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: Sahih al-Bukhari 5445, Sahih Muslim 2047). 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. Many airlines allow Zamzam as a separate allowance, but the amount and packaging rules vary and change, so check with your airline before you buy, and buy official sealed containers.
- 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.