Souq Al Zal antiques lanes

The antiques lanes of Souq Al Zal are the inner passages of Riyadh's oldest market, in Ad Dirah, the old centre of the city in Saudi Arabia. They lie off the busier main street of the souq, near Imam Turki bin Abdullah Road, about five minutes on foot from Masmak Fortress and Deera Square. These narrower lanes are where antique daggers, coffee pots, brass and copper ware, old carpets, prayer beads, lamps and other traditional items are sold, and they are quieter than the main frontage. Entry is free, goods are priced individually, and bargaining is a normal part of buying. Shops vary in hours, but the market is typically open 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday, with Friday from about 16:00. A visit to the inner lanes takes 45 to 90 minutes, longer for those who stop to talk with dealers about pieces. The late afternoon and early evening are the liveliest, as shops reopen after the midday break. Weekday late afternoons are the easiest time for browsing, while Thursday and Friday evenings are busy. The best photographs are of the shop displays, the stacked brass and carpets, and the lanes themselves, though people should be asked before being photographed. Practical points include carrying small bills, expecting shops to pause during prayer times, and asking dealers about the age and origin of antiques. Buyers should check export rules for antique items before purchase, since some old items may require documentation. Ride-hailing from Olaya costs about SAR 20-35. Visitors should dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes for the uneven surfaces.