Sinaw Souq in Oman

Set between the Wahibah Sands and the edge of the Empty Quarter, Sinaw surprisingly show a lot of activity for an outpost town. This is where the Bedouins come to do business. In the heart of the city in the square behind the green doors, all the hustle and bustle of a Middle Eastern market are at its finest. It is very easy to get caught up in the spirit. Just watch yourself, though. You might find yourself going home with a newly purchased racing camel.
 

Sinaw Souq is amongst one of the oldest preserved souqs in Oman and while the location of the souq is fairly new and the Sultanate has put a lot of money in renovating it, this souk has been around for a very long time. The Active souq is busiest on Thursday mornings when around 120 shops open for business. It is a real shopper’s haven because the souq sells practically everything.

Sinaw souq is divided into two sections. In the first section one can purchase household items such as trinkets, kitchen paraphernalia and silver. In fact this souq is one of the best for finding traditional Omani silver. Silversmiths can be seen hammering away and creating new items. It is great for tourists to visit a traditional souk like this one, where they can find souvenirs that were created right there.

The second section of the souq is divided into three sectors. In the first sector one can find fresh meat and fish that is brought daily to the souk by local fishermen and butchers. The second sector of the souq caters to the agricultural community and sells everything from grass to compost. The third sector of the souq sells livestock. The livestock is sold by way of auction and it is wonderful to see Bedouins bidding for a goat or a cow.

The best times to visit this busy souq are weekday mornings and on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays in Oman). The souq is located two hours’ drive out of Muscat is the quiet town of Sinaw that has one of the busiest souks in Oman.