# Umrah Shopping Guide: What to Buy in Makkah and Madinah

Source: https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-shopping-gift-guide/

Category: Travel Tips. Published 2026-10-22, updated 2026-10-22.

What to buy in Makkah and Madinah, the best Umrah gifts, where to shop, how to bargain, spotting fakes and staying within your luggage allowance.

**Quick answer:** The most popular things to buy on Umrah are Madinah dates, Zamzam water, prayer mats, tasbih, attar, copies of the Qur'an and traditional clothing. Shop in the malls around the Haram in Makkah for fixed prices, and in Madinah for dates and gifts, but save most of your shopping for the last few days so it never eats into your worship or your luggage allowance.

## Should you go shopping on Umrah at all?

Shopping is not part of Umrah, and it is easy for a trip of a lifetime to slowly turn into a trip to the shops. At the same time, family and friends at home will be hoping for something blessed from the Holy Cities, and buying gifts for them is a kind thing to do.

Our advice is simple: keep your prime hours for the Haram and treat shopping as something you fit around prayer, not the other way round. Many pilgrims find the time between Asr and Maghrib, or after Isha, works well. Shops are open late, and you avoid the midday heat.

It also helps to leave most of your buying until the end of your stay. You will know the shops better by then, you will have a clearer idea of prices, and you will not be carrying bags around for a week.

## What are the best Umrah gifts to bring home?

These are the gifts people at home tend to treasure most, roughly in order of popularity:

- **Dates.** Madinah is famous for its dates, especially Ajwa. Other well-loved varieties include Sukkari, Safawi, Mabroom and Medjool. Boxed dates travel well and make lovely gifts.
- **Zamzam water.** Probably the most requested gift of all. See the luggage section below, because airlines have their own rules on how it must be packed.
- **Prayer mats.** From thin travel mats to thick padded ones. Lighter mats are far easier to pack in bulk.
- **Tasbih (prayer beads).** Small, light and inexpensive, so ideal for children, colleagues and neighbours.
- **Attar and oud.** Concentrated, alcohol-free perfume oils sold in small bottles, plus bakhoor (scented wood chips for burning at home).
- **Copies of the Qur'an.** You will find many sizes and scripts, including editions with English translation.
- **Clothing.** Thobes and kufis for men, abayas, hijabs and prayer outfits for women, and small versions for children.
- **Miswak.** The natural tooth stick, cheap and light, and a nice Sunnah gift.

For children, a small prayer mat, a tasbih and a box of dates in a gift bag goes a long way. For elderly relatives, a quality prayer mat or an attar they will use every Jumu'ah is often appreciated more than anything expensive.

## Where can you shop in Makkah?

The main shopping is right next to the Haram. The Abraj Al Bait complex, home of the famous clock tower, has a large multi-level shopping centre at its base with clothing, perfume, gifts, jewellery and a food court. The Jabal Omar development nearby also has shops and restaurants. If you stay in this area, you can shop for twenty minutes between prayers without a taxi. Our guide to [Makkah Clock Tower hotels](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/makkah-clock-tower-hotels/) explains what the complex is like day to day.

Away from the Haram, there are larger city malls and supermarkets in districts such as Aziziyah, which can be cheaper for everyday items like toiletries, snacks and spare clothing. You will need a taxi or ride-hailing app to reach them.

Around the outer streets of the Haram there are also smaller independent shops selling prayer mats, tasbih, perfume and clothing. These are where bargaining is more common.

## Where can you shop in Madinah?

Madinah is generally a calmer and often more pleasant place to shop. The streets and hotels around Masjid an-Nabawi are lined with shops selling the same gifts as Makkah, and many pilgrims find the pace easier.

For dates, Madinah is the place to buy. There is a well-known date market close to the Prophet's Mosque ﷺ, and date shops along the routes to Quba and other Ziyarat sites. You can usually taste before you buy, compare varieties side by side and ask for boxes to be sealed for travel. If you are visiting the historic sites, our [Ziyarat guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/ziyarat-places-makkah-madinah/) shows where the main ones are, and many tours stop at a date farm or shop on the way.

If your trip includes Madinah at the end, that is a good moment to do your date shopping, because they will be fresher when you get home.

## How does bargaining work in Saudi Arabia?

In malls and branded shops, prices are fixed and clearly marked, so bargaining is not expected. In smaller independent shops and market stalls, a polite bit of negotiation is normal, especially if you are buying several items.

