Al-Riyadh traditional Markets

Al-Riyadh is full of modern shops, malls, shopping centre. However, there are also many old shops that made huge changes to its people back in time and still do even in this modern time. Traditional shops somehow still have the spirit of the past, although it is now full of foreigner seller and sometimes buyers, which is the complete opposite of the past. The uniqueness of these shops made it stand until NOW, whatever you think it is missing and cannot be found in modern shops, you are going to find it here. The beautiful and unique tradition will stand forever, and it will always be a Hidden gem for those who open their mind and soul.

Souq Al-Zall

Al-Zall is an Arabian Word means carpets, I believe you have guessed the purpose of this market, in the past, was selling traditional carpet for homes. So, this is the reason behind the name of the market. Al-Zall is one of the authentic markets in the heart of Al-Riyadh. It has been operated for over 100 years, and it was the one to go for many Saudis to buy what they need. Some products were also sold there, like traditional Saudi menswear, Oud and weaponry. The Souq also have Haraj, it is located at the end of the market. Haraj ” auction ” is a traditional way of selling thing around the Arabian Peninsula that have been done for many centuries.

Until now, Souq Al-Zall is where Saudi go whenever they want to buy anything. Literally, ANYTHING. This traditional souq still have some of these products on this market, along with Haraj, however, the Haraj now is kind of different from the past as they now only sell what is an antique.

Some of the products you could find there are carpet <of course>, unsharp swords made especially for the traditional Ardha aka Saudi sword dance, < and to complete the look of Ardah> they sell also ugal’s “which is the black circle men wear above the shmag” , Mishlah/Bisht, Oud and Perfumes, antiques, and traditional Saudi leather sandals known as Zubairiah.

Opening Time: Sat-Thu 09:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Fri 03:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

the best time to go there is Friday/Saturday evening

Location: Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Street, Al Dirah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Al-Ta’mir Center:

Another open air traditional market in Riyadh with an amazing architecture. If you know someone from Al-Riyadh, ask them from where they buy their Arabic Coffee lol. Many of them go there to buy their coffee aka” ben or bin”. In this market, you can find also some spices, women- and men clothes, and perfume shops.

Opening time: 08:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m & 04:00 – 09:00 p.m daily, Fridays is closed
Location: Al-imam Muhammad ibn Saud ibn Muqrin St, Dirah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Souq Al-Bat’ha

This Souq has become culturally diverse, it is dominated by Filipino, Yemeni, and South Asian. They sell everything from vegetables, accessories, spices, home goods, etc. It is not that pleasant, clean market, however, if you need something cheap, then go to this place. Or just go for curiosity!

Opening Time: Sat-Thu 08:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Fri 03:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Location: al Batha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Taibah Gold Souq

The famous local market in Al-Riyadh, also it is the biggest and busiest market!. Souq Taibah is famous of selling gold, it will give you the sense of a traditional Saudi gold Souq specially at night. Moreover, it has a wide variety of clothing, Arabic goods and cosmetics.

Haraj bin Qasim

Do you remember the meaning of Haraj, then you got what this shop is about! The Souq named after Bin Qasim, who known in the 50s as a famous auctioneer. Now, the Souq is one of the biggest flea markets in Al-Riyadh, you could find there ANYTHING; e.g. Antiques, vintage, home needs, etc.

The Haraj is operating daily from morning until the evening . However, it gets really crowded in Friday’s evening “after Asr Prayer”.

Location: new Haraj Riyadh , Al Masani, Riyadh 14714, Saudi-Arabia.

Saturday farmers market

It’s located at Souq Al-Shamal, it is one of the major fresh product markets in Riyadh. It has been running for over a decade in all around the kingdom. It runs every Saturday morning, similar to the farmer market in Britain, if you have seen that before! Farmers from all the villages and town in Al-Riyadh region gathered in this place to sale their goods. That’s include dairy product stalls, eggs , dates product, organic products , and of course vegetables and fruits.

Opening Time: Every Saturday, starting early in the morning after Al Fajr prayer until sunset.

Souq Al-Hilla or Souq Al-Tarab

Can we consider it as a hidden gem in Riyadh? It is hidden in the heart of Al-Riyadh between old complex building. It is the place where Saudi musician has stated their talent, somewhere in the late 60s. This Souq is where you can find Saudi instrument, like the famous Oud, Rababah aka violins and Taar aka drums

opening time: best time to go there is between 04:00 p.m. – 09:00 p.m.

Location: Al Hilla street on the right side if you’re heading west, near al Madina al Munawarah Rd crossing, Al Oud District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Date Market

The Saudi famous, sweetest and yummy product, dates consider as a national fruit, and it is an important part of our culture. In this market, you can buy fresh date directly from the farmers. Many types of dates from all over the kingdom are available there. These markets, depends on the city, is run either seasonally or permanently. In Saudi Arabia, we normally buy dates, not only for ourselves, but also as gifts for our family and loved ones. This is an important market to visit in Saudi Arabia, if you are not familiar with dates, this is your chance to learn about different type of dates and to test them.

when: Usually August.

Location: Riyadh Seasonal Dates Market, Eastern Ring Rd, exit 14, Alrabwah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Falcons Market

This is also a famous thing in Saudi, falcon, horse and camel are our best friend. In falcon market, you can buy a falcon for sports aka falconry. It’s a very popular sport in our culture, we actually have a club for falcon called Saudi falcon club. The market will also sell a hunting gadget, accessories for your falcon. If you want to experience a traditional Saudi /native Arabian culture, then this market is a must, you will experience the authenticity of Arabian Tradition.

The hunting season between November and February, however, the Market is open all year round.

Location: Almuqaybira street, Ad dirah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.