Saudi Arabia’s traditional markets thrive as Eid approaches 

1 / 4
Preparations for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday are underway with crowds gathering to buy clothing, sweets, and toys for the celebration. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 07 April 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s traditional markets thrive as Eid approaches 

  • From buying candy and clothing to new silverware, preparations for festivities are underway 

RIYADH: As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, preparations for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday are underway with crowds gathering to buy clothing, sweets, and toys for the celebration.

Madawi Al-Blushi, an Eid shopper in Al-Owais traditional market in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Eid is a special time for our family; not just us but all Muslims around the world.

“For us, now, we are first shopping for important items like dresses and thobes for the Eid gathering. We will then shop for other items for children like gifts, toys, and candy.”

Arab News visited the traditional market where families were gathering to buy new items before Eid, as many shops and stores close in Saudi Arabia at that time.

Al-Owais Market is one of the many locations selling abayas, dresses, and shoes. The market also sells other items, including furniture and items for the home. Many consider it a Riyadh staple when it comes to shopping for traditional items.

Al-Blushi added: “My family and I came here (Al-Owais Market) after Taraweeh (prayer). We expected it to be crowded and it is just because it’s the weekend and we are approaching the last 10 days of Ramadan.”

Al-Blushi highlighted that an important part of Eid shopping was preparing the dresses and thobes that will be worn at gatherings hosted by her family.

She said: “We have a tailor we work with every year to make our dresses. Our family hosts an annual breakfast on Eid morning and we all dress up. That’s why looking our best is important, not just as people, but it’s also a part of our tradition.”

She explained that the men in her family had specifically tailored thobes and shoes for Eid, similar to the women’s dresses that are custom tailored.

She added: “It is a part of Eid’s traditions to have new and nice clothes. Eid is a time of celebration for us, and a part of that is dressing up in festive clothing, and celebrating.”

Eid is a time many Muslims around the world dress in their best clothes. Muslims gather to say the Eid prayer in the morning, usually followed by friends and family gathering to celebrate, sharing meals together and distributing sweets.

Eid shopping is not exclusively limited to clothing, but also extends to sweets, gifts, and at times new silverware for the Eid family breakfasts.

Al-Jowhra bin Khalid, a shopper at Al-Owais Market, told Arab News: “There is a lot of shopping, yes, but I don’t want to only talk about spending. You will see, in Saudi Arabia, so many families donate. In Islam we have Zakat Al-Fitr where we give money and lead others. it’s an important part of Ramadan and Eid.”

Bin Khalid said that as a part of her shopping she was buying decorative plates and place settings for the breakfast she hosts in her home.

She also explained that after the market she would go to the grocery store and buy sweets for children.

She said: “I create small bags with candy and small toys and money. My boys and girls then go and give these to our neighbor’s children. It’s a nice way for children to celebrate Eid.”

When asked why she does her shopping in person rather than online, Al-Jowhra said: “This brings us joy. It is the emotion of Eid: crowded shopping, greeting people. It’s an annual tradition.

“To be honest we should have started earlier in the month but it’s still nice to gather and do it now, and a lot of stores offer shopping deals and discounts.”

Eid also gives shopkeepers the opportunity to make up for slow sales during Ramadan. Most people during Ramadan spend their time praying and do not prioritize shopping.

It is only as Eid approaches that many families again make their way to shopping malls and local markets.

Um Saleh, a shopkeeper in a traditional market that sells small toys such as electronic dogs and remote-controlled cars, said that she had witnessed a rise in sales in the last few days before Eid.

She said: “People like to come after prayers to prepare for Eid. Last year I was selling maybe 10 or 12 small toys in a day but when the time for Eid came, I nearly sold out of all of my small toys.

“People like to celebrate, and the children are happy when they receive the toys, and if I see a child that wants a toy, I just give it to him. It’s how we are; it’s giving back.”

People in Saudi Arabia will continue their Eid preparations, leading up to the final night before Eid Al-Fitr which is expected to fall around April 10.


$38m Saudi loan to boost Tunisia’s southern regions

Updated 28 June 2025
Follow

$38m Saudi loan to boost Tunisia’s southern regions

  • Saudi Fund for Development CEO, Tunisian prime minister discuss expanding bilateral cooperation

Riyadh: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad signed a new development loan agreement with Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh to finance the Oasis Hub Project in southern Tunisia.

The loan, exceeding $38 million, was signed in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz Al-Saqr. The agreement reflects a strong development partnership spanning nearly 50 years, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Oasis Hub Project aims to support sustainable rural development by reclaiming more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land across various Tunisian regions. It includes drilling and equipping 22 wells, expanding rural villages and infrastructure, and building more than 285 housing units for local residents.

The agreement is part of the Saudi fund’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in Tunisia by financing infrastructure that improves living standards, creates jobs, and supports the Sustainable Development Goals.

