MUSCAT – In response, the Municipality, in collaboration with public and private entities, launched the Masar initiative, a pioneering project to regulate street vendor activities and enhance the quality of services provided.

The initiative addresses several key challenges associated with unregulated street vending, including health and food safety risks, traffic congestion, and air pollution. It also aims to improve the visual and cultural appeal of urban spaces by developing dedicated vending areas with uniform carts and improved infrastructure.

It ensures vendors operate within defined standards, contributing to a more organised, hygienic, and culturally consistent urban environment through future projects and a clear selection process.
The initiative aims to empower Omani youth, support small and medium enterprises, and limit unregulated practices by expatriate workers. Masar is a key step towards achieving a balanced, sustainable street vending ecosystem that aligns with Muscat’s urban vision.

Objectives of the initiative are to:
• Regulate street vending activities in designated service areas
• Strengthen health and food control to ensure public health and safety
• Improve the quality of services offered by street vendors
• Prevent competition from expatriate workers, thereby encouraging Omani youth participation in this sector
• Develop and beautify these areas while preserving the cultural identity of the Governorate by allocating dedicated spaces and carts for vendors
• Reduce traffic congestion and air pollution caused by unregulated street vending6
• Raise health awareness and promote food safety principles among vendors
Masar is being rolled out in phases, with several routes already completed:
• Al Amerat Route: 15 food trucks – 100% complete
• Muttrah Route: 12 food trucks – 100% complete
• Boushar Route 1: 15 food trucks – 95% complete
Upcoming routes include:
• Boushar Route 2: 100 food trucks
• Al Mawaleh Route: 25 food trucks
The new vending zones are being developed with full public amenities such as lighting, landscaping, restrooms, electricity, water, and sewage connections, creating a clean, organised environment for both vendors and visitors.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
• Priority is given to existing street vendors and licensed cart operators.
• Priority is also given to business owners residing in the same wilayat.
• Must hold a valid street vendor licence.
• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• The vendor and the licence holder must be the same person.
• Applicant must be fully self-employed, with no other commercial, professional, or artisanal activity.