Sinaw Souq

Sinaw sits where the interior plain runs out toward the sands, and its Thursday morning market is the trading point for the Bedouin of the region: camels and goats are brought in and sold in the livestock area, with animals paraded, examined and bid on in the open, while under the covered section silver jewellery, khanjars, old coins, textiles, dates, honey and household goods change hands. Many of the women trading wear the burqa mask of the region. The market starts at first light and is largely finished by mid-morning, so getting there early is essential. Outside Thursday, Sinaw is a quiet town with a fort and little else.

What you actually see

• The livestock market - camels and goats traded in the open.
• The silver section - jewellery, khanjars and old coins.
• Dates and produce - the agricultural goods brought in for sale.
• Bedouin traders - the families coming in from the surrounding desert.

When to go

Thursday morning, starting at dawn and finished by around nine or ten; there is no market on other days. October to March for the weather, since the open livestock area is severe in summer heat.

Honest expectations

The market is over by mid-morning; arriving at nine is arriving at the end. Photography of people, particularly women, is often refused and should always be asked. The livestock area is dusty and crowded. There is no visitor provision of any kind.

Nearby

Ibra lies northeast; the Wahiba sands are east.