Friday’s in Riyadh is the day that the working population of Riyadh go
about their weekly shopping, Al Batha
is the area where all the emigrant population of Riyadh come to buy and sell,
its full of souks and stalls of all sorts and an incredible atmosphere on a Friday
evening, where the place is jammed full of people from all parts, particularly,
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sudan and Philippines among many
others.
Markets called Kerala Market and Manila Plaza gives you a hint of the mix of cultures and people in this area of the city, It’s a real cosmopolitan
place with a great vibe about it..
It’s a great atmosphere and in stark contrast to the modern
and flashy Shopping Malls throughout Riyadh favoured by the Saudi’s, this is a
very much an area in the city primarily for the emigrant community.
You can get someone to fix your shoes, fiddle with your
mobile phone to do all sorts of magic things, get your hair cut, buy socks,
fruit and vegetables, basically, whatever you need, you can get it in Batha.
Here are some photos I took this afternoon, which probably don’t
do justice to the wonderful chaos and mayhem……..
Great Pictures, I usually try to avoid going anywhere near Batha on the weekends, actually, now that I think about it, I avoid going anywhere on the weekends in Riyadh!
ReplyDeleteHi Syed,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positive comments, I really like the buzz and chaos of Al Batha, though I know what you mean about not doing too much at the weekends in Riyadh, you have to seek out things to do as there isnt that much to do in the city
Hi Noel-I'm a fellow Celt (Scottish), and have just arrived in Riyadh. I read this article before I got here and it has inspired me to get out and about in that part of town asap.It will be interesting to see some 'real life'. All the best- we may cross paths one of these days! Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
DeleteThanks for the positive feedback, contact me through Facebook or Twitter if you need any help getting to know people in Riyadh, InterNations is good as is the Embassy scene and connecting with other ex-Pats is important, Theres lots of decent restaurants also at fair prices for the weekend, I actually work with a Scot here also !- enjoy Riyadh, I hope its not too much of a culture shock... All the Best - Noel
Greetings Mr. Noel.
ReplyDeleteI passed by the blog and I wanted to put a small comment. Knowing it's a small area, but there are a lot of simple and nice people from around the world. And I think it's in great need of attention by the city municipality as well as visitors, for everyone to find a nice weekend place.
And I think Al-Batha means the soft gravel place in a valley.
Hi Anonymous,
DeleteThanks for visiting the blog, Al Batha certainly could do with some attention, and with some imagination, could become a real focal point in Riyadh given the energy of the place, and yes, I agree, I have met many nice people from all over the world at Al Batha, and its good fun doing business with them...
The situation regarding litter is an obviosu starting place....