SALALAH: Dhofar Municipality has allocated 136 free stalls to home-based businesses and traditional artisans at Al Furdhah Market, part of the Return of the Past festival during Khareef Dhofar Season 2026, in an initiative aimed at supporting household enterprises and preserving traditional crafts by providing free retail space to display and market locally made products.
The market is one of the festival’s main heritage attractions. Designed to reflect the architectural character and atmosphere of old Dhofar, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience aspects of traditional life while exploring authentic local crafts and products.
The stalls feature a wide range of Omani products, including frankincense, incense and perfumes, traditional men’s turbans and shawls, women’s traditional clothing, Omani khanjars (traditional curved daggers), pottery, handmade crafts, leather goods such as handbags, wallets and key holders, as well as children’s clothing and items for weddings and special occasions.
Providing the stalls free of charge helps reduce participation costs for home-based businesses, expands their access to customers during the peak tourism season and contributes to safeguarding traditional crafts by encouraging their continued practice and transmission to future generations.
Badr al Balushi, one of the participating artisans, said his first participation came through an invitation from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority. He said he was proud to contribute to promoting Oman’s traditional craftsmanship.
Al Balushi said the craft of making khanjars, swords, walking sticks and silverware had been passed down through his family, adding that he began learning the trade at the age of 10. He noted that the Omani khanjar attracts strong interest from visitors to the Sultanate of Oman, particularly from GCC and other Arab countries, as a symbol of Omani identity.
He added that miniature khanjars, swords and walking sticks are especially popular with children and visitors looking for traditional souvenirs.
Fatima, a visitor from Kuwait, said the market had introduced her to Omani culture for the first time, adding that she purchased several locally made products, including cotton garments and frankincense.
Jassim al Shuhi, a visitor from Musandam Governorate, praised the variety of traditional products on display, saying the market highlights the skills of Omani artisans and the contribution of home-based businesses to preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
He added that supporting traditional crafts and providing marketing opportunities helps ensure their sustainability and passes these skills on to future generations.
Al Furdhah Market continues to welcome visitors daily as part of the Return of the Past festival, combining heritage and shopping while providing home-based businesses and artisans with an opportunity to present their products to thousands of visitors during the Khareef season.
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