communities.

Designed to accommodate up to 25 vendor vehicles, the new site has necessary infrastructure, including lighting, waste disposal containers, seating areas and restrooms.

The project will also include a dedicated area for children’s games, a plaza and landscaping works, while ensuring upkeep of the area, maintenance of health and hygiene standards and preventing traffic congestion. 

Earlier this year, Muscat Municipality revised regulations for mobile vending. The new guidelines serve as a testament to its commitment to preserve urban spaces. ‘Our objective is to ensure these businesses operate within a structured, legal framework that prioritises public safety,’ the civic body stated.

The updated regulations stipulate that only Omanis are eligible to run mobile vending businesses. Vendors are mandated to secure initial approval for their intended activity and can only commence operations after obtaining final clearance from the municipality of the concerned wilayat. Furthermore, all licensed vendors are obligated to meet established health criteria while conducting business.