Abha Tuesday Market

The Tuesday Market is an old traditional market in the centre of Abha, the capital of the Asir Region in south-western Saudi Arabia, close to Al-Muftaha Art Village.

The name reflects an old custom in Asir and across southern Arabia, where weekly markets were held on a fixed day and named after it. The Abha market was held every Tuesday. As the city grew, it became a permanent market open throughout the week on an organised site with fixed shops, but it kept its old name.

Visitors find the well-known products of the region, such as honey, ghee, coffee, spices, aromatic herbs and incense. There are also pottery vessels, goods woven from palm fronds, leatherwork, silver jewellery and embroidered Asiri clothing. Women run a number of the stalls, and they sell garlands of flowers and the fragrant plants for which the people of Asir are known. The market keeps its value as a place where the crafts of the region and the produce of its farms are displayed. It is also popular with summer visitors who want to see local life and buy traditional gifts.