More than 1,400 years ago, the Ukaz market was the most famous market in the Arabian Peninsula. Its location near the city of Taif leaves a sense of grandeur whenever you stand in it. Imagine the same place where Arab poets gathered from all over, competed with their poems, and made history for entire generations. This market was not just a place for buying and selling — it was a cultural and literary platform that was unparalleled.

A unique location between Mecca and Taif

The Ukaz market is located 40 kilometers northeast of the city of Taif, in a plain area between the Sarawat Mountains. The location is quiet, and the weather is moderate, especially in autumn and spring. In the past, merchants and pilgrims used to pass through this route, so the market became a major station for commercial and literary meetings. Today, the location itself has become a tourist destination that takes you back to the atmosphere of the past.

The cradle of Arabic poetry

The feature that distinguishes the Ukaz market from any other market is poetry. This market was the place of the Mu’allaqat — the golden poems that were written with gold water and hung on the curtains of the Kaaba. Poets like Antara bin Shaddad, Imru’ al-Qais, and Al-Nabigha Al-Dhubyani — all of them passed through here. There was an annual competition, and the best poet would receive recognition.

  • The Seven Mu’allaqat: the most wonderful Arabic poems presented in Ukaz
  • The market of literary criticism: poets discuss and evaluate each other
  • The flourishing of language: the Ukaz market contributed to the establishment of the rules of classical Arabic

Ukaz market today — reviving heritage

Saudi Arabia revived the Ukaz market in 2007, and today it has become a huge annual festival. Every year, visitors flock from inside and outside the kingdom to attend the heritage events. The festival offers:

  • Poetry competition: a return to the Mu’allaqat competition in a modern style
  • Heritage performances: folk dances, traditional arts, and folk markets
  • Theater and performances: historical stories that represent life in the Ukaz market
  • Handicrafts: traditional industries displayed in special wings
  • Folk cuisine: traditional Taif dishes are an unforgettable experience

What to do in Ukaz market?

If you decide to visit the Ukaz market, it’s best to choose the time of the annual festival (usually in winter). You can do the following things:

  • Tour the market museum: it includes artifacts and rare photos
  • Attend poetic evenings: something that makes you feel the grandeur of the Arabic language
  • Experience Bedouin life: tents, food, and authentic hospitality
  • Take pictures of the natural scenery: the vast plain and the majestic mountain backdrop
  • Visit the nearby city of Taif: Taif roses and folk markets

How to get there?

The road from Mecca to Taif, then head northeast. The distance from the center of Taif is about 30 minutes by car. The market (festival) has dedicated entrances and wide parking lots. It’s best to plan your visit from early morning to enjoy the atmosphere fully.

The Ukaz market is not just a festival — it’s a journey through time to a place that was and still is an important station in the history of Arab culture. It’s worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.