By Aaron Philip

The Friday Market, or Souq Al Juma, is a bustling hub where one can find just about anything imaginable, with visitors to this market representing a diverse array of nationalities. The market is divided into sections offering both new and secondhand goods, housed within a massive structure containing hundreds of stalls.

Kuwait Times took a stroll through the souq, noting its unique characteristics. The market operates only three days a week - Thursday, Friday, and Saturday - concluding each week’s activities on Saturday at 9 pm. It remains closed the rest of the week, with vendors making attractive offers before the close of business on Saturday. According to a porter working at the souq, all products are brought in on Wednesday night and arranged in the stalls. Wednesdays are dedicated solely to this preparation process.

The Friday Market boasts an extensive range of products, from carpets, home furniture and kitchen utensils to electronics, heavy machinery, curtains, perfumes and much more. Furqan, a vendor specializing in vintage items such as old teapots, vessels and lanterns dating back around 50 years, explained many of these items are acquired from locals who sell them following the passing of elderly family members. Prices for such items can reach up to KD 30.

However, bargaining can sometimes be challenging, as expressed by a furniture vendor who recounted instances of customers attempting to negotiate prices despite already being offered reasonable deals. Bargaining with expatriates, he noted, can be particularly challenging.

Suman, a Bangladeshi vendor selling used televisions, stressed on the importance of thoroughly checking and repairing products before putting them up for sale. He takes pride in offering high-quality products at affordable prices, ensuring customer satisfaction. Carpet seller Saurab said the market’s clientele of both expats and locals are drawn by the wide variety of carpets available in different colors and designs. Prices are determined by the material and charged per meter.

Curtain vendor Shakib noted expats are the main buyers of curtains, which are imported from China. Thursdays and Fridays tend to be the busiest days at the market, he added.

The Friday Market offers not only a diverse array of products but also serves as a meeting point for people from various countries to socialize. While Fridays can be bustling, visitors can find respite from the summer heat with refreshments available at numerous kiosks throughout the market. A visit to the Friday Market is a must for anyone seeking a unique shopping and cultural experience. Moreover, you can always find what you’re looking for at this souq.