Al-Qaisariyah Historical Market

Al-Qaisariyah Historical Market is a historic market located in al-Hufuf City, in al-Ahsa Governorate, within the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Built in 1822, the market consists of rows of shops situated in closed and covered passages.

The market spans an area of over 15,000 m², contains fourteen entrance gates, and includes more than 422 commercial shops. Its architecture features a traditional design with parallel shops and an open roof to benefit from natural sunlight and airflow.

Al-Qaisariyah Historical Market is one of the prominent tourist and heritage landmarks in al-Rifaa Neighborhood of al-Hufuf City. It attracts visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf region. The market represents a traditional cultural heritage with its variety of handicrafts and products. Architecturally, the market serves as a unique example of design in the Arabian Peninsula.

Commercial activities in al-Qaisariyah Market are diverse and reflect the local traditions of the region's inhabitants. These activities include various handicrafts such as shoemaking, al-Sadu weaving, brassware, and manufacturing of Agal, Mishlah, and leather goods. The market also features a dedicated area for traditional foods and Ahsa dates, as well as shops selling spices and herbs.

The interior designs of the shops and doors in al-Qaisariyah Historical Market showcase an artistic dimension that distinguishes al-Ahsa from other coastal cities. The shops, known as (Kabank), consist of three parts: Two parts where the shopkeeper sits and stores items such as (baskets) made from palm fronds, used to keep rice and coffee, and a third part that is raised and secured to the wall with a wooden piece. This unique design has characterized traditional markets in al-Ahsa throughout its history, setting it apart from other traditional markets in the Gulf region.

The market underwent a rebuilding process in 1916, during the reign of the Founding King, Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. Until the early twentieth century, the market consisted of scattered shops. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (currently the Ministry of Tourism) preserved the architectural character of al-Qaisariyah Historical Market by reconstructing it with its traditional architectural style and using the same materials that were used previously. This effort was made after the market was damaged by a fire in 2001, while maintaining its original design.