Women’s Traditional Market in Al-Aqiq Empowers Local Artisans and Preserves Heritage

RIYADH: Women’s traditional markets in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Aqiq governorate have become a vibrant hub for cultural preservation and economic empowerment in the Al-Baha region. These marketplaces serve as platforms for local women to showcase ancestral handicrafts and trade indigenous products, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s national identity and cultural heritage.

The market allows women to benefit from government support programs for productive families and small businesses, turning traditional crafts into commercial products. A recent tour by the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the variety of goods available, including woven carpets, jewelry, local honey, spices, traditional ghee, incense, and textiles.

Artisans like Umm Abdullah, a craftswoman, emphasized that the market is more than just a commercial space. “It is a meeting point for women to exchange experiences, discover talents, and create job opportunities,” she said. “It strengthens cooperation among women and helps us pass on our heritage in innovative ways.”

Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Sawat, the secretary of Al-Baha region, highlighted the importance of the market in supporting productive families, providing a secure environment for women entrepreneurs, and promoting cultural values. The facility, covering 4,000 square meters, houses 47 shops and includes prayer areas, parking, and recreational spaces, enhancing the community’s social and economic activities.