Muscat markets thrive on attire demand

As the holy month of Ramadhan approaches, Muscat’s markets are witnessing a surge in activity, with citizens and residents rushing to purchase essentials and prepare for Eid al Fitr. The demand for traditional clothing—particularly tailored garments for both men and women—has soared, prompting many tailoring shops to stop accepting new orders due to overwhelming demand. Women, in particular, are actively seeking luxurious fabrics to have traditional outfits, such as the Omani thobe, custom-made in preparation for Eid. Many prefer locally tailored clothing for its superior quality and precision, adding to the pressure on tailors during this busy period. Zaher, a tailor shop owner in Muttrah Souq, described the overwhelming demand:

'We started seeing heavy footfall since the beginning of Shaaban, with customers coming in non-stop for tailored dishdashas. Initially, we tried to accommodate all orders, but due to the sheer volume, we had to stop taking new ones over a week ago. Ramadhan and Eid are peak seasons for us, meaning long nights and sometimes even 24-hour operations.'

Meanwhile, Mohammed al Harthy, a shopper at the market, shared his struggle to find a tailor:

'I usually get my clothes tailored well in advance, but this year, I was late due to a busy schedule. As a result, I had trouble finding a tailor who could take my order. Many shops turned me away as their waiting lists were full. I finally found one that agreed to tailor a single piece, but since it’s my first time using them, I’m unsure about the quality.' He also noted the bustling atmosphere in Muttrah Souq during this season:

'The market is alive with activity—people searching for the finest fabrics and designs, shops filled with eager customers. Due to the high demand, some tailors have even raised their prices significantly.' Beyond tailoring, traditional accessories are also in high demand. Salim al Rawahi, owner of a shop specialising in kuma (Omani caps) and men’s accessories, highlighted this seasonal spike in sales:

'This is the busiest time of the year for us. The Omani kuma is an essential part of men’s attire, and many prefer to buy new ones for Eid. The demand isn’t just from Omanis—visitors from other nationalities also purchase hand-embroidered kuma, either as gifts or as cultural keepsakes.' Al Rawahi explained that kuma comes in two main types: hand-embroidered, which take weeks to craft and are prized for their quality, and machine-made, which are more affordable and favoured by younger buyers. He emphasised the challenge of stocking enough handmade kuma due to their labour-intensive production, urging customers to shop early:

'The closer we get to Eid, the more crowded the markets become, and options become limited. I always advise customers to check the embroidery quality carefully, especially with handmade kuma, as craftsmanship varies significantly.' With the increasing demand for tailored traditional clothing and accessories, early planning is essential to avoid last-minute rushes. As Ramadhan and Eid draw closer, tailors' schedules fill up, making timely orders crucial. Muscat’s historic markets—Muttrah Souq, Al Seeb Souq and others—see remarkable activity during Ramadhan, as people gather to purchase both festive attire and Ramadhan necessities, reflecting the Sultanate of Oman’s deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage.