Omani businesses show strong interest in Souq Al Mina

More than 200 Omani businesses are vying to secure one of 40 retail spaces at the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront, which is currently in development.

Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) is transforming Port Sultan Qaboos into a tourism-based waterfront destination. The retail spaces will be part of the Souq Al Mina, which will encompass 3,300 square meters of the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront's 451,000 total square meters.

Businesses that have expressed interested in setting up retail outlets at the Souq Al Mina represent a wide range of categories, including cafes and restaurants, desserts, body care, jewelry, fashion, cosmetics, photography, handicrafts and decorative arts.

Applications are currently being reviewed by an Omran selection committee. Committee members are evaluating applicants based on numerous criteria, such as creativity, market potential, sustainability and offered services.

"We are thrilled about the volume and the variety of applications received from Omani entrepreneurs," Omran Senior Development Manager Fahad Al Hinai said. "They have been thinking out of the box just like we had hoped as Souq Al Mina project aims to support established as well as innovative business ideas that provide an authentic experience to the visitors."