Market
Souq al-Zal
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Souq al-Zal is a traditional marketplace in the ad-Dirah neighborhood of Riyadh, east of the al-Hukm Palace compound. It covers about 9.5 acres and is one of the city's oldest markets, specializing in carpets and agarwoods.
Don't miss
- One of the oldest marketplaces in Riyadh, specializing in carpet trading
- Sells agarwoods (oud) alongside carpets
- Located in the Qasr al-Hukm District, east of al-Hukm Palace
- Covers nearly 9.5 acres of traditional market space
- Selected as an entertainment zone during the 2022 Riyadh Season
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Souq al-Zal
You can wander Souq al-Zal on your own. A guide is worth it for knowing what to look for and what to order, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.
Cheapest way inWalking Tour: Al Masmak Fortress, Souq Al Zal, and Saudi coffee5★ · 29 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →
Best full dayEdge of the World Riyadh Tour with Camel Ride, Bat Cave & Dinner4.9★ · 1,445 travelers8-9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$60 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleRiyadh Private Customizable Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle4.6★ · 14 travelers4-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$320 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- The souq is in the ad-Dirah neighborhood, east of al-Hukm Palace in the Qasr al-Hukm District.
- It specializes in carpets and agarwoods, so expect to see these items prominently.
A bit of history
The souq's origins date back to 1901. Its name comes from 'zulliya', the Gulf Arabic word for floor rug, and it was located near the former Dakhna quarter. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City completed a renovation in 2005.
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