Traditional Markets in al-Ahsa

The Traditional Markets in al-Ahsa are periodic gatherings and commercial outlets for traders, vendors, and artisans in al-Ahsa Governorate, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These markets are venues for marketing agricultural and handicraft products, and they are part of al-Ahsa history, serving as a tourist attraction for visitors from both within and outside the province.

Traders and vendors in al-Ahsa use traditional markets as commercial outlets to market their diverse products due to the social and economic importance of these markets. Among these markets is the Date Market, located in the central market area of Ain Najm. This market operates year-round, with an estimated annual transaction volume of around SAR200 million.

There are many traditional markets in al-Ahsa Governorate, with markets held every day in different villages throughout the week. These include: Saturday and Tuesday markets in al-Hulaylah, Sunday market in al-Qarah, Monday market in al-Jafr, Wednesday market in al-Mubarraz, and Friday market in al-Tarf. Additionally, al-Ahsa Governorate has small markets held in the modern neighborhoods of al-Hufuf and al-Mubarraz, as well as al-Haraj Market, which takes place every Friday afternoon in al-Hufuf City, where old and new goods of various kinds, including used appliances and household items, are sold. The total number of weekly markets in al-Ahsa Governorate is thirty-six, with approximately 4,143 vendors, increasing to around 1,305 vendors on Thursdays, including both men and women.

The Thursday Market, held every Thursday morning in al-Hufuf and al-Mubarraz Cities, is one of the famous traditional markets in al-Ahsa. It attracts numerous visitors and sells a wide variety of goods, including vegetables, fruits, dates, trees, flowers, clothes, electrical appliances, old items, local handicrafts, some dry foods, pigeons, birds, and local chickens.

Additionally, al-Qaisariyah Market, located in al-Rifaa neighborhood of al-Hufuf City and built in 1822, contains about 422 shops reflecting traditional architectural designs of the Eastern Province. The market features enclosed and roofed corridors that are elevated, providing comfort to visitors while benefiting from natural ventilation and lighting.

Al-Qaisariyah historical Market is one of the key elements that make up the historical center of al-Hufuf City, serving as a major tourist attraction and a significant commercial hub in the area. Al-Ahsa Municipality has adopted a development program for the area surrounding al-Qaisariyah Market, enhancing it with architectural symbols that support the identity of the place both architecturally and urbanistically. Among these symbols are the reconstruction of parts of al-Koot Fort, Darwazat al-Koot (Bab al-Fatah), and Darwazat al-Haddadid, along with other landmarks that provide necessary visual appeal for tourism.

Al-Ahsa Municipality is responsible for reorganizing and restructuring the 'weekly' traditional markets in al-Ahsa while preserving their traditional and cultural identity.