Great abaya market. The best place to find a variety of affordable abayas in Riyadh. They also have a few fancy dress shops available. The market also has stalls that carry salah hijabs at the best rates in the city, and a variety of head scarves in various materials and styles. They are more willing to give a discount if you make a bulk purchase. They also have tailors situated around the place, should you wish to get any alterations done on the abaya. Just ask the shop keep you make your purchase from.
Be sure to haggle! I have found the shops that are further inside are cheaper and are more willing to bargain than the shops near the entrances. If you love abayas, be prepared to spend hours! You may need to bring your own shopping trolly or such to carry things if you plan to purchase a lot.
Tip: I have noticed that when you shop with a male family member, they tend to quote a higher price.
They do have a convenient outdoor parking lot next to the market in front of Masmak Fort. However, it gets filled quickly on weekends and weeknights.
If you want to avoid a crowd, I recommend visiting them early morning. All shops are open by 9:30/10am and close for the afternoon at Dhur time. Then they don't open again until after Asr and remain open until...
   Read moreThere you can find abayas ranging from SR 60-70 up until SR 300 and in between. Whats unique about this place is that they always have very special and one-of-a-kind models that you can not find anywhere else and in very good prices. I keep a budget of SR150 which always gets me good stuff and since its a common market you can go long way with your bargaining skills and build relationships with sellers and shops there so you can keep coming back for more. Another thing also is that often the SR 60-70 are "On Offer" abayas which they think their style is out of season while in other places in Riyadh it would still be on display as current fashion, but this market moves very fast and often puts out a lot of abayas on sale like this.
One piece of advice though: it is a bit of a rural place so I advise keeping ur profile low and not to look very chic, as often they would raise the prices and think you are very upscale (hehe!), and watch out for your bag and mobile as muggers there do exist. Best time to go is on morning or afternoon on weekdays but do avoid evenings on weekends as it gets very...
   Read moreDirah Abaya Market is a lively and budget-friendly place that's perfect for anyone shopping for abayas. Whether you're after something simple or something more stylish, youâll find plenty of options at prices that suit every pocket. The market has a traditional souq feel, with friendly shopkeepers and lots of variety, making it a fun spot to explore.
One of the nice touches is the small snack stalls scattered around. Theyâre a real lifesaver when youâre shopping with kids or a tired husbandâoffering quick bites and drinks to keep everyone going.
The only real downside is the traffic and limited parking. Finding a spot can be a bit of a headache, especially on weekends or during busy hours, so itâs smart to visit early or use a ride service.
Adding to its charm, the market is located near some of Riyadhâs most historical and cultural landmarks. Just a short walk away, you can explore places like Al Masmak Fortress and the old city area, which offer a glimpse into Saudi Arabiaâs rich heritage.
All in all, Dirah Abaya Market offers a great mix of shopping, culture, and local flavorâwell...
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