- Title: OMAN: Bargains galore at Muscat's Friday Market
- Date: 8th February 2010
- Summary: MORE OF MARKET
- Embargoed: 23rd February 2010 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Oman
- Country: Oman
- Topics: Lifestyle
- Reuters ID: LVA1JQ2YRWPAP115H0SIE5BBY2B2
- Story Text: The visitors to Muscat's Friday Market are on the lookout for a bargain, whether it is clothing, jewellery or even a second-hand car.
It's Friday morning in the Omani capital Muscat, and bargain-hunters make their way to the weekly market.
Unhindered by government controls, the Friday Market is a hive of activity as traders try to tempt their customers with second-hand goods and low-priced products.
"Friday market started twenty years ago," said market visitor, Khalaf bin Saif Al-Hammadi.
"And all sorts of Omani and non-Omanis visit it. From everywhere. I mean, it has everything you need," he added.
From 7.00am to 9.00pm on Fridays the market-stall area is crowded with goods and filled with the cries of traders calling out their bargains.
And it seems that almost anything is available at a good price.
"Sometimes I come to the market to buy cars...truly good cars at the Friday Market," said Yahya bin Suleiman bin Mohammed, another visitor to the market.
"Or clothes, or other things that are especially suitable for people who do not earn a lot. Things you can buy outside Friday Market with for example one rial (2.60 USD), cost
half a rial, even less here. So at Friday Market you can find cheap things. I mean, cheaper than buying from the ordinary market," he added.
And second-hand cars are amongst the most popular items for sale at the market.
Buyers and sellers haggle over prices, and it is not unusual for the parties to walk away after failing to come to an agreement.
Car auctioneer Marhoon Bin Khalfan al Wahaibi said the Friday Market is the best way for cars to be traded.
"Here, Friday Market is better than any car showroom. Here, cars are sold in cash, and everyone gets his car and his money, instead of displaying his car for two or
three months. And those with little money prefer Friday Market," he said.
The market attracts all types of shoppers - from those who are regular bargain-hungers to those who just want to soak up the atmosphere. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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