Calls are increasing to extend the operating hours of the Muttrah Fish Market in Muscat to the evening, a move that vendors, restaurant owners, and residents say could enhance local commerce and provide greater convenience for shoppers. Currently, the market operates primarily through the morning until about 2 p.m., after which it closes and activity winds down.
Fishermen and vendors argue that keeping the market open into the evening could boost business by tapping into a second catch brought in from nearby coastal areas such as Al Seeb, Barka, and Qurayat. “Small boats go out at night and come back in the morning, but many now bring an afternoon catch from surrounding areas,” said fisherman Mohammed al Wuhaibi. He added that evening operations would help fishermen as well as provide customers with fresher fish options for dinner.
The demand among seafood restaurants near the market reflects a similar concern. Many establishments currently must purchase fish in the morning and store it on ice to serve during dinner hours, leading to questions about freshness. One restaurant owner catering to both local diners and tourists noted that buying fish in the evening would allow for serving fresher seafood to guests.
Market vendors say they are prepared to support extended hours and underscore that the market’s infrastructure—including air conditioning, lighting, cleaning facilities, and ice plants—is ready for evening use. “Parking and supply chains would need organization, but if customers come, vendors will be ready,” said Anwar Ali, a vendor at Muttrah.
Public interest in longer hours is also strong on social media, where many Muscat residents have urged the Muscat Municipality to consider evening hours on weekends, specifically Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Several residents point to the market’s location along the Muttrah Sea Road, which becomes lively in the evenings as families, tourists, and cruise ship visitors gather along the waterfront. Salim al Farsi, a local resident, described it as a missed opportunity. “The fish market is closed when the sea road is busy, so people resort to buying frozen fish from supermarkets despite being near the sea,” he said.
Officials from Muscat Municipality acknowledge that the idea has been discussed in various committees, including the Maritime Heritage Committee and the Municipal Affairs Committee, but note challenges remain. A board member explained that the main obstacles stem from the long-standing tradition among fishermen of operating primarily in the morning and concerns about whether evening operations would be economically viable.
The Muttrah Fish Market, rebuilt and reopened by Muscat Municipality in 2017, is both an active commercial hub and a prominent cultural landmark, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage. It attracts roughly 1,500 visitors on weekdays and nearly twice that number on weekends. As interest grows in extending its hours, stakeholders continue to weigh the benefits against operational challenges.