Makkah and Madinah are two of the three holiest cities in Islam. Pilgrims plan to visit the cities for Umrah and Hajj. After completing the pilgrimage, pilgrims must visit the popular markets here as there are some really special things to buy in Makkah and Madinah. You can pick some unique items here to share with family and friends. Also, there are some exclusive things that you can keep as souvenirs of the amazing journey to the holy cities.
There are old local markets, where you can look for small traditional picks, and visit bigger shopping centres to purchase expensive specialties. Here are a few things that must be on your list of things to buy in Makkah and Madinah.
Specialties of Makkah and Madinah
1. Date Palms – The holy land of Saudi Arabia is the fourth country in the world to produce the largest amount of date palms. Ajwa date palms are one of the most famous in both cities. Other varieties include Mabroom, Anbar, Sukkari, Kalas and Safawi. They melt in the mouth and deliver a superior taste.
Must Read: Dates In Saudi Arabia: History, Importance, Benefits, And Types
2. Roghan e Balsan Oil – From the trees of Wadi-e-Badr, come pure and naturally extracted Roghan e Balsan oil that is available in both cities. It is rare and expensive, but it is known to be very effective against liver infection, injuries, paralysis, pains related to diabetes, and other linked diseases. One can mix five or six drops of this oil with olive oil and massage on the affected area of the body to experience some relief. If one wants to intake it, then two or three drops of it can be added to 25 gm of milk.
3. Perfume – ‘Ittar’ or perfume in Makkah and Madinah are famous in the world. It is believed that applying it on Fridays was the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. He never rejected a gift of Ittar from anyone. According to popular beliefs, Amber and Musk were his favourite variety of perfumes. One can buy luxurious ittar from famous shops in the two cities.
4. Prayer Beads – Many worshippers use prayer beads to count the number of times they have recited a dua or a religious verse. Devotees can buy prayer beads for relatives and friends back home. If people have a keen interest in stones and understand the religious significance, they can easily buy rosaries crafted with stones.
5. Prayer Rugs – Although Madinah is comparatively cost-effective than Makkah, prayer rugs are something that one can buy as a souvenir for friends and family. They come in beautiful bright colours with quality craft. They look perfect with wooden or marble floors.
Suggested Read: Kiswa Of Kaaba – The Holy Cloth That Adorns The House Of Allah
6. Traditional Flip Flops – Flip flops from Saudi Arabia are quite famous in the world. These are handmade products that come in various hues with intricate craft. The embroidery of threads is what makes them attractive and an ideal purchase if one likes to wear ethnic clothes. The price range of these flip flops varies depending on the types of leather used and the embroidered work.
7. Gold Jewellery – Since the cities are sacred, therefore, a belief says that if one buys gold from here, they will be blessed with prosperity. Moreover, the shops have beautiful designer jewellery that will adorn your personality, and the pieces are comparatively cheaper than in many countries.
8. Women Clothing – Muslims and followers of Islam often cover their head with a piece called Hijab. Many people in the West like to keep it traditional and wear a piece of cloth covering an entire body. The markets of Makkah and Madinah offer such gorgeous cloth pieces with an elaborated craft that one must not miss out. Malls and local markets are the best places to try hands and carry home some trendy and traditional clothes.
9. Camera Accessories – Can a trip be completed without clicking some picturesque and memorable shots? Madinah comes with a huge market where travellers and pilgrims can buy camera accessories and other electronics at meager prices. Be it any brand or series of the device, every little equipment is available for purchase.
10. Souvenirs – A memento of Kaaba or Masjid-al-Nabawi on the desk of the wall makes for a perfect purchase if one is returning from a religious journey. Other souvenirs include plastic showpieces, Arabic calligraphy, Dallah, camel milk bottles, Saudi coffee, Arabic artificial jewellery and more.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list but it’s definitely a great starter to get you to the markets and pick what you like. If we’ve missed something, let us know in the comments.
A notable mention to things to buy in Makkah and Madinah is Dallah. Used to serve coffee in Arabia, Dallah is a traditional coffee pot made of metal or clay. All the pots have similar structure with variation in sizes. They have a metal cover at the top which generally keeps the ingredients warm and clear from germs. The pots can easily be found in many old souks of Makkah and Madinah.
Suggested Read: 10 Most Beautiful Mosques In The World
Things to Buy in Makkah Madinah, FAQs
What is the best place to buy perfume in Madinah?
A shopkeeper named Abdul Samad Al Qurashi is the best person to connect with for buying varieties of perfumes. His shop is one of the oldest shops in the city.
What kind of clothing is available to buy in Makkah?
Abayas (women wear as cloak), thawbs (both men and women wear it to cover their body) and hijabs (scarves to cover heads), and other famous clothing inspired by Islamic culture are available in the markets of both Makkah and Madinah.
What are the places to shop in Madinah?
Famous places in Madinah to buy specialities are Al Taiba Market, Central Dates Market, Saudi souks and other small markets.
What are the places to shop in Makkah?
Al Ghaza and Ajiad, Abraj Al Bait Complex, a neighbourhood of Aziziyah and places near Al-Haram are the best districts to shop in the city.
Where can one buy electronics in Madinah?
Madinah has markets and shops in malls for electronics only. Here one can find a camera and its accessories at the best prices. From a state-of-the-art collection, there is something for everyone.
Which are the best things to buy in Makkah and Madinah?
Dates, perfumes, prayer rugs, and traditional clothes are the best things to purchase in Makkah and Madinah.
What are some traditional souvenirs I can buy in Makkah and Madinah?
Some of the traditional souvenirs that can be bought in Makkah And Madinah are Miniature replicas of the Kaaba and the Prophet Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), Islamic calligraphy art pieces, Prayer beads (Tasbih), Decorative Quran stands and book holders, etc.
Are there any special religious items available for purchase in Makkah and Madinah?
Some the religious things to purchase in Makkah and Madinah are Quran copies with beautiful Arabic calligraphy and translations, Prayer rugs (Sajjadah) with intricate designs, Zamzam water containers and bottles, Islamic literature and books on various religious topics, etc.
Where can I find authentic prayer mats in Makkah and Madinah?
Authentic prayer mats can be found at local markets, shopping malls, or souvenir shops near Al Haram.
Where can I buy high-quality dates in Makkah and Madinah?
High quality dates can be bought at traditional souk, specialty shops and malls.
What are some popular food items or spices that I can buy as souvenirs in Makkah and Madinah?
Some of the popular choices include Arabian coffee, Ajwa dates, honey, saffron, spices, etc.