The project will enhance regional infrastructure through the construction of roads, pipelines, and water networks for drinking and irrigation. It will also support educational institutions, agricultural facilities, and cultural, social, and commercial centers.

These efforts aim to improve quality of life and drive economic and social growth in Tunisia’s southern governorates, the SPA reported.

Since beginning operations in Tunisia in 1975, the Saudi fund has financed 32 development projects and programs through concessional loans totaling more than $1.2 billion, along with grants exceeding $105 million.

On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad met with Tunisian Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri in Tunis, joined by Abdelhafidh, Al-Saqr, and other officials.

The meeting explored ways to strengthen development cooperation and highlighted the decades-long partnership, especially in financing key projects in Tunisia.

Al-Marshad also met with Tunisian Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani to discuss ongoing health projects funded by the Saudi fund and potential support for the Tunisian health sector.


Beit Hail Festival showcases regional heritage, attracts tourists

Updated 28 June 2025
Follow

Beit Hail Festival showcases regional heritage, attracts tourists

RIYADH: Now in its fourth year, the Beit Hail Festival has established itself as a prominent cultural, tourism, and entertainment event, attracting many visitors to the region.

The festival showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect Hail’s historical roots and offers interactive activities and performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

These elements celebrate the region’s heritage and community identity while blending tradition with modern touches, the SPA reported.

Held under the patronage of the Hail governor and supported by his deputy, the two-week festival aims to highlight local folkloric heritage and strengthen national identity.

It includes artistic performances, traditional crafts, authentic foods, and tourism-focused events aligned with Vision 2030 goals.

Over the past three editions, the festival has drawn steady attendance from local and international visitors, especially during summer holidays.

Visitors appreciate the diverse pavilions, cultural displays, performances, and art exhibitions, according to the report.

The festival also helps promote community participation and support the local economy by offering opportunities and events for productive families and small businesses.

Samia Suleiman Al-Jabri, associate professor of modern history at Hail University, said handicrafts remain a vital part of Hail’s heritage, preserving ancient traditions through crafts such as sadu weaving, pottery, wickerwork, and other arts rooted in Bedouin culture.

Al-Jabri added that over its three editions, the festival has organized events and launched numerous initiatives and workshops to document and safeguard traditional crafts, teach them to younger generations, and connect artisans directly with the public.


Kingdom arrests 13,532 illegals in one week

Updated 28 June 2025
Follow

Kingdom arrests 13,532 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 13,532 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 7,903 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,744 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,885 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,892 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 67 percent were Ethiopian, 31 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 34 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 17 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Islamic coalition concludes imam training in Comoros

Updated 28 June 2025
Follow

Islamic coalition concludes imam training in Comoros

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition recently concluded its “Building Capacity for Imams and Preachers” training program in Moroni, Comoros, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The five-day program gave imams and preachers intensive training on topics including deconstructing extremist rhetoric, social influence techniques, public speaking, and promoting moderacy.

Comoran Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs Anfani Hamada Baca thanked the Saudi-backed coalition for its "significant efforts to counter extremist ideas and promote moderacy through various strategic initiatives aimed at combating extremism and terrorism.”

Participants praised the program’s organization and scientific content, stressing the importance of expanding such initiatives to strengthen educational and religious institutions in protecting communities from extremist ideology, the SPA reported.

Earlier, Comoros Defense Minister Youssoufa Mohamed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the coalition’s fight against extremism and terrorism, adding that the program’s launch was a “significant step forward” in that fight.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, the coalition’s secretary-general from Saudi Arabia, said the initiative was part of a broader effort involving 15 strategic programs in four areas: intellectual development, media, counter-terrorism financing, and military operations.


How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

Updated 28 June 2025
Follow

How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

  • Quails migrate through Saudi Arabia each year, linking continents, ecosystems, and traditions
  • Long tied to Saudi heritage, quails are now under threat, prompting renewed focus on conservation

JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa.

They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region’s heritage.

“Quail” is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News.

Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,” said Tatwany. “They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.”

These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year.

“This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,” Tatwany added.

Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: “They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,” said Tatwany.

Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night.

Saudi Arabia’s geography places it on one of the world’s most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region’s biodiversity.

Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, “indicating their presence in the area” to other birds.

“They do not flush except when approached very closely,” he said. “If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.”

Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species.

“In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,” said Tatwany.

The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail.

“In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,” said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom’s ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts.

The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia.

“This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,” said Tatwany. “It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.”

The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. “It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,” said Tatwany.

Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks.

A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later.

Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds.

Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically.

DID YOU KNOW?

Quails live in “coveys,” social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands.

They respond to each other’s calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices.

Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy.

While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production.

“This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,” said Tatwany. “The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons.

“This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.”

Quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table. (AFP photo)

Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment.

In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks.

Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table.

Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands.

By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s avian biodiversity.