- **Ask the price for a quantity.** "How much for ten tasbih?" usually gets a better rate than asking for one.
- **Compare two or three shops first.** Prices for identical items can vary a lot within a few streets.
- **Stay friendly.** A smile and a fair offer work far better than hard haggling. If the price does not suit you, thank them and move on.
- **Know your rough budget in riyals.** Working it out in pounds in your head as you go helps you spot a poor deal.

Remember that a few riyals may matter more to a small shopkeeper than to you. Many pilgrims simply pay a fair price and count any difference as sadaqah.

## How do you avoid fakes and overspending?

Most shops near the Haram are honest, but busy tourist areas everywhere attract a few tricks. Keep these in mind:

- **Attar.** Ask to test it on your skin, not just smell the bottle. Very cheap "oud" is often blended or synthetic. Buy from shops with a proper counter and a range of named oils.
- **Dates.** Ajwa is the most expensive variety and is sometimes mixed with similar-looking dates. Buy from established date shops and ask to taste first.
- **Zamzam.** Only buy sealed, officially packaged Zamzam from recognised outlets. Refilled bottles sold on the street may not be genuine and are often refused by airlines.
- **Gold and jewellery.** Buy only from reputable jewellers that mark purity and weight, and ask for a receipt.

To avoid overspending, set a gift budget before you fly, make a written list of who you are buying for, and pay by card so you can see your spending in your banking app. Our [money guide for Umrah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/money-currency-guide-umrah/) covers cards, cash and avoiding poor exchange rates.

## How much luggage and Zamzam can you bring home?

This is where many pilgrims come unstuck. Your baggage allowance depends on your airline and fare, and excess baggage at the airport can be expensive. Before you start buying, check your ticket and leave room for gifts by packing light on the way out. Our [Umrah packing list](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-packing-list/) helps you travel with less.

Zamzam is handled separately by most airlines on flights from Saudi Arabia. Typically, a sealed, officially packaged container is allowed per passenger on top of your normal luggage, but the amount, packaging and whether it is permitted can vary by airline and change over time. We confirm the current position when you book, and you can read more in our [Zamzam water guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/zamzam-water-guide/).

A few practical tips:

- Pack attar bottles in a sealed bag inside checked luggage, wrapped in clothing.
- Keep liquids in hand luggage within the usual security limits.
- Dates and other food for personal use are generally fine, but UK rules on bringing food in can change, so check the current allowances on [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-animals-plants-into-uk).
- Weigh your bags at the hotel. Many hotels can lend a luggage scale, or bring a small one from home.

## When is the best time to do your Umrah shopping?

Shops around the Haram open early and stay open late, and most close briefly for each prayer. Plan your trips for straight after a prayer rather than just before, so you are not caught out when shutters come down.

During Ramadan, shops are busiest after Taraweeh and late into the night. In the quieter winter months, the evenings are cooler and more comfortable for walking between shops. If you are travelling at a busy time, our guide to the [best time to perform Umrah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/best-time-to-perform-umrah/) explains how crowds change through the year.

If you would like a package that leaves you a few calm days in Madinah for shopping and Ziyarat, our team is happy to suggest a split that suits you. You can start with our [package finder](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/package-finder/) or simply ask us.

**Related guides:** [Laylatul Qadr: Last Ten Nights in Makkah or Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/laylatul-qadr-last-ten-nights/) · [How to Choose Umrah Hotels in Makkah and Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/choosing-umrah-hotels-makkah-madinah/) · [Jeddah Airport to Makkah: Transfer, Train or Taxi](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/jeddah-airport-to-makkah/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the most popular gift to bring back from Umrah?

Zamzam water and Madinah dates are the two most requested gifts. Prayer mats, tasbih and attar follow close behind because they are light and useful.

### Is it cheaper to shop in Makkah or Madinah?

Prices are broadly similar for the same items, and it depends more on the shop than the city. Madinah is usually better for dates, and many people find shopping there more relaxed.

### Can I bargain in the malls near the Haram?

Not usually. Mall and branded shops have fixed prices. Polite bargaining is more common in small independent shops and markets.

### Can I bring Zamzam water home in my suitcase?

Airlines generally do not allow Zamzam inside your normal suitcase. It is usually carried as a separate sealed container under the airline's own rules, so check with your airline or ask us when you book.

### Are Ajwa dates worth the higher price?

Many people value Ajwa because of its connection with Madinah and its mention in hadith. It is a personal choice, so you might buy a small box of Ajwa and larger boxes of a cheaper variety for wider gifting.

## Contact Umrah Gateway

- Phone: 0207 112 8522
- WhatsApp: +44 20 7112 8522
- Email: info@umrahgateway.co.uk
- Office: 9 Station Road, West Drayton UB7 7BT
- Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm