Old Souks(Gabil,Nada,Bab Makkah ect.), Jiddah

AL-Basha Market
It was located in the eastern port of Jeddah, the most famous shop owner in this market represented the oldest and widly experienced traders of Jeddah, with their commercial relations with villagers and nomads. They sold textiles and various spices, plus sugar, tea corn, rice, lentils, also Bedouins sell things they made such Hebal (ropes), Faham (coal) and Qirab (water skin bags)

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AL-Sagha Market
It was at the south-eastern part of Jeddah. A commercial market specialized in selling and purchasing gold, diamonds and silver. It used to become very much flourished during Umra and Hajj seasons, with a big demand for jewelry of different types.

AL-Haraj Market
This market lies at the end of AL-Saghah market at the Northern area. This was one of the famous markets specialized in selling commodities and second hand tools. The process was carried out by public sales, broker's commission was deducted from the price.

AL-Khaskiyah Market
It was known also as "AL-Sabhayah" Market. There were many stores for selling the "Sibah". It is located at the south-west of Gabil street and the sought-east of big market, including the shops of "Fawalah", restaurants, kitchens and other types of food.

AL-Nada Market
This was one of old Jeddah markts. The area between the northern gate of Okasha Mosque and Zawiat AL-Hadarem, used to be known as the AL-Gommasheen market, ws recently added to the market. It contained a group of stores and coffee shops. Known as Suq AL-Hout (whale market) because it contained fish frying shops.

The ancient Markets of Jeddah
Markets are considered the pulsating heart of Jeddah in both old and modern times, as they represent the commercial activities of the city population and visitors. Most of these markets were associated with the Mosques so the city became a meeting place for the religious scholars, traders and students who took the mosques as centers for studying religious sciences. Jeddah markets were characterized by specialties, each market was specialized in a certain type of commodities and commercial activities. Some still bear their ancient names.

or Sharee Gabil is a small alley crosses a main street where booths scattered everywhere. It's perfect if you're looking to have a traditional-local experience for shopping. You may hear a boothman say loudly, 'ashra ashra, garrib' (for SR10, for SR10, come and see).

What to buy: Almost everything is available, from perfumes, shirts, to dates and prayer's carpet.

What to pay: Prices start from:
Shirts: SR10
Shoes:SR5
Socks: SR10 per 5 pairs
Water bottle: SR1 (look for a waterman)
Keyholders: SR2
Perfume:SR15
and lots many...

This is also one of the oldest shopping streets in Jidddah,,it reminds you alot of Khan El Khalil in Cairo,Egypt and Souk el Hamidiyyeh in Damascus,Syria.......

It has many gold shops as well as textiles,bags and kids wear,,so many things to buy,,so many friendly faces...
it`s also a MUST SEE in Jiddah.
Turn right after the small mosque,,where you will find some beautiful old houses,,very typical Jiddah style.

This was not a shop but it was a street seller set his goods on the floor,,the old man was selling some silver accssesories.

What to buy: He was selling silver bracelets,necklaces,rings ect.

What to pay: It`s a good bargain,,not too expensive.

This used to be the only shopping street in downtown Jeddah before the invasion of all the big shopping malls and complexes.
Best time to visit it by the holy month of Ramadan,where the local vendors is spread along the side walks offering local sweets and snaks.
Now it`s filled with large shopping malls.