News

Omani market looking to deploy wayfinding kiosks, cash deposit machines

June 11, 2014

The Muttrah Souq (a souq is an open-air marketplace or bazaar) in Muscat in Oman is hoping to get an interactive wayfinding kiosk that will guide tourists and also at least two ATMs and two cash deposit machines with foreign exchange services, the Times of Oman reports.

Local trader Amit Khimji has been in discussion with terminal providers and also transformed his herb store in the Souq into a secure location for setting up the machines.

The terminals could also be used for the payment of rent, Khimji told the Times of Oman.

Currently, customers have to visit ATMs outside the Souq in order to obtain cash for use in stores that do not have POS systems.

With nearby Sultan Qaboos Port set to become a cruise hub, the proposal has been met with enthusiasm by government officials, traders and tourists,reports the Times. Now Khimji is asking banks to visit his facility, which can accommodate 10 machines, and partner with him.

According to the Times of Oman, Khimji has already invested Omani Rial 10,000 ($25,697) in the project, which began a year ago.