Riyadh - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
YES, so many artisans. The souqs are amazing! - Jul 2021
Shopping is one of the few sanctioned activities for women, but it’s not a shopping post as described here. You can buy a few local items but there really aren’t a lot of options, even if you’re really looking. - Feb 2018
There isn't much in the way of local crafts here, except for camels. However, there is an excellent shop in Dhahran that makes tables from old Saudi doors, frames tribal masks and has a superb collection of Saudi art. There is also the gold souk in Riyadh if that interests you. Additionally, one can buy designer abayas, which are more expensive than what you'll find in the souks, but are also exquisite and make having to wear one much more tolerable (enjoyable, even). - Oct 2017
Carpets, some brass items, some pottery. Most of it is imported , thopugh, from more artistically inclined Muslim countries (Turkey, Iran, central Asia, Oman) - May 2016
Tourist items, foods. - Nov 2015
Carpets, some furniture. Unfortunately almost everything is made in India/Pakistan. - Oct 2015
Saudi coffee and dates. Bateel dates are the best. - Oct 2015
Designer labels are everywhere here. Rugs from Iran and Turkey. - Jan 2015
Carpets, dates. - Sep 2014
There isn't much in the way of local crafts here, except for camels. However, there is an excellent shop in Dhahran that makes tables from old Saudi doors, frames tribal masks and has a superb collection of Saudi art. There is also the gold souk if that interests you. Additionally, one can buy designer abayas, which are far more expensive than what you'll find in the souks, but are also exquisite and make having to wear one much more tolerable (enjoyable, even). - Mar 2014
Head down to the souq. There are lots of hidden treasures! Also, since we have been here we have purchased a dining room table made from a very old Saudi door along with a sofa table made from a door panel. Who would have thought we would be buying furniture here!!?? - Dec 2013
Nothing. - Oct 2013
Nothing is made locally at all, though you can buy honey from Yemen, rugs from Iran and Afghanistan, and furniture from Pakistan, if you like. - Mar 2013
Rugs, lamps. - Apr 2011
Ain't much--not much of a culture here. - Mar 2010
Carpets - Jan 2010
Dates and date products. - Dec 2009
There is very little Saudi culture, so everything you buy is Indian, Pakistani, etc. - Oct 2008
Rugs, knives, East Indian handicrafts. - Aug 2008
