Whenever you hear Mecca and Medina, the first thing that comes to mind is Umrah or Hajj. These holiest cities in Saudi Arabia are home to the sacred Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque. Besides their religious value, they are the country’s business hub. They boast magnificent shopping malls where you can get traditional attires, unique souvenirs, and numerous other things. So, once you get free from the pilgrimage and ziarats, try to head to the shopping places of these famous cities.
If you are visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan then it is a plus point for you. The 30 days of this blessed month are no less than a festivity in the country. It is the time when everything, from malls to street markets, is beautifully decked up. Thus, visiting these historic cities during this holy month ensures you get most of your travel journey. You can avail of Ramadan Umrah packages that allow you to perform Umrah and explore the bustling markets of Mecca and Medina. Here is a quick guide to the 4 best places to shop in these cities.
2 Famous Shopping Places in Mecca
Here are the top 2 shopping centers to visit in Mecca during your Umrah trip:
1- Abraj Al Bait Mall
Located within the world-famous Abraj Al Bait complex, this iconic mall is just a few meters away from the Grand Mosque. Its proximity to the Masjid Al Haram makes it a popular shopping center for pilgrims who don’t want to go far from the holy sites. The mall also boasts various international and local brands, featuring a wide range of items. A total of 400 shops are perched in Abraj Al Bait Mall. There, you can also find a variety of delicious dining options. Many fine eateries and cafes are open 24/7 to cater to your diverse tastes.
World-Famous Luxury Brands Present in Abraj Al Bait Mall
Here are some of the globally renowned brands present in the mall:
- H & M
- Sephora
- Rolex
- Zara
What Can You Buy from this Mall?
The following are some of the unique items that you can purchase from this mall:
- Traditional Arabian perfumes are called Oud and Attar. Shops, such as Arabian Oud offer a variety of these luxury scents. You can get them for your personal use or as gifts.
- Top-notch prayer beads and mats are the highlights of this amazing mall. Pilgrims love purchasing these items from Abraj Al Bait Mall.
- There you can also find a variety of branded Islamic abayas and thobes. These attires are available in different sizes and fabrics.
- The mall has many shops, featuring top-class handicrafts. You can buy pottery, decorative items, and traditional Saudi artifacts from these shops.
- Ajwa dates, renowned for their health benefits are the major attraction of this mall. At this shopping center, you can also get a variety of traditional Saudi sweets, such as Baklava and Maamoul.
2- Makkah Mall
Situated on King Abdullah Road in the Al Jamiah district of Mecca, this modern shopping mall is just 7km away from Masjid Al Haram. Pilgrims can easily go to this place and get their desired items. From high-end fashion and other accessories to everyday groceries, this mall provides you with an endless variety of items. Its family-friendly environment makes it a top attraction for people. There you can find a large playing area for your kids, called Billy Beez Amusement Park. Renowned for its spacious layout and modern aesthetics, the Makkah Mall is one of the best food points in the city as well.
Famous International Brands in the Mall
The following are some of the international brands present in the mall:
- Aldo
- Swatch
- Pandora
- Samsung
- Starbucks
What Special You Can Get from this Shopping Center?
While visiting this mall, you can buy the following items:
- Sajadah, the unique and high-quality prayer mats that are designed from traditional materials.
- Beautifully crafted prayer beads that are made with unique elements, such as wood, glass, and gemstone.
- Bukhoor is a special type of incense that can fill your home with pleasant and calming aromas. It is available at various shops in the mall.
- Special dates, such as Amber and Barhi.
- Exquisite gold and diamond jewelry, boasting local designs.
2 Best Places to Shop in Medina
Let’s explore two famous shopping centers in Medina:
3- Al Noor Mall
Centrally located in the Medina, this famous mall is easily accessible for both locals and tourists. King Abdullah Road in the Al Uyun district is home to Al Noor Mall. Many international brands are the attraction of this place. Al Noor is one of the popular kids-friendly destinations in Medina. There, families can spend quality time while enjoying blockbuster movies in modern cinemas.
The mall’s food court is renowned for offering a wide range of culinary options. Whether you seek local dishes or want to taste the delicious international cuisine, everything is present there. Apart from being a shopping center, this mall is also known as a cultural hub. It organizes different fun activities, especially during Ramadan. This aesthetically modern mall also boasts separate prayer halls for men and women.
Popular International Brands at the Mall
The following list highlights some of the most famous brands of this mall:
- Nike
- Adidas
- Clarks
- Swatch
- Michel Kors
Top-Notch Traditional Items Present in the Mall
Here are some of the amazing traditional things that you can find at this mall:
- Beautiful Islamic calligraphies and paintings that you can present as gifts to your loved ones.
- Fragrant attars, made from natural ingredients. These long-lasting scents are available in attractive and unique packaging.
- Miniature replicas of the Holy Kaaba are the top highlight of this place. People often buy these famous souvenirs to decorate their homes.
- The mall also boasts some of the famous local attires. There, you can buy cultural dresses and footwear.
- You are recommended to buy the mall’s Basbousa and Maqshush, the country’s famous sweets.
4- Taiba Commercial Center
This high-end shopping center is located just opposite the Prophet’s Mosque. Strategically perched on King Fahad Road, this place is a must-visit for tourists. The mall boasts a variety of shops, offering a wide range of items. From traditional attires to modern clothes, Taiba Commercial Center is famous for providing all types of dresses. Though the mall is home to many brands, you can also bargain with shopkeepers and get the goods at affordable prices. The most interesting thing about this place is that it was built several decades ago.
World-Renowned Brands Present in Taiba Commercial Center
The commercial center hosts various international and local brands. Some of them are shared below:
- Albaik
- Zaitoon Restaurant
- Max Fashion
- H & M
- Damas
- Zara
What Local Items Are the Highlights of Taiba Commercial Center?
Pilgrims, visiting this shopping center must try to buy the following local items:
- Embroidered shawls and scarves, depicting the unique local culture.
- Gold and silver jewelry, made in special Saudi styles.
- Handmade carpets, showcasing intricate patterns.
- Beautifully painted traditional pottery.
- Decorative and functional rosaries are often used in prayers.
In short, Mecca and Medina offer a variety of shopping experiences. Pilgrims are recommended to visit the famous malls of these cities and buy traditional items. Group Umrah trip with Muslims Holy Travel, one of the most trusted travel agencies, allows you to explore the shopping centers of Mecca and Medina after performing Umrah. They offer you Ramadan Umrah packages to experience the festive environment of these cities during your holy trip. So, book these deals in advance and ensure yourself a memorable journey.
