Souq Al-Hob, Dammam

Souq Al-Hob is an old popular market in the centre of Dammam, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. It is made up of adjoining streets and lanes lined with small shops, and is among the best-known traditional markets in Dammam.

The market grew with the expansion of Dammam in the middle of the twentieth century, after oil was discovered in the area and the small coastal settlement turned into an administrative and commercial centre. Several popular explanations are given for its name, which means the market of love; the most common is that couples preparing for marriage went there to buy what they needed for the wedding.

The market is known for fabrics, abayas, women's clothing, gold and jewellery, perfumes, incense and cosmetics. It is busiest in the evenings, in the run-up to the two Eids and before Ramadan, when families arrive from Dammam and nearby towns. Despite the spread of modern shopping centres across the Eastern Province, the market has kept its place thanks to the range of its goods, its moderate prices and long habit.