Ramadan stalls in Jeddah have distinctive features to attract visitors to traditional markets, especially those in Al-Balad District in downtown Jeddah. Many shoppers surround the stalls, which offer a wide range of food and merchandise and arranged in rows, one stall next to the other. Each stall, which is usually 2 square meters and offers items at low, affordable prices, has a number and a unified design and color. They are decorated with lights and lamps that depict the old Hijazi style. Stalls sell chickpeas, fried liver, a mixture of chopped and fried liver, kidney and craw known as Taqatee', perfumes, Ramadan drinks, traditional sweets, fried potatoes and incense. There are also stalls for readymade clothes, women's handbags, gifts, souvenirs and other items. Stalls for sweets will open on the 20th day of Ramadan. Stall owners, who obtain permits from the Jeddah Mayoralty, have allocated a little capital for their small projects after obtaining permits from the Jeddah Mayoralty. Applications for these small businesses start in the month of Rajab, the seventh Hijri month, which began this year in mid-June. Owners of the stalls say they provide everything shoppers need and create an enjoyable shopping experience. They point out that their customers are simple people, and that officials have provided an opportunity for merchants and shoppers to do business easily and fairly. Conditions for obtaining a stall license stipulate that applicants must be Saudi citizens under the age of 30, who must apply in person with their application and their identity card, along with their health certificates, if they are operating a food stall. Women who apply to obtain a stall must be widows or divorcees. They must present health certificates for their workers, provided they are under the women's sponsorship, along with official papers showing their marital status and fulfill other requirements. Stalls must be fixed in place and they should not hinder traffic and pedestrians or cause inconvenience to neighboring shops and residences. Stall activities, which must end when the market closes, must be among those permitted in their location. Anyone who does not fulfill the health conditions is not allowed to operate his stall. Violators are punished according to municipal regulations. The Jeddah Mayoralty emphasizes that the stalls must be kept clean and owners must personally operate them, rather than rent them another person. Non-Saudis are not allowed to work in the Ramadan stalls unless they are under the sponsorship of the Saudi owner.
