Souq Mutrah: A Hub for Cultural Exchange in the Gulf of Oman

Souq Mutrah is one of the most famous traditional markets in the Arabian Gulf, a market that maintained its social and economic importance despite rapid changes in its trading provision. Historically, the souq was the commercial centre of Oman, connecting Oman’s interior with the marine trading routes to India and China. It is characterized by its compactness and interconnected narrow and covered alleyways which provide a unique, comfortable, outdoor experience for shoppers in the extreme Omani climate. In this setting, it is important to analyze the urban context of the traditional markets and the relationship between their urban morphology on one hand, and social and economic sustainability on the other. This chapter examines Souq Mutrah with a focus on the urban fabric of Mutrah city, the internal structure of Souq Mutrah, and the visual and thermal conditions of the main spine of the souq. It is hoped that the knowledge generated from this analysis will provide a foundation for future modifications of traditional markets, and facilitate an understanding of their nature to ensure their sustainability in social, environmental, and economic terms.