Souq al-Zal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.jpg) Souq al-Zal, 2014 | |
 Interactive map of Souq al-Zal | |
| Native name | سوق الزل |
|---|---|
| Area | 38,580 square metres (9.53 acres) |
| Location | ad-Dirah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Coordinates | 24°37′45″N 46°42′44″E / 24.62917°N 46.71222°E |
Souq al-Zal (Arabic: سوق الزل) is a traditional marketplace (souq) and a popular tourist attraction in the ad-Dirah neighborhood of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[1][2] It is situated east of the al-Hukm Palace compound in the Qasr al-Hukm District and is one of the oldest marketplaces in the city that specialize in carpets trading and the sale of agarwoods.[3][4][5] Covering an area of almost 9.5 acres, the souq's origins date as far back as 1901.[6] Its name is derived from zulliya (Arabic: زولية, romanized: zūlīya), the Gulf Arabic word for floor rug and was located near the erstwhile Dakhna quarter.[7][8]
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City had completed the renovation project for the souq in 2005.[9] Souq al-Zal was selected as one of the 15 entertainment zones by the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia during the 2022 edition of Riyadh Season.[10][11]