RIYADH: Small and medium-sized businesses are showcasing their products at the Ramadan Market in The Boulevard in the Hittin district of Riyadh.
The market runs until Saturday, April 8, and is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Ramadan markets, which are commonly known as bazaars or souqs, are set up specifically at this time of the year and offer a unique shopping experience that is centered around the holy month’s themes, such as spirituality and community.
The bazaars offer an event at night after a long day of fasting. They are a vibrant and exciting part of Ramadan, bringing people together in familiar settings.
The markets are bustling with activity, and offer a variety of food, clothing, and other goods that help reflect spirituality and culture during the holy month.
Rashid Al-Dossary, an antique and sabha trader, has lanterns and rope lights that reflect on the hundreds of sabhas on display.
His business has been thriving in Riyadh’s Souq Al-Zal, one of the city’s oldest traditional markets.
Al-Dossary told Arab News: “I have been in that old market for years and people started calling me the mayor because I am known to buy the most antiques in the souq.”
The Ramadan Market also features booths that sell products to stir feelings of nostalgia in the older generation, and provide a glimpse into the past for younger shoppers.
One of the booths is Turki Al-Mousa’s which is set up as an old mini-market.
Al-Mousa said his booth gives a look into the development of games and toys, and he offers old collectibles and artifacts.
He told Arab News: “We have the first color TV and it is fully functional, albeit outdated, Atari, instant Kodak cameras, and the old Saudi phone.”
He added that the booth was a look back at the life of busy old neighborhoods in Riyadh.
The atmosphere becomes more lively in the market as the night draws on, with traditional local music and social gatherings commonplace.
Visitors enjoy a hot meal as they take a break from viewing the treasures of the Ramadan Market.
Fatimah Al-Bassri, owner and chef at Om Al-Ghala Kitchen, told Arab News: “Balila and jareesh are among my most famous Saudi dishes in demand in Ramadan.
“Everyone thinks it is difficult to prepare Saudi jareesh, but it is way easier and more delicious than any other dish. Just put all the ingredients in a pot and bring the mixture to a boil over low heat for about four hours.”
Other small businesses in the market include one run by Abdulmajeed, who started his coffee trading online in 2016.
He said: “Aside from our Saudi and Turkish coffees, we offer wheat grain coffee as an alternative, for those with health issues that keep them from drinking regular coffee.”
Ramadan Market brings communities together for retail at night
https://arab.news/527u3
Ramadan Market brings communities together for retail at night
- The market runs until Saturday, April 8, and is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Ramadan markets, which are commonly known as bazaars or souqs, are set up specifically at this time of the year and offer a unique shopping experience that is centered around the holy month’s themes
Korean Embassy uses cinema to bridge borders and strengthen Saudi ties
- Saudi Arabia and Korea have maintained a longstanding relationship that spans more than 60 years, with diplomatic relations beginning in 1962
RIYADH: The Korean Embassy in Riyadh hosted a Korean movie screening at the Cultural Palace on Friday to further Saudi-Korean understanding and enhance soft power through film.
“Film can contain lots of content and messages and culture and way of thinking and how the country lives,” Park So-yeon, consul and second secretary, told Arab News.
“To understand (Korea) much better, even without even going there, we can see the movie or drama,” she added.
“With one movie, it would be a very good way to see Korea, that is why I chose a movie,” she said.
Saudi Arabia and Korea have maintained a longstanding relationship that spans more than 60 years, with diplomatic relations beginning in 1962 when King Saud bin Abdulaziz and Korean President Park Chung-hee signed an agreement.
Since then, cooperation in soft power has flourished, with tourism, education, and cultural partnerships in film and drama expanding.
“The cultural cooperation started a few years ago between Saudi Arabia and Korea and amount the aspects the movie cooperation is the most lively part,” Park said.
Park said that major entertainment companies are expanding into the region and setting up headquarters in Riyadh.
“CG ENM, which is the entertainment Korean company, established regional headquarters in Riyadh in August.”
Park said that she hopes to host more film and cultural events in the new year as more Korean content and production companies make their way to the Kingdom.
The film selected for the screening was “Tunnel,” which features a man driving home for his daughter’s birthday when a tunnel collapses, trapping him inside his vehicle for days.
The consul explained how the selected film features themes of family, perseverance, and teamwork.
“It would be good for families and friends in Saudi Arabia to end this year thinking about family and life, that’s why I chose this movie for this event,” Park said.
The event also features activity stations where guests can customize key rings with charms, with all materials having been shipped directly from Korea for the occasion.
