Culture and Heritage

Souq Al-Awaleen in Riyadh Season: A Trip Through Time

Published

3 hours ago

19th December 2024

Huda

Souq Al-Awaleen is an exceptional site in Riyadh Season 2024 where modern life and historic legacy collide to deliver a magnificent encounter that transports visitors back in time.

This market aims to capture the charm of traditional Najdi marketplaces. It offers a selection of well-known marketplaces that each tell a distinct tale about the culture of the Kingdom’s many regions.

A Treasure Trove of Local Culture

The historical heritage tour began on December 15, and the loud festivities and cheerful laughter that filled the alleyways encapsulated the spirit of the neighbourhood.

Surprising and enjoyable, the first market allows you to experience the traditional market ambience among mud dwellings that are authentically Najdi. Dark hues like brown, black, and dark green, which are characteristic of these homes, give the area a kind personality.

legacy and traditional items define the marketplaces that make up this market, and each market has its narrative that embodies the local culture and legacy. Visitors love to observe the significant handicrafts, traditional attire, and regional spices used to make well-known cuisine.

Naturally, a market entails purchasing, and the first market is the best place to do so because it holds the biggest weekly auction and has a sizable section dedicated to heritage markets in the capital, Riyadh. It also provides a wide range of goods to suit different needs and preferences, from luxury goods and international brands to handicrafts and traditional goods.

Spices, masharih, and distinctive scents, including the aroma of genuine Najdi incense, are among the items on show in the market area’s numerous stores and kiosks, which represent the Najdi atmosphere and authenticity. You may also find fine crafts such as traditional textiles, copper, and decorations.

In addition, Al-Awaleen Market provides a variety of souvenirs that may be given as presents to loved ones, and it is impossible to overlook the Kingdom’s renowned coffee and dates.

Souq Al-Awaleen Market Events

The “From Us and Among Us” event is a great way to learn about the beauty of the Najdi environment, and Al-Awaleen Market offers several entertaining activities in addition to the markets and auctions. Here, roving shows bring back Uncle Saad’s legacy, where music and traditional attire combine to create a culture that embodies the good old days. Traditional costumes are on exhibit, with elaborate patterns that tell profound stories about the origins and history of the place.

Children may have a great time at The Little Ones’ Shop, which offers engaging activities including painting classes and interactive games tailored to their interests. Through instructive craft sessions that educate them about the Kingdom’s legacy, youngsters may hone their talents while learning about treasured traditional games and hearing folktales that have been passed down through the decades.

Additionally, the Muqlat, also known as the traditional Najdi Majlis, enhances the whole market experience by adding a warm and inviting ambience to visitors from all over the world, representing the generosity of Najd hospitality.

Unquestionably, food plays a significant part in every celebration and season. The traditional Saudi cuisine event at the market gives a fantastic experience since it has a variety of famous dishes from various locations, allowing guests to taste rich flavours and old history.

One of the events at Souq Al-Awaleen is the manifestation of Saudi legends in their most exquisite forms. The character of “Umm Al-Sa’af and Al-Leef,” who used to frighten children, is back with an incredible experience that leaves everyone, young and old, speechless.

A New Benchmark in Entertainment

Notably, the official premiere of Riyadh’s fifth season took place on October 12, 2024, to deliver an outstanding entertainment experience that goes above and beyond.

This year’s season featured 14 entertainment zones covering an area of more than 7.2 million square meters, and 2,100 businesses entered into 4,200 contracts, 95% of which were local businesses. Eleven world championships, ten exhibitions, and several festivals were also held throughout the season.

To date, the Riyadh Season has seen over 10 million visitors, which is an extraordinary accomplishment. The opening of new locations like the Dior Exhibition, The Groves, Dunes of Arabia, and many more is what made this event so successful.