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Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026

Ramadan Business Boom: Thousands Flock to Jeddah's Al-Balad District for Local Snacks and Specialties

Ramadan Business Boom: Thousands Flock to Jeddah's Al-Balad District for Local Snacks and Specialties

During Ramadan, Saudis and visitors in Jeddah and other areas celebrate by starting small businesses and enjoying local cuisine.
The historic district of Al-Balad in Jeddah and Ramadan markets offer various street food and regional specialties like kibda (fried liver) and balila (boiled chickpeas).

Popular drinks include sobya (made from barley, dried bread, raisins, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon).

Thousands gather to explore these festive areas and indulge in the unique tastes of Ramadan.

During the holy month of Ramadan, well-known food stands offer popular items like kibda, balila, and traditional drinks such as sobya.

These stands provide seasonal business opportunities for entrepreneurs, attracting large crowds filling the streets throughout the night.

Thousands explore festivities in historic districts like Al-Balad in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets, where regional snacks and dishes are showcased.

Entrepreneurs appreciate the chance to interact with people and earn revenue during this time.

Hussain Al-Malki, a 42-year-old father of four, and his business partner Hussain Abu Taleb run a balila and kibda stand during Ramadan in Al-Zahra district.

Dressed in traditional clothes, they left their government jobs in Jeddah to start their own business.

They appreciate the opportunity to interact with people during Ramadan and expressed gratitude for the good income, despite the competition.

Al-Malki shared that they had been running the stand annually for a long time as a Ramadan business idea.

During Ramadan in Jeddah, thousands of people visit historic districts like Al-Balad and other markets to enjoy festivities and regional snacks.

A potato fries stand in Rawdah district is a popular attraction due to high demand during this month.

The young owners, Basem Al-Mutabagani, Hamid Turkistani, and Imad Al-Fadel, shared that they found great success with this business during Ramadan.

Three young sellers run a potato stand in Jeddah's Ramadan market during Isha prayers and until 3 a.m. They have been managing the stand for two years and add new items like cheese and sauces to keep customers engaged.

Thousands visit Al-Balad historic district during Ramadan for festivities and regional snacks.

Many Saudi women sell popular dishes like balila, kunafa, potato dishes, and kibda at the market.

Um Ahmed and her daughter welcome customers to their food stand.

The sellers add creativity to their potato dishes each year to attract customers.

During Ramadan season in Jeddah, Um Ahmed sells balila and potato items in Al-Balad historic district.

This is her first year selling food there.

Thousands of people visit Al-Balad and other markets for regional snacks and dishes.

Um Ahmed believes customers prefer food prepared by women due to cleanliness concerns.

She starts preparing her food at home and then at the stall after Maghrib prayer.

Competition is tough, but she earns enough money to continue.

Thousands visit Al-Balad daily since Ramadan began, keeping Um Ahmed and other stall managers busy all night.
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