Guides
Uncover The Oldest Riyadh Market, And What You Can Do There
Looking for something fun and culturally rich? Souq Al Zal is one of the oldest popular markets in Riyadh, dating back more than 121 years! It was opened in the year 1901 and has since been an iconic spot for all Riyadh-dwellers and visitors alike.
Souq Al-Zal in Riyadh reflects the diverse and rich Saudi heritage and civilization in its various forms. Spanning over 38,580 square meters, the market serves as a link between the past and the present, and a gateway into the world of Saudi heritage.
The alleyways of the Al-Zal are teeming with shops offering various goods such as clothes, homeware, carpets, artifacts, hand-embroidered candles, handmade goods, jewelry, traditional shoes, and scarves. In addition to incense and oriental perfumes of all kinds, swords and men’s accessories can also be found.
Here are some of the most intriguing things you can do in the Al-Zal market:
Participate in the Al-Zal auction, which is held daily on various antiques and ancient traditional artifacts, which carry both monetary and historical value.
Shop, and who among us does not like shopping and buying new things? Particularly when the traditional clothes air embroidered with precision and attractive colors. Or traditional shoes and even bags that make for wonderful gifts. And if you do not like buying clothes, you can check out handwoven carpets to decorate and warm your home, especially in the winter and late night hours. Or maybe the acquisition of some oriental perfumes with their delightful scents, or even Arabic incense!
Enjoy watching the traditional musicians that welcome you at the entrance of the market in Riyadh and bid you farewell at the end. The members of these bands wear traditional Saudi garb and play heritage songs and chants.
After uncovering everything the souq has to offer, indulge in traditional Saudi delights at one of the market’s restaurants!
One of the most entertaining places to visit, everyone will find something wonderful at Al-Zal market!