Al-Qaysariyya Market Taxi — Al-Ahsa Traditional Souq Transfer
Taxi to Al-Qaysariyya Market in Hofuf. UNESCO Al-Sadu weaving, Khalas dates, silver jewellery, traditional spices. Most authentic covered souq in the Eastern Province. Fixed rate.
Al-Qaysariyya Market — What to Buy
Al-Sadu Weaving
Al-Sadu (Bedouin textile weaving — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) is one of Al-Ahsa's defining craft traditions. The geometric-patterned textiles — woven on ground looms from wool, goat hair, and camel hair — are used for tent panels, cushion covers, bags, and decorative pieces. Al-Qaysariyya Market has dedicated Al-Sadu workshops and retail stalls where pieces are both made and sold. Prices range from small decorative items to large tent panels.
Best purchase: cushion cover (approx 80×80cm, portable).
Al-Ahsa Khalas Dates
Khalas is the most prized Al-Ahsa date variety — a soft, honey-caramel date harvested from the 2.5 million palm trees of the UNESCO oasis. Fresh Khalas at Rutab stage (July–October) is one of the finest edible products in Arabia — soft, syrupy, and intensely sweet. Dried Khalas is available year-round. The market also sells Shalabi, Kheneizi, Rothan, and date products (date syrup, date paste, date coffee). Buy direct from stall owners for best quality and negotiated price.
Peak season: July–October (fresh Rutab Khalas).
Silver & Traditional Crafts
Al-Qaysariyya Market has traditional silver jewellery stalls — Eastern Province silver tradition differs from Hejazi (western) styles: heavier pieces, more architectural forms, and distinctive geometric patterns. The market also has traditional clothing (thobes, bisht cloaks), spices (dried lime, black lime, traditional spice blends), incense and bukhur, and handmade copper and brass items. The covered market arcade structure is itself a heritage feature — restored traditional vaulted-ceiling commercial architecture.
Best exploration: start from the Qasr Ibrahim end.