BY AYESHA MARIUM
Take a stroll through the labyrinth of this spectacular souq, soak in the atmosphere, discover the gems it holds and choose the perfect presents for the upcoming holidays and special occasions. Only here at the historical Deerah Souk.
The year is coming to an end and holiday season is drawing near. It’s quite an exciting time for many in the expatriate community of Saudia Arabia as they get ready to travel back to their home countries to spend the holidays with family and friends whom they haven’t seen in months, some even for years! Along with the holidays come gift shopping and giving. Picking out gifts for your loved ones can be fun, however, some find it to be a stressful task. We believe hunting for presents doesn’t have to be a challenge, but rather a joyous experience. Our favorite places to shop for gifts in Riyadh are the local ‘souqs’ or marketplace because of the traditional and modern choices in one place.
Souqs have historical significance in the Middle East. They have served as meeting places for both social and financial functions for centuries. In modern times, souqs in the Arab region are still popular among locals and tourists alike mainly because some souqs have retained their traditional ambiance within its interiors and the items they sell. One such souq is the Deerah Souq or Souq Al Thumairi located in the old part of Riyadh, south to historic Masmak Fort. Amid the maze of small shops in this closed-air marketplace, you’ll find clothes both modern and traditional, local handicrafts, oud, jewellery, gold and even antique furniture.
Abayas
As soon as you step into Deerah Souq, you’ll find yourself among endless shops selling abayas. Abayas are long, loosely fitted outer garments worn by women, notably in the Middle East. It has been worn for centuries for modesty. Abaya is rooted into the culture of Saudi Arabia and women wear it proudly. They come in a range of styles, cuts, designs and colors although black color was once generally worn. Some are simple, some are embellished and fashionable. An abaya can be a stylish gift for your loved ones as it can be worn on a chilly night out as an outer garment too.
Jalabiyas
In the Arabian culture, women have always worn Jalabiyas. It’s their preferred choice of garments at celebratory occasions and lounge wear. At Deerah Souq, you’ll find shops selling these beautiful garments in different colors, sequined and embroidered in colorful threads and patterns. They are available in a range of styles such as Moroccan, Saudi, Palestinian or Emirati. They are so beautifully arranged on the shop display that you’ll instantly be drawn to them. A jalabiya is the quintessential Arabic gift for a woman.
SHOP SUGGESTION:
Jallabiat
Suwaiqa Commercial Center
Shop No: 14/10 – Gate No: 10
Scarves
Scarves make chic accessories that can enhance any outfit or coat which makes them the perfect holiday present. Within the gold souk area you’ll find the shops retailing splendid scarves in beautiful colors and patterns. They are mostly handmade, and you can find 100% Pashmina and silk scarves here.
Gold Ornaments
As you walk deeper into the souq, you’ll find yourself at a stretch of shops with dazzling gold ornaments on display. The gold market is one of the more popular sections of the Deerah Souq. You’ll come across glittery gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles and other stunning jewelry displayed on shop fronts. The designs are intricate with influences from Arabic, Turkish and Indian cultures. The quality of gold in the Arab region is well known throughout the world for being one of the best. If you are looking for a special gift on the pricier end, a gold jewelry sure makes a marvellous present.
SHOP SUGGESTION:
Jewellery Morai Al Sayari
Al Thamiri Street Gold Market
Shop No: 10-11
Carpets
Some of the most incredible items you can find at Deerah souq are the carpets. A small alley nestled with the gold souq will lead you to the carpet shops. The walls in this area are adorned with rugs in spectacular designs. The carpets here are all handmade and sourced from various countries and places such as Kashmir, Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and the Black Sea region. You’ll find some truly exceptional pieces here.
SHOP SUGGESTION:
Azerbaijan Carpets
Al Thamiri Street Gold Market
Shop No: 13-14
Fabrics
Although the Fabric Market doesn’t fall within the Deerah Souq itself, we believe it is something worth telling you about. Just a short 3-minute drive from Deerah Souq, you’ll find yourself on a strip of textile shops. There shops are piled to the ceiling with fabrics such as chiffon, lace, satin and georgettes; some are encrusted with stones and shimmering in bead work. These fabrics make an amazing holiday present as the receiver can get creative with it and turn them into a dress or gown of their choice.
SHOP SUGGESTION:
Alkatri of Fabrics
Al Imam Faisal Bin Turki Bin Abdullah St.
PHOTO CREDITS TO YANA MURASH
MODEL: NADEJDA COSNEANU
