Shopping in Saudi Arabia is a favorite pastime for locals, partly because Saudis love to shop and partly because shopping malls and departments stores have the best – and coldest – air conditioning! Riyadh and Jeddah are two of the best spots for shopping in Saudi Arabia. These two cities feature upscale malls, affordable shopping centers and local souqs (or markets), where tourists can stock up on souvenirs.
Best shopping in Saudi Arabia | Riyadh
Shopping malls are popular places for Saudi families to spend hot afternoons, as many malls feature children’s playgrounds and fun activities. Plus, all malls in Saudi Arabia contain arcades and food courts. The capital city of Riyadh boasts some of the most modern malls in Saudi Arabia, and tourists will go crazy for the high-end accessories, trendy fashions and endless restaurant choices available.
Luxury malls in Riyadh
Fun malls for families in Riyadh
- Al Nakheel Mall, Exit 9, Al Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Branch Road – contains a cinema, food court and Sparky’s amusement park
- Riyadh Park, Northern Ring Branch Road – features a cinema, Magic Planet arcade and international restaurants like PF Chang’s and Cheese Cake Factory
- Granada Mall, Exit 9, Ash Shuhada District, Eastern Ring Branch Road – offers more than 200 shops, a food court and an indoor play area
Travel tip – tourists wanting to avoid crowds should shop on weekdays or Saturday mornings, as Friday and Saturdays are family days for many Saudis, and malls get super busy.
Souqs (markets) in Riyadh
- Bisht (Al Owais) Souq, Ad Dirah
- Riyadh Seasonal Dates Market, 7402 Ibn Abi Al Makarim, 2692
- Souq Al Zel, Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Street, Ad Dirah
- Souq Makkah, Al-Shemaysi
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Best shopping in Saudi Arabia | Jeddah
Jeddah is considered one of the trendiest cities in Saudi Arabia, and tourists can be confident that it lives up to its reputation. This coastal wonderland is a shopping favorite when it comes to finding luxury brands, exquisite jewelry and cheap souvenirs.
Most popular shopping malls & streets in Jeddah
- Mall of Arabia, An Nuzhah – features international boutiques, Sparky’s and KidZania amusement centers
- Red Sea Mall, Ash Shati – contains Vox Cinemas, a bowling and billiards center and a children’s play area. Plus, it’s near the airport.
- Al Salaam Mall, Prince Majid Road – IKEA is here! There’s also a supermarket, three stories of shops and Babylon Land, a children’s amusement park
- Tahlia Street, Al Andalus – walking street with Gucci and Versace pavilions plus loads of affordable boutiques
Where to shop for jewelry & electronics in Jeddah
Jeddah International Shopping Center is one of the oldest and most popular shopping centers in Jeddah to shop for gold jewelry and electronics. The indoor mall features multiple jewelry stores, all with unique accessories for men and women. In addition, Jeddah International Shopping Center is popular for its selection of quality goods because prices are often cheaper than anywhere else in Jeddah.
Jeddah International Shopping Center is located on Al Nahdaa road (at the end of Tahlia Street in Al Andalus) and is open 24/7.
Where to shop for cheap souvenirs in Jeddah
Any local will tell you that best place to find local goods and souvenirs at cheap prices is at Gabel Street Souq (Qabel Trail). The popular market sits in the center of the historic Al Balad District and features everything from traditional clothing to perfume. Gabel Street Souq is a fantastic place to buy a handmade bag and then fill it with delectable Middle Eastern spices, luxurious-smelling oils, incense, fabrics and handicrafts.
Souvenirs & what to buy in Saudi Arabia
- Dates – Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest producer of dates in the world, and tourists will find more than 10 varieties available. Each variety has its own unique qualities based on sweetness, texture and color. Sample them yourself to find a favorite, and ask expert shopkeepers which ones they like best and why.
- Oud perfume or oil – do not leave Saudi Arabia without this musky fragrance in tow.
- Camel milk – sold in grocery stores in a variety of flavors, including chocolate and strawberry. It’s “Camelicious!”
- Colorful abaya – move over black abaya! Have a fashionable abaya tailor-made just for you. Take it home to wear as a comfy robe or just to remind you of your incredible trip to Saudi Arabia.
- Jewelry engraved in Arabic – buy a gold necklace, bracelet or ring and personalize it with your name engraved in Arabic.
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