makkah shopping mall – Zamzam Blogs

Top 5 Malls In Makkah That Offer An Exciting Shopping Experience

Pratyush Srivastava — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:25:24 +0000

Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, witnesses millions of visitors every year who come to pray to the almighty and seek forgiveness. The massive influx of outsiders into the city has also made it a big market for business owners. Makkah has one of the busiest and bustling markets, from souvenir shops to complexes and huge malls. Malls in Makkah are well-maintained and offer the best services to the customers. Makkah malls cater to all groups. They have big international brands, famous native brands and even local shops. Below are some of the most famous Makkah malls that tourists can visit for a safe and happy shopping experience.

List of 5 best malls in Makkah

After performing sacred rituals in Hajj or Umrah, visitors usually turn to the markets to shop for souvenirs. Malls in Makkah host the best variety of souvenirs for purchasers. These malls have multiple jewelry stores for golds and diamonds, shops selling prayer mats, the Holy Quran, Zamzam water, perfumes, ouds, etc. and various outlets selling traditional clothes. Since there are so many shops and malls in the city, choosing the best one can be difficult. For the convenience of readers, a list of the top Makkah shopping malls is mentioned below. Let’s have a look at each one in detail.

1. Al Diyafa Mall

Al Diyafa, which translates to hospitality in Arabic, is one of Makkah’s trendiest and most modern shopping malls. It is situated on Al Hajoun Street in the Al Zaher district. The eye-catching modern structure has great amenities for ladies and families, such as a kids’ play area and a number of eateries. Visitors may find the most well-known worldwide fashion and beauty brands here.

Highlights: The mall has luxurious brands and even local ones. There is a playground for children and amazing cafeterias and food chains, including Burger King, Dunk N Dip, Albaik, Cinnabon, Starbucks, etc. A Toytown is also there for kids where they can purchase toys from a wide variety of choices. The mall has a secured parking lot as well.

Location: Al Hujoon St AZ Zahir

Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 9.30 am – 11.00 pm; Friday, 4.30 pm – 11.00 pm

2. Makkah Mall

Makkah Mall, one of the most visited malls in Saudi Arabia, is known for the number of high-end brands it covers. The mall runs across two floors with shops, food courts and a Panda supermarket for groceries and other such requirements. The mall has various restaurants, including Mcdonald’s and Burger King.

Highlights: It might not be the biggest mall in Makkah, but it has some of the best brands. Even the goods of lesser-known brands are of high quality. The mall has a dedicated parking lot, which can be accessed easily, and an entertainment area called Billy Beez Amusement Park. The whole infrastructure is friendly for people with disabilities.

Location: Makkah Mall, King Abdullah Rd, Al Jamiah

Timing: 9.00 am – 11.00 pm

3. Al Hijaz Mall

Located on the Makkah highway to Jeddah, the Al Hijaz Mall is a big mall consisting of more than 200 units of luxurious and local brands. The two-floor mall has a huge car parking, a family entertainment center, Jarir Bookstore, Starbucks, Skechers, Giordano, MAC, DAMAS, City Ma, Route 66, Tim Hortons, etc., and many other local brands.

Highlights: The mall has an elaborate food court serving the best of dishes 一 from Turkish, Yemeni, Pakistani, Chinese, Indian, Continental, etc. cuisine. There is a playing area for kids making Al Hijaz an amazing family mall in Makkah. The best thing about this mall is its location. Since it is situated on the highway, it is not overcrowded. People can go on any day of the week and enjoy themselves!

Location: Makkah – Jeddah Highway, An Nuzhah

Timing: Saturday to Thursday 8 am – 12 am; Friday 5:30 pm – 12 am

4. Al Abraj Mall Makkah Royal Clock Tower

Al Abraj, situated on Ajyad Street, a prime location in the city, is one of the most popular malls in Makkah. The mall is located in the beautiful Makkah Clocktower. Visitors can enjoy an opulent shopping experience and witness the magnificent Clock Tower. The mall has more than two floors consisting of local shops and international brands.

Highlights: Pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah come here to get the best traditional souvenirs. Here visitors can get a huge variety of perfumes, dry fruits, utensils, miniatures, branded watches, candies, Tasbih, the Holy Quran, jewelry, saffron and much more. There are many toy shops for kids as well. This mall can, however, get overcrowded.

