Hidden Gems

The Kuwaiti Souq Market of Old Ras Al Khaimah City

The Kuwaiti Souq Market of Old Ras Al Khaimah City

Despite the rapid development of UAE, the souqs still exist and prosper. What makes Kuwaiti market distinct from malls is the buyers can bargain on prices and get the best products at the lowest price.

In the past, Bedouins used to meet in souqs not just to trade, but also to socialize, listen to the news and discuss their opinions on crucial local issues. Today, people visit malls to purchase their necessities and also to unwind. Many prefer to remain in the comforts of their offices or homes to buy items on the internet. However, despite the rapid development of UAE (note it has constructed some of the finest and most extravagant malls around the globe within a relatively short amount of time), the souqs still exist and prosper.

A souq that is one of the oldest (markets) within the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, it was founded in the 70s of the past century and remains the same to this day in the present. The Kuwaiti Souq was named after the Kuwaiti Hospital which is located in the middle of the souq. The hospital was constructed by Kuwait’s government in the past. 

The Kuwaiti Souq Market of Old Ras Al Khaimah City

What is a Souq?

Souks or souqs (also spelt soq, souk, esouk, suk, sooq, souq, or suq) are open-air markets or commercial areas in middle eastern cities. Souqs rely on the idea of a free market in which vendors are able to command the current market price for their merchandise. The term is usually used to describe the market that is found in the middle eastern region, Arabized or Muslim city but, more recently, it can be found in Western cities as well. It could be a reference to the weekly market held in small towns where tribal neutrality could be declared in order to allow an exchange for surplus products. For Modern Standard Arabic the term is used to refer to markets in both the physical sense as well as the more abstract sense of economy.

The Kuwaiti Souq Market of Old Ras Al Khaimah City

The Kuwaiti Souq of Ras Al Khaimah

This Kuwaiti Souq consists of many adjoining and adjacent shops close to the former Ras Al Khaimah corniche. The Street has been a favourite for locals and residents to pick up toys, perfumes and new outfits for the whole family, at reasonable prices.

The patrons of Kuwaiti Souq are residents in Ras Al Khaimah and other Emirates, as well as tourists and tourists who are from The Sultanate of Oman because it’s quite in close proximity to Ras Al Khaimah. In Eids and other national holidays, it is decorated with many colours and becomes overflowing with visitors.

The Kuwaiti Souq Market of Old Ras Al Khaimah City

What makes this market distinct from malls is the buyers can bargain on prices and get the best products at the lowest price. The most significant items that can be purchased at the Kuwaiti Souq include clothing that is ready to wear, Abayas, fabrics and traditional Emirati women’s clothes (Makhaweer) and clothing for men (kandora) along with the gold, accessories such as kitchen equipment and carpets.

Timings of Kuwaiti Souq of Ras Al Khaimah

In terms of the timings for the souq, The Kuwaiti Souq is still working according to its previous timings opening time is 8am and closes at noon, and then opens from 4 pm to 11 pm.

The Kuwaiti Souq Market of Old Ras Al Khaimah City

Loaction of Kuwaiti Souq of Ras Al Khaimah

Old Ras Al Khaimah market, Sidroh – Ras al Khaimah

To Top