Saudi Entrepreneurs Thrive During Ramadan Festivities
JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan is not just a time of spiritual rejuvenation for many Saudis, but also a prime opportunity to kickstart small businesses and share local culinary delights.
In Al-Balad historic district in Jeddah and other Ramadan markets and residential areas, visitors can indulge in affordable and delicious snacks while soaking in the festive ambiance of the holy month.
Thousands of people explore the festivities in Al-Balad and other Ramadan markets, savoring popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)
Street vendors offer a variety of street cuisine and regional specialties like kibda (fried liver) and balila (boiled chickpeas with cumin, vinegar, pickled cucumber, and spices). Traditional Ramadan drinks like sobya, made from barley, dried bread, raisins, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon, are also a hit among visitors.
These food stalls have become a staple of Ramadan, providing seasonal opportunities for business owners to capitalize on the crowds that fill the streets at night.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Popular food items at Ramadan markets include kibda, balila, and traditional Ramadan drinks like sobya.
• Food stalls offer business opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to attract the nighttime crowd.
• Hussain Al-Malki, known for his Hijazi food stall, values the chance to engage with people during Ramadan.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Among food items popularly sold at Ramadan markets are kibda, balila, and traditional Ramadan drinks like sobya.
• The food stalls offer seasonal opportunities to business owners hoping to capitalize on the throngs of people that fill the streets throughout the night.
• Hussain Al-Malki, whose stall is known for its Hijazi food, said he appreciates the chance to interact with people during Ramadan.
These stalls not only generate revenue but also provide Saudi entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their skills to a wider audience.
Thousands of people explore the festivities in Al-Balad and other Ramadan markets, savoring popular regional snacks and dishes. (Ramadan Season/Supplied)
Hussain Al-Malki, a 42-year-old father of four, runs a balila and kibda stand in Al-Zahra district. Alongside his business partner, Hussain Abu Taleb, Al-Malki takes a break from their day jobs in Jeddah to run the stall, offering Hijazi food.
“It’s tough competition with many stalls around, but thanks to Allah, we make good money to keep going,” Al-Malki shared.
In another corner of Rawdah district, young entrepreneurs Basem Al-Mutabagani, Hamid Turkistani, and Imad Al-Fadel sell potato fries, a classic snack that continues to attract customers.
“The potato stall has been a lucrative venture for us as there is high demand during Ramadan,” Al-Mutabagani noted.
The trio’s creativity shines through as they experiment with adding cheese and various sauces to the potatoes, keeping customers coming back for more.
Many Saudi women also participate in the Ramadan market, selling items like balila, kunafa, potato dishes, and kibda in Al-Balad district.
Um Ahmed, a stall owner, appreciates the opportunity to earn extra income during Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in her food preparation.
With thousands of visitors exploring Al-Balad daily, entrepreneurs like Um Ahmed stay busy well into the night, serving up delicious treats amidst the bustling Ramadan atmosphere.