Muscat – Muscat Municipality has announced a public tender for construction and development of Friday Market in Wadi al Kabir. 

The initiative aims to attract private investment through a 20-year development contract covering two plots – Plot No 184 (3,554sqm) and Plot No 185 (5,711sqm). The project is part of the municipality’s wider plan to revitalise traditional commercial areas and provide improved facilities for traders and visitors in one of Muscat’s most vibrant and historically rich districts.

Juma Souq, popularly known as the Friday Market, has for decades been a bustling hub of commerce and community life in Wadi Kabir. It is renowned for its eclectic mix of goods –  from plants, pets and handicrafts to cars, carpets and antiques – attracting both locals and expatriates every weekend. The market has long embodied the traditional souq culture of Oman, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s trading heritage and social traditions.

Under the new development plan, Plot No 184 will feature two commercial buildings housing ten retail shops, while Plot No 185 will include modern parking facilities with organised vehicle access, pedestrian walkways and landscaped areas.

The municipality stated that the redevelopment aims to transformFriday Market into a vibrant, modern commercial destination while preserving its traditional charm and cultural significance. Interested investors have been invited to participate in the public tender and contribute to shaping the future of this iconic marketplace.