Al-Kaakiyah (also spelt Al-Kakiyah) is one of the seven districts in the Al-Shawqiyah branch municipality. What sets it apart is trade: some of the city’s best-known markets for produce, dates and firewood are mapped here.
If you like doing your shopping where the shopkeepers do theirs, this district is worth a look.
Quick answer
Short answer: Al-Kaakiyah lies about 5 km south of the Haram, measured on OpenStreetMap, in the Al-Shawqiyah municipal cluster. Homes mix with busy markets, so expect lively streets near the trade areas and quieter blocks a short distance away.
Where it is
On OpenStreetMap, the centre of the Al-Kaakiyah boundary is about 5 km from Al-Masjid Al-Haram in a straight line, almost due south (bearing about 193°).
Arabic Wikipedia lists Al-Kaakiyah as one of seven districts under Al-Shawqiyah branch municipality, with Al-Shawqiyah district on its western side.
At a glance
A market district
OpenStreetMap maps four marketplaces inside Al-Kaakiyah, including a central vegetable market, a dates market and a firewood market (Suq al-Hatab). Markets like these supply shops and restaurants across the city, so the trade starts early.
For residents, that can be a real plus. Fresh produce at market prices is close by, and buying dates in bulk before Ramadan is easy. The trade-off is traffic: delivery vehicles and shoppers make the streets around the markets busy, especially in the mornings and before Ramadan and Eid.
Tip
Visit the market area early on a weekday and again in the evening. That way you see both the busiest trading hours and how quiet the residential streets get afterwards.
Housing in general terms
Away from the markets, most of the district is flats and family homes. Prices depend on the building, the street and how close it is to the trading areas. Compare current listings, and ask about noise and delivery traffic if a home is near a market.
Register any lease on the official Ejar platform before paying large sums.
Everyday shopping and services
Beyond the wholesale markets, OSM maps supermarkets, including a Bin Dawood branch, and a hypermarket within the district. That covers both the big weekly shop and quick daily errands. Our groceries guide has more tips.
For healthcare, find the nearest primary care centre before you move. Our licensed clinic guide explains how.
Schools
The Al-Shawqiyah cluster is large, and the right school for your children may be in a neighbouring district. Start with the Ministry of Education’s admission page, shortlist a few schools, and drive the school run at the real time before you commit.
Getting around
A car helps here, particularly with market traffic. If you do not drive, check the official Makkah Bus app for routes near your street; MBCO runs the citywide network.
Shortlisting a home in Al-Kaakiyah
1
Map the markets: note how close the home is to the trading areas.
2
Check traffic: drive past at a busy morning hour.
3
Find services: locate the nearest clinic, pharmacy and school.
4
Sign properly: register the lease on Ejar.
Who it suits
Al-Kaakiyah suits residents who value fresh markets and a practical, working neighbourhood, and who do not mind some bustle. Families who want quieter streets can still find them a little away from the trading areas.
It is worth comparing with neighbouring Al-Shawqiyah and Batha Quraish on the same visit.
Distance is the straight line between the district’s OpenStreetMap boundary centroid and Al-Masjid Al-Haram (OSM relation 1472531), measured 12 Oct 2026. Road distance is longer.
FAQ
How far is Al-Kaakiyah from the Haram?
About 5 km south of the Haram in a straight line on OpenStreetMap.
Why is Al-Kaakiyah known for markets?
OpenStreetMap maps marketplace activity in the district, including produce and wholesale trade. Expect busier roads around market hours.
Is it a good base for residents?
It can work if you want market access and accept trade-area traffic. Compare with nearby residential streets before signing.
Must the lease be on Ejar?
Yes. Register the residential lease on the official Ejar platform before paying a large deposit or a year’s rent.
Last checked: 13 October 2026.
Sources
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/19262636
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/1472531
- https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/الشوقية_(مكة_المكرمة)
- https://www.okaz.com.sa/news/local/2118951
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/eservices/register-the-residential-lease-contract/
- https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/makkah-bus/id1609922603
- https://mbco.sa/what-we-do
- https://www.moe.gov.sa/en/education/ResidentsAndvisitors/pages/schoolsadmission.aspx
- https://livinginmakkah.com/makkah-neighborhoods-guide-residents/