Have you done your Umrah and are considering shopping in Mecca and Medina? The holy cities of Mecca and Medina offer a variety of products and items to buy. One can buy anything from the largest shopping malls to old markets.
Shopping after performing Umrah has just become the desire of every Muslim because it’s an act that can release a lot of stress when you buy gifts for your loved ones.
However, this article will discuss some shopping guidelines after performing Umrah. You can go through this whole text from the start till the end to make your shopping happy, memorable, and under budget.
If you book transport service in your Umrah Package, hired driver will also help you to reach these places in Mecca and Medina.
Buy Islamic Religious items from Mecca and Medina:
Mecca and Medina are Islamic cities and offer a variety of religious entities to buy. There are many Islamic religious items there that you can buy:
- Copies of the Holy Quran
- Islamic books
- Islamic calligraphy and artwork
- Prayer rugs
- Miswak sticks
- Prayer beads (can be digital)
- Zamzam water (the most prominent gift of Mecca)
Traditional Clothing of Islam:
Shopping in holy cities is complete without buying traditional clothing. So, what does it include? It can be Thobes, Abaya, Hijab, and other Islamic designs of scarves, souvenirs, etc. Apart from these, there are many different Islamic dresses that Muslims may want to buy.
For surety, you will also want to know from where you should buy these. Just look at the below lists to make your shopping well in the holy cities:
In Mecca:
- Al Ghaza
- Aziziyah
- Abraj Al-Bait Complex – Shopping mall near the Grand Mosque
- Ajiad
- Souq Al-Otaibiah
- Makkah Mall
In Medina:
- Al-Taiba Market
- Central Dates Market
- Saudi souks
- Other small markets and malls
- Madinah Mall
- Othman Bin Affan Market
You may also go to other locations if they are not mentioned here. But these are the most popular, and most people prefer to shop from there. Some Muslims prefer to buy things from other districts like JED, Al-Balad, etc.
Read about: Umrah Checklist for women
Buy gifts for your loved ones:
Gifts for loved ones like family members, relatives, and friends are more important. They will give more significance to these gifts. Because you buy for them from the holy cities. You can buy them:
- Perfumes (especially Oud)
- Attar
- Dates (don’t forget Ajwa dates)
- Souvenirs
- Nuts and sweets
- Oud oil
- Some other traditional/modern gifts according to your own
Local food in Mecca and Medina:
In addition to their religious importance, Mecca and Medina also offer local food and attract millions of Muslims towards them. Do you know the famous food of holy cities? Just look at below:
- Kabsa
- Shawarma
- Falafel
- Hummus
- Arabic Coffee
- Knafeh
Tips for shopping after Umrah:
Sometimes, tips become very helpful in doing things correctly. Here are some suggestions for shopping after Umrah:
- Most of the time, shops in holy cities offer prices fixedly. It’s recommended not to haggle with shopkeepers for bargain prices.
- You can use your credit/debit card in many places for purchases in Saudi Arabia.
- Remember to take care of luggage weight.
- You may also do your research for the best shopping in Saudi Arabia.
- Make sure to check the quality of the items you buy.
- Shop the products and items from trusted, popular, and authentic sellers.
- Ask for help from others if you face difficulty while shopping.
Final Thoughts
After Umrah, shopping can become a fun and rewarding part of the journey. Following the guidelines above, you can maximize your good shopping and buy essentials. It’s suggested to make a shopping checklist and think before you go. I hope your shopping will go well!