Muscat: As the Sultanate of Oman prepares to celebrate the upcoming Eid, Muscat Municipality on Monday announced a comprehensive set of regulations governing the traditional markets known as 'Habta'. The measures are designed to organise the commercial activity, ensure public safety, and preserve the aesthetic appearance of the designated market sites across the governorates.
To ensure a unified and organised appearance, the municipality has mandated that all vendors must use a standard blue umbrella measuring 3 x 3 meters. The regulation strictly prohibits "ground selling"—the practice of displaying goods directly on the pavement, insisting that all merchandise must be housed under these designated structures. Additionally, vendors are required to have their stalls fully equipped and ready at least five days before the commencement of market activities.
On the administrative front, the municipality clarified that expatriate workers participating in the sales must hold a valid and active labour card. In a bid to manage traffic flow and pedestrian safety, the entry of mobile street vendor carts into the heart of the Habta sites has been banned. The municipality noted that it bears no liability for the loss or damage of any goods or equipment throughout the event period.
Specific controls have also been placed on the livestock trade, which remains a focal point of the pre-Eid season. Livestock owners are required to operate strictly within their assigned zones and are prohibited from displaying animals on public roads or outside the official boundaries. Furthermore, the traditional public auctioning process, known as ‘Al Munada,’ will be restricted exclusively to local goats, cows, and camels.
Meanwhile, the "Habta" is a centuries-old Omani tradition, typically held in the final days leading up to the Eid holidays. These open-air markets serve as a vital social and economic destination where citizens and residents source everything from sacrificial livestock and spices to traditional Omani daggers (Khanjars) and children's toys. Beyond the commerce, the Habta is a cultural celebration that brings together generations, signaling the arrival of Eid and preserving the Sultanate's unique heritage in a modern urban setting.
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