The ‘Soul of the Sea’ that captivates tourists; Gulf’s proud historic market

Riyadh – Yambu Night Market is a must-visit place for tourists coming to Saudi Arabia. This market has a tradition of more than 500 years of antiquity in the Red Sea coast town. The ancient architectural style of the center presents a confluence of civilization, culture and commerce.

From generation to generation, including the young generation and the elderly, this center has attracted the nights of young and old people. Every traveler who comes here is given the atmospheric feeling of entering a market of a century ago. There are many tourists looking for beautiful restaurants, coffee shops and various handicrafts reminiscent of the bygone era.

The rulers have brought back the splendor, courage and elegance that had faded during the intervening period and it is very beautiful here. The Yambu Night Market, an important historical town on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, has become more attractive as a result of recent renovations.

It was a link between the coastal traders and the inland traders of the Arabian subcontinent. Nicknamed the Spirit of the Sea, the native locals here have marked this market for generations. Since ancient times, they used to give such an epithet to this land when they welcomed the sailors and other seafarers who came here with folk songs and melodies. Today, the night market has become the most popular tourist destination in Yampu town. This historic market is also famous for buying local produce, fish and fishing equipment over the past several centuries.

Archeology and heritage experts describe the historic Nightmark of Yampu as a cultural heritage site. It has been of great importance since time immemorial as a meeting place for traders to buy and sell goods, conduct commercial transactions and meet for many centuries. Archaeologists consider this night market to be one of the oldest market centers in the historic Yampu area.

Centuries ago, sailors and traders from Africa came here for trade through the port of Yambu as a destination. It was a center for trade and exchange of goods and other goods for the fishermen who went out to sea at night to fish. That is how this place later became famous as Ratti Chanta or Night Market. Built facing the port of Yampu, this center has been the commercial port of Yampu for more than 500 years.

Locally produced ghee, honey, dates and fish are the most popular items at this centre. This market facing the sea has many shops for tourists and visitors. Visitors to the shops can also enjoy the traditional rowing songs of fishermen returning from the sea.

After an intervening period of lack of traders and visitors, several projects have been devised and successfully implemented in the last few years to attract more traders and visitors to the Old Pride. The authentic identity and tradition of the night market has been preserved and the old shops have been restored and the traders and businesses have started again here. Yambu has recaptured the heritage of its ancient market and turned it into a major tourist attraction through the restoration work known as Al Sour Historic District.

The night market is home to a series of family-friendly entertainment events in conjunction with the famous Yampu festival every year. It provides great support to businesses, owners and families. Their income stream can be improved under the supervision of Jana Centre. Those in the sector say the night market has grown in importance in recent years. This place contributes positively to the development of tourism and economy of this region.

The whole area has regained importance with the revival of the heritage tradition of the popular night market. Abdullah Al Faris, an expert in the field of archeology and heritage, says that the traders who have been doing business here for generations also express such opinion. Some of the buildings here are more than a century old and are still standing. Al Faris said the administration has taken the initiative to rehabilitate and restore the Knight Mark to its former glory as a place of historical importance in Yambu to preserve its heritage.

The centuries-old night market is a centerpiece and cultural landmark of Yampu town’s cultural heritage. It has become a favorite place for tourists by offering many things that are not available in any other market. The Yampu Night Market offers a rich history worth visiting for tourists without spending too much money.