Nizwa is a city in Northern Oman. Omani’s head to the Nizwa Goat Market to buy the best livestock directly from the herder. With a lot of action taking place, it is one of the places where you can get a sense of the local culture and people of Nizwa. From the moment you walk into the Nizwa market you are able to witness life in Oman just like a local. Even though you do not want to buy or sell any goats, the Friday Goat Market is a must visit place in Oman while you enjoy a holiday at a Resort in Oman such as Alila Jabal Akdhar which is situated within just a few kilometers away from to the Friday Goat Market in Nizwa.
This truly Arabian and wonderful experience takes place on every Friday mornings and goes on for 4 to 5 hours. The local farmers gather early in the morning to trade livestock, mainly goats, cows and sheep by auction. Near the Nizwa Fort is the Nizwa Souk, a market that is still very much in use by locals. You come across number of produce stalls, butchers, pottery, date shops, gun shops (for hunting), hardware stores, tourist shops, jewelry and also tailors. There are a few shops selling keepsakes and souvenirs, especially objects and jewelry made of silver. It is truly fascinating to see all the goods for sale and shoppers stocking up on supplies.
An unusual aspect of this shopping environment in Oman is that you will witness a Souq full of men doing the shopping. As in Oman traditionally the men did the shopping and the women took care of the children and cooked meals, apart from a tourist, you will not see any women buying or selling goods at the market. The Nizwa Goat Market is held only on Friday and it’s not held on certain holidays.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
