
Makkah & Madinah Shopping Guide 2026: Best Places for Gold, Dates & Souvenirs
Part of the Umrah experience is bringing back blessings in the form of gifts for loved ones. Whether it's Ajwa dates, pure gold, or prayer rugs, knowing where to shop can save you 50% or more.
Top Things to Buy in Makkah & Madinah
- Dates (Ajwa, Sukari, Majdool): Best bought in Madinah.
- Gold & Jewelry: Saudi gold is famous for its purity (21K and 24K).
- Oud & Perfumes: Arabian scents that last for days.
- Prayer Rugs & Tasbih: The classic souvenirs.
Makkah Shopping Guide
1. Clock Tower Mall (Abraj Al Bait)
- Best for: Luxury perfumes, high-end dates, and clothing.
- Vibe: Modern, air-conditioned, expensive but convenient.
- Tip: Great for a quick shopping trip if you are staying nearby.
2. Kakia Wholesale Market (Souq Al Kakia)
- Best for: Bulk buying. If you need 100 prayer mats or 50kg of dates for your community back home, this is the place.
- Transport: It's a bit far from the Haram.
- Solution: Book a Hourly Rental with Driver from UmrahTransit. We can take you there, wait for you while you load up your heavy bags, and drop you back at your hotel. No need to hail taxis with 20 bags!
3. Ibrahim Khalil Road
- Best for: Gold shops and everyday souvenirs. Walkable from many hotels.
Madinah Shopping Guide
1. Dates Market (Souq Al Tumour)
The legendary date market of Madinah. You can taste before you buy.
- Warning: It can get chaotic.
- Our Advice: Go early in the morning.
2. Taiba Commercial Center
Located right next to Masjid Al Nabawi. Perfect for quick gifts like thobes and abayas.
3. Top of the City Mall
For a more western-style mall experience with international brands.
Logistics: How to Carry It All?
Shopping is fun until you have to drag 4 suitcases to the airport.
- Airlines are strict: Excess baggage fees are huge.
- Taxis are small: Regular sedans can't fit 5 people + 10 suitcases of Zamzam and dates.
The Solution? Book a GMC Yukon XL or Toyota Hiace with UmrahTransit.com. Our vehicles have massive trunk space specifically designed for pilgrims. We guarantee reliable Jeddah Airport Transfers so you don't have to stress about leaving your gifts behind.
Happy Shopping!
Need Safe, Reliable Umrah Transportation?
Book with UmrahTransit for professional, door-to-door transfers between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Licensed drivers, modern vehicles, and 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to buy dates?
The Kakia Wholesale Market in Makkah or the Central Dates Market in Madinah offer the best wholesale prices.
Is gold cheaper in Saudi Arabia?
Gold prices are globally standardized, but the 'making charge' in Saudi Arabia is often lower, and the purity (21K/24K) is guaranteed by the government, making it a great investment.
Can I take Zamzam water on the flight?
Most airlines allow one 5L bottle of Zamzam per passenger. Ensure you buy the officially packaged bottle from the airport or authorized distributors.
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