Traditional souq Al Habtah opens across the Sultanate

Muscat: As Eid Al Fitr approaches the traditional open-air souq – Al Habtah – has opened in several wilayats across the Sultanate.
The Habtah is a seasonal market that usually begins 10 days before Eid and continues until one day before the festival. While many have already begun, several wilayats host the event from the 25th to the 28^th day of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The souq, held in open spaces of land under the shade of palm trees or nearby forts, witnesses a high turnout of Omanis, as well as residents and tourists. One such souq is set to take place in Muscat at the Al Jum’a Souq, which is being set up by Muscat Municipality in Greater Mutrah.
These traditional souqs, open from sunrise until 11 am or 1 pm, display goods that people need during Eid. Apart from livestock, also on sale are toys, traditional clothing such as the Dishdasha and Musar, and local ingredients - such as banana leaves that are used to wrap Shuwa meat - to help people prepare traditional Omani recipes. One factor that makes the Habtah so popular is the ‘Al Munada’, an auction where livestock are sold.