Location: King Abdul Aziz Rd, Endowment, Ajyad Street

5. Al Aziziyah Mall

Ten minutes from the Grand Mosque lies the Aziziyah district, which is known for its marketplaces. There are other commercial malls in Al Aziziyah. After a brief stroll, visitors will come across a number of other alluring malls, such as the Aryam International Mall, Al Salam Shopping Centre and the International Family Complex, among others.

Highlights: After Hajj, shoppers can go to Al Aziziyah Central Market, that offer apparels, textiles, cosmetics, watches, shoes, luxurious handbags, house appliances and more. This is an excellent spot to go if you are seeking gold and jewellery. People can reach these malls after a stroll and get whatever they are venturing to find. The huge malls house almost everything in Al Aziziyah.

Location: Al Masjid Al Haram Rd, Al Jamiah

The holiest city in Islam, Makkah, draws a large number of pilgrims each year. After conducting Umrah, most visitors enjoy taking some time to explore these stunning Saudi cities. Finding something unique and fantastic is always lovely, and malls in Makkah are the finest places to purchase it. Makkah does not have a long list of malls. But the ones present are opulent and grand in interiors and structure. In addition, the city also includes a variety of street markets located just outside Haram. Visitors may select from a wide range of goods to buy and bring home as presents for their loved ones. With such a wide range of collections in malls in Makkah, visitors have multiple choices as per their budget.

Malls In Makkah FAQs

What to buy from the malls in Makkah?

Visitors to Makkah malls can get dates, luxurious perfumes, prayer beads, prayer rugs, traditional clothes, shoes, watches, gold jewelry, souvenirs like Saudi coffee, showpieces, etc. among others.

What clothes can one get in a Makkah shopping mall?

Visitors can get abayas, hijabs, thawbs and many other traditional clothes influenced by Islamic culture.

What are Makkah mall timings?

Timings of malls in Makkah vary from one to another. But usually, most malls are open from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm.

Which is the best family mall in Makkah?

Al Diyafa Mall, Makkah Mall, Al Hijaz Mall and Al Abraj Mall are some of the best family malls in Makkah.

Does Al Diyafa Mall open on Friday?

No, Al Diyafa Mall is open on Friday from 4.30 pm to 11.00 pm.

The post Top 5 Malls In Makkah That Offer An Exciting Shopping Experience appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.

Best Places To Shop In Makkah And Madinah

Bhavna — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 11:10:32 +0000

Makkah and Madinah are the holy cities in Saudi Arabia, where pilgrims gather in millions every year to worship and pray to Allah. However, these magnificent cities are a great place for shopping as well. After performing the pilgrimage and the ziyarats, one must turn to the markets in the two cities. The glamorous malls and bustling markets are the best places to shop in Makkah and Madinah. The shops here offer the best of local handicraft items, one-of-a-kind purchases and beautiful souvenirs.

If you are visiting during Ramadan, the joy and the festivities in the shopping hubs is infectious. Everything from malls to shopping complexes to street markets are beautifully decked-up, there’s a vibe of celebration all around. The joy of stepping out to visit these shopping hubs is a great way to become a part of the celebrations of Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah. However, irrespective of the timing of your visit, the plethora of options available in the cities are simply mind-boggling and can leave you confused as to what to pick and from where. Here is quick guide to the best places to shop in Makkah and Madinah that are a mix of fancy malls, decent complexes, and busy street markets.

Popular Places For Shopping In Makkah

1. Bin Dawood Shopping Complex – Housed on the first floor along the grounds of the Hilton Hotel, this complex has everything that open markets offer. It is only a minute walk away from the Haram and makes for a suitable option over markets. Pilgrims can come here to relish Kentucky fried chicken, buy dates, Swiss watches, sportswear and much more. The complex is one of the most popular places to shop in Makkah and Madinah.

2. Abraj Al Bait Complex is a famous five-storey mall that is renowned by the name of Clock Tower. There are complexes and branded outlets around the Al Masjid Al Haram road. The neighbourhood of Aziziyah is well-known for shopping complexes and luxury boutiques. Other places to shop in Makkah are Souq Al Otaibiah and Al Ghazaand Ajiad.

3. Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Street – Pilgrims often pass this famous street on their way to the Grand Mosque as there are many things that they can pick here for the pilgrimage. From eatables like juices and sandwiches, to Makkan specialties such as perfumes, prayer carpets, veils and souvenirs, it offers a wide range to the visitors. Also, you can buy traditional clothing with beautiful prints and patterns.

