Introduction
If you have ever been to Kuwait City, you must know about The Souk Al-Mubarakiya. I am a frequent visitor to Kuwait City and never miss the place.
It is an open-air market located in the heart of the city. Palestine Street is a popular joint of Kuwait City. Souk Al-Mubarakiya is adjacent to it.
I bet you’ve heard the history of the popular Kuwaiti souks. This one date back 200 years. Most importantly, it showcases the Kuwaiti culture like no place else.
It is not only a place for shopping. Sightseeing, eating, or local delights, you name it. Souk Al-Mubarakiya has all of it. I spent a whole day there, scanning the Persian silk carpets. I also love checking out the souk for antiques and non-veg delicacies.
Visiting Souk Al-Mubarakiya
For private jet kuwait is an excellent option. An expert rental agency will offer you seamless booking and travel experience. So, I’m checking off transit. After that, the most important thing you need to know is the operating hours. Usually, the Souk Al-Mubarakiya is open from 8 A.M till 10 P.M.
Many people book private jets for half and full day Kuwait City tours. Travelers from surrounding Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and more can easily book private jets for a luxurious Kuwait City tour.
There are many more tourist destinations in Kuwait. But the Souk Al-Mubarakiya in Kuwait City is a complete tour in itself. You will surely be mesmerized by the market’s variety, visual aesthetics, and cultural waves.
Firstly, you can shop to your heart’s content. Secondly, you may look out for fine dining options there. I find three joints appealing. These are Slider Station, Al Shamam, and Shahrayar Persian restaurants. All of them serve fully halal food.
Lastly, if you think you might feel bored, there is a whole arc of shops and collection centers. I love visiting the Gozo Concept store.
What is Souk Al-Mubarakiya?
The Souk Al-Mubarakiya is one of the Middle East’s biggest open markets or souks. Meanwhile, it is also the oldest souk in Kuwait. It started as a trade center.
But things changed after the discovery of oil in the vicinity. The market is a token of the rich history and culture of Souk Al-Mubarakiya.
The stalls in the Souk Al-Mubarakiyahas everything from herbs, spices and much more. Guess what? You’ll get authentic Middle Eastern fashion there.
The Markets: The Main Attraction
Once you enter the market, the jumbled-up sights, sounds, and smells will surely transport you back to ancient Kuwait. But, this market is not any ordinary rustic market. Instead, it is a platform where vendors portray their produce and art in a noncommercial space.
In no time, the market turned into a cultural hub. Meanwhile, catering to the needs of visitors.
So, one thing is for sure here. You will get a confluence of culture and taste here. I liked Sheikh Mubarak’s pavilion more than anything. It is a minuscule garden pavilion. The place is adjacent to the Diwaniya Center, a business conference center.
To date, the elders in the city meet randomly at this place and discuss affairs from social problems to the incumbent elections.
Shopping from Souk Al-Mubarakiya
Do you love to haggle? Then, Souk Al-Mubarakiya is the place to be. Firstly, you will get abundant options, from Arabic antiques to Persian carpets to traditional garments.
Meanwhile, a lot of guests like me check out gifting options. For them, I would suggest that visiting perfume stores is a must. However, many people prefer handmade craft products from various artisanal shops.
We brought dresses, jewelry, dates, and spices from Souk Al-Mubarakiya. The next time, our goal was to bring scented oils particularly. But I longed to visit the shops that sell gold and silver stuff.
Maybe next time.
Shopping Tips
If you are shopping from Souk Al-Mubarakiya, remember these tips. When bargaining prices with the sellers, be firm, not polite.
Remember, similar products are available in a lot of shops. So, compare price and quality before making a purchase.
My Take: Don’t forget to taste the real Arabiac coffee at Souk Al-Mubarakiya.
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