Celebrating Local Products and Handicrafts Social Development Bank Launches Souq Al-Dar with the Participation of 400 Productive Families

Thursday-2025-09-25

Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Hamidi, CEO of the Social Development Bank, today inaugurated Souq Al-Dar in the Al-Ghadeer district opposite the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The event coincides with the Kingdom’s 95th National Day celebrations and will run for five days until September 29.
Souq Al-Dar, which brings together more than 400 businesses and productive families from across the Kingdom, extends the Bank’s efforts to support and empower productive families and enhance the sustainability of micro-enterprises. It provides a marketing platform within an interactive environment that combines cultural and entertainment elements, while highlighting handicrafts and national products as key enablers of economic empowerment and social development.
The event features ten themed zones that reflect Saudi culture and identity, showcasing the diversity of local crafts and arts. These include dedicated spaces for handmade industries and local products—from fashion and accessories to artifacts and artistic creations—along with live music performances, creative arts showcase, craft workshops, and interactive experiences.
On this occasion, Eng. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Hamidi, CEO of the Social Development Bank, said:
“Souq Al-Dar reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting productive families, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs by enabling them to access marketing platforms that showcase the quality of local products and the richness of Saudi craftsmanship, in line with the Year of Handicrafts. It provides a direct space for engagement with consumers, while continuing the Bank’s efforts to empower families and help them transition into viable commercial enterprises capable of growth and competition, thereby strengthening their contribution to the national economy.”
Souq Al-Dar is attracting a wide variety of visitors and enthusiasts, with strong interaction around its cultural and entertainment activities. Its location near the KAFD Metro Station ensures a smooth and sustainable transportation experience for visitors, reinforcing its position as an integrated urban destination that embodies empowerment in the heart of the capital.
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