4. Shopping Malls in Makkah – Besides famous complexes and streets, opulent malls are also among the popular places to shop in Makkah and Madinah. Talking specifically of Makkah, malls here are grandiose structures and adorning interiors that offer a relaxing shopping experience to the visitors. Malls in Makkah have all leading global brands as well as premium gold shops. The most famous malls in Makkah are Makkah Mall, Makkah Auction, Al Diyafa Mall, and Hijaz Mall.

Most of the shops in the sacred city are open between 9.00 A.M. and midnight from Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays, the shops open around 2.00 P.M. or 4.00 P.M. and stay glittered until midnight. The shopping places around the Grand Mosque stay open at all times around every day of the week. Some famous places like Bin Dawood, Carrefour, Noori and Panda open early in the morning and entertain buyers even past midnight.

Book Your Stay at the Top Hotels in Makkah

Best Places For Shopping In Madinah

1. Malls in Madinah – Al Noor Mall is the largest mall in Madinah that even has an indoor playground for kids to enjoy and relax. Rashad Mall is also a popular and lavish place to shop and buy specialties of Saudi Arabia. It is a multilevel retail center that features a beautiful dramatic water fountain where visitors love to relax for a few minutes. Other popular malls in Madinah are Madinah International Mall, Alqarrat Mall, and Taybah Shopping center. With so many upscale shopping centers that house the best of brands in apparels, perfumes, cosmetic, decor, gadgets and more, it is a delight for someone who loves shopping branded items.

2. Open Markets – Madinah has ample open marketplaces that have small shops selling traditional specialties of the region. One of the most famous markets in Madinah is the Old Bazaar, which houses small merchants that have been running shops and selling quality items for generations. Homemade food, perfume and fresh produce are some of the specialties that you can find here. The city is famous for supplying exquisite dry fruits like dates, raisins, almonds, pistachios and apricots. It has a market to buy herbs and spices like oregano and mint. Taiba Commercial Center and Bin Dawood supermarket are some other places where one can roam around and make a good purchase to take home.

Makkah and Madinah are the holiest Islamic cities and attract a lot of pilgrims every year. Most visitors love to take out some time after performing Umrah to explore what these beautiful Saudi cities have. It is always lovely to find something exclusive and amazing, and malls and shopping centers in these centers are the best stops to pick it up. Besides, there are a number of street markets right outside the Haram in both cities. Here, you will find sellers selling everyday trinkets, prayers essentials, and tiny souvenirs that will easily fit in your pocket. With so many options, visitors can choose from a variety of options to buy and take home gifts for their loved one. The range is huge, so one can choose based on their budget.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Buy In Makkah And Madinah

Book Your Stay at the Top Hotels in Madinah

FAQs About The Best Shopping Places In Makkah and Madinah

What is the most significant souvenir that can be bought in Makkah and Madinah?

A statue of a camel, the miniature structure of the Kaaba, marble, silver and bronze items, hookah, keyrings and T-shirts with ‘Desert Ships’ prints, soft toys for children and religious paraphernalia are some of the most bought souvenirs in the holy cities. If someone is your closest friend or relative, water from Zamzam can be a very loving and healing gift.

What kind of dates can one buy in Madinah?

The fertile land around the city allows it to cultivate varieties of dates. It even has specific markets that just sell this dry fruit. Some of the famous varieties of dates available in the city are Sukkari, Madinah Ajwa and Kalas.

What are the cuisines to try out in Makkah and Madinah?

Both the cities welcome travellers from almost every part of the world. Therefore, both have restaurants with specific menus from multiple cuisines. While Arabian, Continental and Mediterranean are some common ones, food items from the lands of India, Yemen, Turkey, Italy and China are also famous and a must-try out for foodies and bloggers.

Can a traveller buy gold in the sacred cities?

Yes, travellers and pilgrims can buy gold in Makkah and Madinah. In fact, it is one of the most famous purchases and there are markets designated to gold purchases only. One can find alluring designs on ornaments, making them a memorable purchase.

Where are the currency exchange centres available in the cities?

The country’s currency is called Saudi Riyal, which is the medium of purchase of goods and commodities in the country. However, to make it easier for travellers arriving from anywhere in the world, there are currency exchange shops at the airport, local markets and hotels.

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