As Ramadan settles over Riyadh, the JAX District in Diriyah is once again transforming into one of the city’s most anticipated night-time destinations. The JAX Ramadan Market 2026 is running from 26 February to 7 March, welcoming visitors daily from 8pm until 2am, and bringing together food vendors, cultural programming and creative retail in one of the capital’s most distinctive settings.
Set within the wider Diriyah area, JAX has evolved from an industrial warehouse zone into a cultural district that hosts galleries, studios and major exhibitions. During Ramadan, that backdrop takes on a different atmosphere. Strings of lights, pop-up stalls and open seating areas turn the streets into a communal space where families and friends gather after iftar.
A Ramadan Market Built Around Food and Community
At the centre of the market is its food offering. Vendors serve a mix of traditional Saudi dishes and popular Ramadan favourites, alongside desserts and fresh juices that are staples of the season. Visitors can expect classics such as jareesh, saleeg and mutabbaq, as well as contemporary interpretations from local brands.
The layout encourages lingering. Long communal tables and open seating areas are expected if earlier events are any indication, creating space for conversation and extended evenings, reflecting how Ramadan shifts daily rhythms toward the night. The market’s operating hours, from 8pm to 2am, mirror that wider pattern across Riyadh, where post-iftar gatherings have become a defining feature of the month.
Beyond food, the market is expected to include retail kiosks showcasing fashion, accessories and locally made products. Several reports describe the presence of small businesses and homegrown brands, reinforcing the market’s role as a platform for Saudi entrepreneurs and creatives.
Cultural Programming and the Wider JAX Experience
The JAX Ramadan Market also incorporates cultural elements aimed at families and younger visitors. According to event coverage, programming includes storytelling sessions, traditional games and interactive activities that draw on Ramadan customs and heritage practices.
The timing of the market coincides with the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026, which is currently being hosted within the JAX District. While the biennale runs separately, its presence adds another dimension to the area’s evening activity, allowing visitors to combine the market experience with gallery visits and contemporary art installations.
This layering of food, art and retail reflects the broader positioning of JAX as a creative hub. In recent years, Diriyah has been developed as both a heritage destination and a cultural district, and the Ramadan market builds on that identity by activating public space in a way that feels seasonal rather than permanent.
The JAX Ramadan Market 2026 runs until 7 March. Entry details and updates are expected to appear on Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s website shortly.
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