Shopping & Souvenirs
Bringing back gifts and souvenirs is a cherished tradition of Hajj and Umrah. Makkah and Madinah offer a wonderful range of Islamic items, Arabic goods, and local specialities. Here is what to look for and where to find it.
What to Buy
- Dates: The most popular gift to bring home. Ajwa dates from Madinah are especially prized (the Prophet, peace be upon him, mentioned their benefit). Sukkari, Safawi, and Khudri are other excellent varieties. Buy from date shops in Madinah for the best selection - prices range from 30 SAR to 200+ SAR per kg depending on the variety and grade.
- Zamzam water: You can bring Zamzam water home. Airlines operating from Saudi Arabia typically allow 5-10 litres as a separate allowance. Purchase sealed containers from shops near the Haram.
- Prayer mats: Beautiful prayer mats in all price ranges. From simple pocket-sized travel mats to ornate handwoven ones.
- Perfume and Oud: Arabian perfume (attar) and oud (agarwood incense) are world-renowned. The streets near both Harams are lined with perfume shops. Alcohol-free attars make wonderful gifts. Oud chips and bukhoor (incense) are also popular.
- Miswak: Natural toothbrush sticks from the Arak tree, a Sunnah item. Very cheap (1-5 SAR) and a meaningful souvenir.
- Tasbih (prayer beads): Available in every material from plastic to precious stones. Wooden and stone tasbihs from 5-500+ SAR.
- Islamic books: Both Harams have shops selling Qurans, hadith collections, and Islamic literature in many languages. The King Fahd Quran Printing Complex in Madinah distributes free Qurans.
- Kohl (ithmid): Traditional antimony eyeliner, a Sunnah item. Available in small containers from shops near the Haram.
- Ihram sets: While practical rather than decorative, high-quality ihram cloth makes a useful gift for someone planning their own pilgrimage.
Where to Shop
- Abraj Al-Bait Mall (Makkah): The shopping centre at the base of the Clock Tower, directly overlooking the Haram. Convenient but pricey.
- Streets around Masjid al-Haram: The streets radiating from the Haram are packed with shops. Ibrahim Al-Khalil Road and the Al Misfalah area have hundreds of shops.
- Bin Dawood / Panda supermarkets: For everyday items, snacks, and basics. Bin Dawood has a large branch near the Haram in Makkah.
- Old Madinah souks: The area near Bab as-Salam in Madinah has traditional market streets with date shops, perfumeries, and Islamic goods.
Bargaining: Bargaining is common and expected at smaller shops and market stalls in both cities. Start at about 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Fixed-price shops and supermarkets do not negotiate. Be polite and remember that walking away is often the most effective negotiating tactic.
Duty Free
Jeddah and Madinah airports have duty-free shops selling perfumes, chocolates, electronics, and Saudi souvenirs. Prices are not always cheaper than in the city, so compare before buying. The best deals at duty-free tend to be on international perfume brands and chocolates.