The 2-Hour Gift Run
Dates, attar, and prayer beads — everything your family is expecting
Every Umrah visitor knows the feeling: it is your last day, you have bought nothing, and your entire extended family expects something. This itinerary turns a panic run into a purposeful two-hour mission with real shops and real prices.
- Anyone who has left gift shopping to the last minute (no judgement)
- Visitors who want quality gifts without overpaying at tourist-trap prices
- Repeat visitors who know the Haram well but have never explored Makkah's markets properly
A note on timing: do this in the morning or between Dhuhr and Asr for the least crowded shopping. Avoid the hour before Maghrib when everything gets hectic.
Dates First — Al Aziziyah Market
Head to Al Aziziyah Market for the best value on dates. Ajwa dates are the classic gift — buy in bulk here rather than from the shops around the Haram, where prices are double. Sample before buying and ask for gift boxes.
Al Aziziyah, Makkah
Attar & Oud — Abdul Samad Al Qurashi or Al Haramain
Attar and oud — Abdul Samad Al Qurashi or Al Haramain. ASQ is known for its premium oud and oils. If you're after something soft for the summer, check out their Taif Rose scent. If you're looking for traditional style oud and musk vials that you can carry around with you or the perfect gift for your brothers, look no further than Al Haramain perfumes. You're spoilt for choice in the Clock Tower too, with Gissah and Reef perfumes both worth a visit.
Near Haram / Clock Tower area
Prayer Beads — Clock Tower Souq
The Clock Tower Souq inside the Clock Tower is the go-to spot for prayer beads (misbaha). You'll find everything from simple wooden sets to semi-precious stone beads. Bargain gently — vendors expect it and will usually offer 10-20% off.
Clock Tower Complex
Zamzam Water — Get It at Jeddah Airport Instead
Don't bother purchasing Zamzam in Makkah. The process is very much streamlined by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and it can be purchased at Jeddah airport as you depart. Stop over at the Zamzam stall outside Terminal 1, and present your passport at the stall counter. Each passenger is allowed one 5-liter carton and the price of SAR 12.5 is significantly cheaper than prices back home. Remember, it's only one purchase per passenger.
Jeddah Airport, Terminal 1
