Abu Arish to launch temporary weekly market as part of major redevelopment

Abu Arish is preparing for a new phase in the development of its weekly market, with plans to open a temporary site while work progresses on the final project location, at an estimated cost of 15 million riyals (SAR). The initiative aims to accommodate increasing demand, improve organization, and enhance the experience for both vendors and shoppers, while preserving the market’s historical and social significance for local residents.

The project responds to the need for a larger, better-equipped venue, as the previous site could no longer handle the growing number of visitors and related activities. The upgrade is designed to provide a more suitable environment for traditional commercial activities.

Abdullah Awaf, Mayor of Abu Arish, told Ajel that the redevelopment is a response to the market’s rising popularity and the need for a site that can accommodate commercial activities and expansion, while maintaining its historical importance.

He added: “The weekly market’s development is part of our commitment to upgrading commercial and traditional sites, and meeting the needs of vendors and shoppers by providing adequate space to organize activities and improve accessibility, while preserving the market’s historical and social role in Abu Arish.”

Awaf noted that the opening of the temporary market is a transitional step, coinciding with the development of the adjacent final site, ensuring the market’s activities continue until the main project is completed.

A new location to meet growing demand

Awaf explained that the new market site has been chosen in the eastern belt, along King Abdullah Road, next to the eastern promenade. The location offers advantages such as easier access, parking, and improved traffic flow.

The site allows convenient access from within Abu Arish and neighboring villages, serving a wider range of shoppers and vendors, and enhancing the market’s reach, while taking into account local traffic and organizational needs.

Relocating the market aims to provide a space better suited to the nature of its activities, in line with increasing demand, and to ensure its continued role as a hub for traditional shopping and social exchange.

15,000 square meters for traditional products

The mayor revealed that the new market project will cover about 15,000 square meters, with plans to host a weekly market for traditional products, including clothing, pottery, and handicrafts, alongside a range of related activities.

The market is expected to offer more space for vendors and artisans to display their goods, and provide shoppers with a variety of traditional and local products, strengthening the presence of handicrafts and heritage-linked commerce.

Diversity of activities is a key feature of the project, expected to boost commercial activity, attract shoppers from Abu Arish and nearby villages, and reinforce the market’s economic and social standing in the region.

Temporary market to open on October 13, 2026

Awaf stated that the temporary market is scheduled to open on Tuesday, 2 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to October 13, 2026, at an estimated cost of 200,000 riyals, alongside ongoing work on the adjacent final site.

The temporary site is intended to ensure the weekly market continues operating during the redevelopment, allowing vendors to keep selling their products and shoppers to benefit from the market’s services during the transition.

This step is a prelude to moving to the final location, which aims to provide more suitable space and facilities for the market’s activities.

15 million riyals for the final site

Awaf explained that the estimated cost for the permanent market is about 15 million riyals, compared to around 200,000 riyals for the temporary site.

The final site’s development is designed to meet current and future market needs by providing adequate space, organizing commercial activities, and improving accessibility, in line with the market’s character and the scale of demand.

Completion of the project is expected to mark a new chapter for the weekly market, offering a more suitable environment for vendors and visitors, and enhancing the organization of traditional and commercial activities to meet the aspirations of local residents.

A market with history and future ambitions

The significance of the Abu Arish weekly market goes beyond commerce; it is a social and economic space rooted in local memory, facilitating the exchange of traditional products and handicrafts and preserving the presence of traditional markets in daily life.

The redevelopment project aims to balance preserving the market’s traditional identity with the need for organization and expansion, supporting its continued role and providing better services for vendors and shoppers.

With the temporary market’s opening approaching and work continuing on the final site, hopes are high that the project will boost commercial activity, improve the shopping experience, and reinforce the market’s status as a popular destination in Abu Arish.

Balancing heritage and development, Abu Arish is preparing for a new era in organizing its weekly market, with a project that seeks to preserve its legacy while expanding its role in the lives of residents and visitors.