Hardly anyone leaves the Kingdom without an extra bag. Dates for family, oud for friends, a prayer rug someone asked for, maybe some gold or an abaya. The question our passengers ask most is: what should I buy in which city, and should I buy now or at the end of the trip? We have organised this guide city by city, because each one has its own speciality.
Madinah: the home of dates
If you buy one thing in Madinah, make it dates. Ajwa is the most famous, alongside many other varieties such as Safawi, Sukkari and Mabroom. You will find date shops around the Prophet's Mosque, the well-known date market to its south, and in the malls.
- Ask to taste before buying; quality varies even within one variety.
- If you are flying abroad with dates, ask for sealed packaging and check your home country's rules on bringing in food.
- If your trip continues elsewhere, buy near the end of your Madinah stay so you are not hauling boxes between cities.
Makkah: pilgrims' gifts
Around Masjid al-Haram and in the malls beside it you will find prayer rugs, prayer beads, copies of the Quran, perfumes, oud and incense, clothing and gold. Prices right next to the Haram tend to be higher; for better deals, many people head to districts such as Aziziyah, with larger shops and wholesalers.
Zamzam water is the gift many people will not go home without. Officially bottled Zamzam is available, but check your airline's policy before flying, as some have specific rules for carrying it.
For rides between your hotel and the shops within Makkah, our fare is 80 SAR by sedan, 150 SAR by family vehicle and 300 SAR VIP. See Makkah taxi.
Jeddah: old souk and modern mall
Al Balad
In historic Jeddah you will find Souk Al Alawi and the old markets: spices, incense, fabrics, dates and traditional crafts. The atmosphere is half the experience, and haggling is normal in the small shops.
The malls
Jeddah is one of the Kingdom's biggest mall cities, with international and local brands, fine abayas and electronics. Many pilgrims spend their last day in Jeddah shopping before their flight.
Rides between Jeddah districts cost 100 SAR by sedan, 200 SAR by family vehicle and 300 SAR VIP. If you are staying in Makkah and want to shop in Jeddah and come back, our taxi from Jeddah to Makkah page covers the return leg.
Taif: roses and honey
Taif is famous for its roses and their products: rose water, rose oil and perfumes. The picking season is in spring, the best time to visit the distilleries and farms. Its traditional markets also sell honey, ghee and seasonal fruit. From Makkah, the easiest way is a same-day round trip; see Taif taxi.
Paying and shopping tips
- Currency: the Saudi riyal is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75 SAR per dollar.
- Cards: card and mobile payments are everywhere, but carry a little cash for traditional markets.
- Haggling: expected in traditional souks, not in malls or shops with marked prices.
- Prayer times: some smaller shops close briefly for prayer, so plan around them.
- Gold: usually priced by weight at the day's rate plus a workmanship charge, so ask for a clear invoice.
- Tax refunds: if you are a tourist, ask the shop about any VAT refund scheme and check the conditions on official sources.
Extra bags and the right car
Shopping adds up quickly. If your trip ends at Jeddah Airport and you are carrying boxes of dates and Zamzam, tell us your bag count when booking so we send a family vehicle instead of a sedan. Fares for the most common end-of-trip rides:
| Route | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah to Jeddah Airport | 190 SAR | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Madinah to Jeddah Airport | 450 SAR | 700 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Jeddah to Jeddah Airport | 150 SAR | 250 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah to Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 1000 SAR |
Fares are per car and paid on arrival. Other routes are in the taxi fare guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy dates in Makkah or Madinah?
Both have them, but Madinah is the home of Ajwa and has a wider choice. If Madinah is your last stop, buy there.
Can the driver wait while I shop?
That can be arranged when you book. Tell us where you are going and roughly how long, and we will confirm the arrangement and price.
When is the best time to shop?
Evenings are peak time in most cities. For a calmer visit, go in the morning or straight after the afternoon prayer.
Do I need a bigger car because of my shopping?
If your bags will not fit a sedan along with the passengers, a family vehicle is more comfortable. Send us a rough count and we will advise.
Get in touch
Shop at your own pace and let Mishwar Al Haramain carry you and your purchases. Message us on WhatsApp +966582918075.