Muscat: Ramadhan this year is special for the people of Shinas as the 'Al Arsa' market has been revived after many years. The Wilayat of Shinas is famous for 'Al Arsa' Ramadhan market, as it attracts people from across the country.
The centrally located market has traditional settings, which attract entrepreneurial families, rural women, and small and medium enterprises in one place. It has 30 stalls meant for various Ramadhan food items, including vegetables and fruits.
Ramadhan meals such as 'Harees' and samosas are special attractions, while during the last days of the holy month and before the feast, special items for the feast start selling here. The market witnesses a good turnout allowing the participants to do brisk business.
Saif al Omari, Shinas resident who visited the 'Al Arsa' Ramadhan market, said, he was very happy to see the market revived after so many years. "It's a really important part of our community and our Ramadhan traditions, so it's great to have it back. There's such a wide variety of Ramadhan foods, and it's a really festive atmosphere. I think it's a great way to support productive families," he said.
Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem al Hajri, Wali of Shinas, said during his visit to the market that the establishment of 'Al Arsa' market comes as part of the Ramadhan activities in the Al Batinah North Governorate. He said there were integrated Ramadhan programmes in religious, cultural, and sports fields. Additionally, supporting productive families and small and medium enterprises that target all segments of society and invest in the capabilities and talents of youth.
The market starts from three o’clock in the afternoon until sunset. The market attracts a large number of visitors who love to buy traditional Ramadhan food.
Special performances and competitions for children and adults, such as a circus show, a laser and fire show with face painting, and various competitions for children take place on Thursdays and Fridays.
For the attendees, there are gifts and other surprises.
Youssef bin Ahmed al Sharqi, one of the vendors in the Ramadhan market, said 'Al Arsa' is considered a popular Ramadhan market, and the best thing about it is its central location. It provides a beautiful service to the 'productive families' in Shinas by offering them a platform and an opportunity to sell their products without any fees.
He also added that this market is a source of income for these families and hopes that it will continue throughout the year by allowing productive families to display their products and not only during the month of Ramadhan.
"We thank the office of the Wali of Shinas, the municipality, and all those involved in making this market a success," Al Sharqi added.
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