Masirah Winter Forum: “Traditional Crafts Market” attracts attention of visitors

Muscat: The “Traditional Crafts Market” in the Wilayat of Masirah in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is one of the distinguished stations for the activities of the “Masirah Winter Forum”. It witnesses a large and widespread demand from visitors.

The market represents a tourist attraction and a marketing platform for artisans and productive families and has economic, cultural, social and tourism importance in the Wilayat of Masirah.

Samtah Bint Ali Al Owaisi, Supervisor of the Traditional Craft Market in the Wilayat of Masirah, explained that the market’s participation in the activities of the Masirah Winter Forum comes out of interest in Omani traditional craft industries and highlighting them to the visitors of the forum. The Wilayat of Masirah is distinguished by many traditional craftsmanships of a heritage and maritime character. This market forms an integrated umbrella to support the wilayat's craftsmen by presenting and promoting their craft industries and providing a suitable place for them, explaining that the market was opened at the end of last year 2023, in cooperation with a number of government and private agencies in the wilayat .

Al Owaisi added that the market serves a wide segment of beneficiaries, by providing services to productive families in the community, reaching more than 100 families. The market, which provides its services throughout the year, includes traditional handicrafts and products in various aspects of heritage and the marine environment, and household products, the most prominent of which are the making of kohl, the burqa industry, the manufacture of incense, perfumes, Omani sandals, and a group of luxuries and adornment tools of Omani women. The traditional craft market also offers palm handicrafts, textile and spinning industries.

Al Owaisi pointed out that the traditional craft market is visited by local and global tourists throughout the year.

 It is worth noting that the traditional craft market contributes to enhancing commercial activity, stimulating tourism, and promoting authentic Omani craft industries, in addition to preserving Omani heritage.

 Masirah Island contains many natural resources of a marine nature, becoming a source of income for the individual, especially the elderly, as well as ensuring the growth of the craft sector through participation in international forums and exhibitions.