Saudi Gazette report
Al-Qaisariya Traditional Market, located in the center of Hofouf City, is a 150-year-old souq that has long been a favorite destination for residents of Al-Ahsa and tourists from around the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The majority of tourists who visit Al-Qaisariya Market enjoy walking around the traditional market where stores sell anything from spices to fabrics and even herbal medicines.
After a fire nearly destroyed the market in 2001, it underwent extensive restoration though much of the market’s original architecture was lost permanently.
As visitor numbers have dropped in recent years, locals and experts have urged the government to implement Saudization in the market, something they hope will attract visitors, Al-Riyadh daily reports on the landmark souq.
Abdullah Al-Shayeb, a longtime resident of Hofouf, said the market has been restored several times ever since it was emerged over 500 years ago. The latest renovation took place in 2001 when the fire ripped through the market. It was renovated to reflect urban Al-Ahsa architecture and the process took nearly 10 years.
“Many traders were badly hit and lost their business and money. It was difficult for them to stand on their feet again. One of the striking facts about the people who have stores in the market is that they learned the trade from their ancestors,” he said.
In total, there are around 420 stores selling foodstuffs, spices, clothes, traditional Al-Ahsa clothes, women’s clothes and fabrics, shoes, perfumes, copper cookware, furniture, coffee, and herbal medicines.
Ali Al-Sultan, from Al-Ahsa Region, said Al-Qaisariya Market was, at some point of its history, a hub of business for the people living in the region and traders. He said the fire of 2001 has left a permanent scar on the market as it no longer has the old feel it was known for.
“It was completely renovated so it has lost some of its traditional feel. Even the way business is conducted has changed — store owners can no longer be bothered to run their stores. Instead, most hire expatriates to run their businesses for them,” he said while suggesting these changes are driving visitors away.
Dr. Salih Aleed, an assistant professor at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, called on officials at Al-Ahsa Municipality and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage to Saudize all stores in the market.
“I was shocked when I learned that most stores in the market are run by non-Saudis. Authorities should enforce Saudization the way it was done with cell phone stores. There used to be a time when the market was run by locals who spoke the language of its visitors and their presence added gave the market its traditional feel,” Dr. Aleed said.
Local resident Moosa Al-Najeedi agreed that most store owners lease their stores out to expatriate workers and give them freedom to conduct business as they please. Such opportunities, he argued, should be given to young Saudis.
“I believe the owners should give young Saudis a chance and lease the stores out to them instead of expatriates. We should reduce our reliance on non-Saudis and have more faith in the abilities of Saudi youth to work,” he said.
