Qaisariyah Souq in Hofuf’s Al-Rifaa district is among the Arabian Gulf’s oldest souqs, over two centuries old. Its close-packed shops sell the Hasawi bisht, palm-frond and pottery crafts, dates, coffee and spices. Open 8 am–12 noon and 3:30–10 pm (Friday evenings only); entry is free.
Qaisariyah Souq in Hofuf is one of the oldest and most storied souqs in the Arabian Gulf region, going back more than two centuries. Its architecture is distinctive, and its close-packed shops lead you through passages fragrant with spices and perfume and gleaming with copper — here beats the heart of heritage shopping in Al-Ahsa. The souq is the ideal place to acquire the famous Hasawi bisht, the cloak of standing and of great occasions; “Hasawi weaving” is distinguished by the precision of its hand embroidery in zari thread washed with gold or silver, a craft Al-Ahsa families have handed down generation after generation. Alongside the bisht you will find local crafts in palm frond and pottery, dates of every variety, coffee and spices.
Qaisariyah Souq hours
Opening hours and fees are listed in the visit-information card below, and its best hours are in the morning and the evening.
