Authentic Saudi souveniers
What to buy where in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Words by Sue Omar
As Saudi rapidly transforms into a global hub of innovation, the country continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through the preservation of historic sites, streets and souqs. From Riyadh to Jeddah, here’s where to find the best and most authentic souvenirs to make your visit to Saudi truly unforgettable.
Riyadh
In Saudi culture, dates are an iconic symbol of hospitality, spirituality and a way to warmly welcome guests into their homes.
For premium dates such as Ajwa, head to Bateel – artisans of the world’s finest organic dates – at the Kingdom Centre, Al Nakheel Mall or Atayab Altomor.
For authentic Saudi coffee known as qahwa, aromatic Arabian spices such as saffron, dried black lemon and cardamom, head to the oldest and most prominent markets in Riyadh, Souq Al-Zal and Thumairi Market. Other interesting, traditional produce found at these markets includes rosary, miswak (traditional Saudi toothbrushes) and sweet treats.
Elsewhere, try traditional Middle Eastern delight – Ma’amol and Kleeja at Al Qassim Corner Sweets, located close by to Souq alzal, or at Anoosh, a well-known Saudi brand that specialises in sweet treats.
Jeddah
Souq Al Alawi is a vibrant market located in Historic Jeddah that captures the spirit and cultural heritage of traditional trading, selling dates, sweets, nuts and fragrant spices that showcase local expertise.
Saudi has a long history of traditional crafts made by local artisans and communities who adopt ancient techniques passed down through generations to honour the country’s cultural heritage. From carpets intricately woven with Sadu weaving to pottery decorated with Al-Qatt Al-Asiri patterns as well as jewellery and brass lanterns, these handicrafts are often found in Saudi souqs and speciality stores. Pay particular attention to the gold, which is of very high quality, and can be bought at the likes of Althumairi. Hand-made rosary beads can also be found here.
Riyadh
Al-Thumairi Street is an ancient shopping hub located just a short distance from the historic city of Diriyah, and conveniently close to other markets such as Souq Al Zall, Al-Taameer and Al-Maigliah.
Along this famous street, you’ll find stores like Accents Boutique, where you’ll find handwoven textiles, Sadu rugs, hand painted pots and ceramics; as well as Al-Muhaidib Gallery, which specialises in traditional pottery, brassware and locally crafted jewellery.
For unique gift items, head to Kingdom Heritage – a curated boutique in central Riyadh – that sells Saudi-inspired home décor and coffee sets (dallah and finjan cups), or Riyadh Handmade Gallery who specialise in contemporary interpretations of Saudi traditional crafts.
What’s more, for camel leather goods, accessories and other decorative crafts, Al-Masmak Souq, nestled near the historic Masmak Fort, is one to add to your list.
Jeddah
Souq Al-Nada and Qabil Street, located in Historic Jeddah, are home to a wide range of stalls offering textiles, handmade jewellery (there’s a dedicated gold market here), brassware, and incense burners. Stores like Jeddah Souvenir, Al Balad Art, and Taybat Al Khaleej showcase local crafts, perfumes, traditional clothing and decorative ceramics.
Meanwhile at Ana Special Mall, a modern shopping experience awaits with traditional crafts available at Al Mohra Gifts & Home Décor.
Meanwhile at Ana Special Mall, a modern shopping experience awaits with traditional crafts available at Al Mohra Gifts & Home Décor.
For centuries, Saudi culture has been known for its strong affinity for fragrance, with scents like oud, rose, and musk being an essential part of daily life and traditional customs. Today, fragrances from Saudi Arabia are not only highly sought after but have also inspired many luxury perfume houses around the globe.
Riyadh
To shop for premium perfumes, you can visit specialist fragrance boutiques at Riyadh Gallery, Al Faisaliah Mall, Riyadh Park Mall, and Al Nakheel Mall, where you’ll find everything from incense burners to bukhoor.
Reputable stores such as Arabian Oud and Abdul Samad Al Qurashi are renowned for their carefully curated collections of bukhoor, Mabkhara,Taif Rose Perfumes, incense burners and scented candles infused with signature Saudi scents. For oud, look no further than Almajed.
Additionally, you can explore the fragrance at Souq Al-Zal and Thumairi Market, where local perfumers can also beautifully blend custom scents that make for the perfect gift or souvenirs.
Jeddah
Over at Historic Jeddah, stores and stalls found along Qabil Street and Souq Al-Nada offer traditional fragrances such as oud, rose, and incense, alongside artisanal musk blends.
Both Al Haramain Perfumes and Jeddah Perfume Souq sell an array of Saudi scents, classic bukhoor to oud-infused candles, which are presented in extravagant packages and sets designed with Arabian influences.
In addition, several malls in Jeddah – including Red Sea Mall, Al Tahlia Mall, and Ana Special Mall – feature boutiques that sell viral Saudi Arabian fragrance brands such as Gissah, Reef and Lattafa.
Saudi’s Ministry of Culture recently announced the Kingdom’s first fund dedicated to the fashion industry, showcasing the potential of Saudi designers to thrive both locally and globally. These designers are reimaging traditional Saudi clothing from fresh and modern lens.
Riyadh
For traditional Saudi Arabian clothing, vintage pieces and contemporary designs, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Zalis the first choice, followed by Al Thumairi Street.
Both locations offer an extensive selection of Arabian clothing including bespoke and ready-to-wear abayas, farwas and thobes, made by local tailors.
Whereas shopping malls such as Kingdom Centre Mall and Riyadh Gallery Mall showcase emerging Saudi designers including Abadia, Lamya’s Abayas and KAF by KAF, offering trendy abayas, dresses and everyday wear that blend traditional motifs with contemporary styles.
Jeddah
In Jeddah, cultural clothing can be found at Al-Balad souqs and specialty stores along Souq Al Alawi.
From hand-embroidered abayas to traditional farwas, and lightweight fabrics featuring Hijazi-inspired patterns.
For trendy and luxury styles by upcoming designers, add the Red Sea Mall to the top of your list, where you will find modest fashion pieces by Saudi Arabian fashion brands such as Abadia, Design Asail, Noble & Fresh and Leem. Blue Square, meanwhile, offers an array of clothes and perfumes.
