Muscat: A number of women from Sidab village in the governorate of Muscat have launched a community initiative aimed at highlighting women’s skills in handicrafts. Sidab Women’s Association has an active account on Instagram that showcases from time-to-time hand-made crafts, like bags, masks and scarves, made essentially with Omani design elements. The creations that are designed and made by the women of Sidab town have numerous fans and followers.
Ruqayya bint Thani Al Wahaibi, an administrative staff at the Sidab Women’s Association Headquarters, said the Association was launched 17 years ago with the participation of 60 women from Sidab. “The Sidab Women’s community is mainly engaged in creating works that are made with environmentally friendly materials and include handicrafts that exhibit distinctive Omani character, such as bags and other products that are inspired by the environment.”
The products made are marketed through social media channels like Instagram, which command a good fan base for Sidab Women’s Association. The crafted artefacts are also showcased in Oman’s well-known museums, hotels, and stores. These apart, the wares are also sold directly to visitors and tourists who visit the headquarters of the association.
Ruqqaya also stated that the products have been are well received for their quality that has remained steady throughout. “Our customers have confidence on the quality of our products and most of them like the unique Omani design that we include in all our creations.”
The Association Headquarters also hosts visitors and tourists on a regular basis and introduces them to Omani customs, traditions and traditional industries.