AL-AHSA: Saudi Arabia’s rapid pace of development, especially exemplified by the modern marble and glass malls in its main cities, has failed to make a dent in the country’s souks (old markets). The souks no doubt remain a focal point in contemporary life in the Kingdom, proving that the past will alway live on.
Souq Al-Jomaa or Friday Market, located at the entrance of Al-Taraf City in Al-Ahsa, is one of these popular markets that draw a large number of citizens and tourists from various cities across the Kingdom. It is considered to be the ideal location for shoppers, offering a range of goods and catering to every taste.
Tolerance, simplicity and kindness are the order of the day at this souk. The traders here are humble and do not completely focus on material gain.
This souk is best known for basic goods, such as vegetables and fruits, women’s and men’s clothing, perfumes, incense and furnishings, carpets, household utensils, electronics, shoes, sweets, nuts and popular cuisine, in addition to cattle, birds and fish.
After a visit to the city, the former municipal council recommended re-organizing the market, transferring the animals and birds market to another place, developing hygiene and supporting the establishment of a popular village to enhance the economy and tourism in Al-Taraf City.
Ali Salman, a citizen in Al-Taraf, said: “The Friday Market hosts vendors from various countries. Vegetables are sold mostly by Egyptian vendors, carpets by Afghans and Pakistani vendors, cattle by Sudanese.”
This, he said, confirms that the market is mostly known for unique and attractive goods not be found anywhere else.
He said that on the flip side, the market sees regular visits by officials because of labor violations. “However, this is necessary to regulate the market and ensure localization,” he added.
Nevertheless, the charm of the market remains and the large number of visitors speaks volumes about its popularity in this age of mall mania.
Souq Al-Jomaa or Friday Market, located at the entrance of Al-Taraf City in Al-Ahsa, is one of these popular markets that draw a large number of citizens and tourists from various cities across the Kingdom. It is considered to be the ideal location for shoppers, offering a range of goods and catering to every taste.
Tolerance, simplicity and kindness are the order of the day at this souk. The traders here are humble and do not completely focus on material gain.
This souk is best known for basic goods, such as vegetables and fruits, women’s and men’s clothing, perfumes, incense and furnishings, carpets, household utensils, electronics, shoes, sweets, nuts and popular cuisine, in addition to cattle, birds and fish.
After a visit to the city, the former municipal council recommended re-organizing the market, transferring the animals and birds market to another place, developing hygiene and supporting the establishment of a popular village to enhance the economy and tourism in Al-Taraf City.
Ali Salman, a citizen in Al-Taraf, said: “The Friday Market hosts vendors from various countries. Vegetables are sold mostly by Egyptian vendors, carpets by Afghans and Pakistani vendors, cattle by Sudanese.”
This, he said, confirms that the market is mostly known for unique and attractive goods not be found anywhere else.
He said that on the flip side, the market sees regular visits by officials because of labor violations. “However, this is necessary to regulate the market and ensure localization,” he added.
Nevertheless, the charm of the market remains and the large number of visitors speaks volumes about its popularity in this age of mall mania.
