10 Best Souvenirs from Saudi Arabia: What to Bring Home
Souvenirs To Bring For Your Friends and Family from Saudi Arabia
If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back from Saudi Arabia, you have come to the right place.
After living here and traveling in and out of Saudi Arabia multiple times, I know exactly what to get for your friends and family back home.
In this article, I am going to walk you through the absolute best things to buy in Saudi Arabia before you fly back.
These aren’t just random suggestions as these are items I have personally bought, and gifted my family and friends.
1. Perfumes, Oud, and Bukhoor
Perfumes is one of the best and premium gifts you can get for your loved ones. It is the OG gift from Saudi.
You simply cannot leave Saudi Arabia without bringing at least one set of perfume in your luggage! Trust me on this.
If you know someone loves strong, woody scents, look for perfumes with a heavy Oud base.
Oud is liquid gold here however, it can be intense for beginners. If you aren’t sure which scent to get, you can go for blends that mix White Musk, Rose, or Jasmine. These are often lighter and universally loved.
These are some perfume brands I’d highly recommend, you can easily find them at any malls near you.
Another fantastic option for gift is Bukhoor. These are wood chips soaked in fragrant oils that you burn on charcoal or an electric burner.
It is how locals scent their homes and their clothes. It makes for a very unique gift because it introduces a ritual to your friends, not just a product.
Is it safe to bring perfume in your luggage?
Yes it is! You just need to make sure to wrap each box tightly in between your clothes, tp create a soft cushion in your luggage.
Avoid taking them out of their original cardboard boxes.
The perfume boxes are usually very sturdy and lined with velvet or foam, so as long as you cushion them with your clothes, they would be fine.
I’ve tried this method and my perfumes survived the trip!
2. Abayas, Thobes, and Jalabiyas
Abayas, thobes, or jalabiyas make the perfect gifts for your loved ones too!
You can find high-quality Saudi abayas with nice fabric for as low as 150 SAR in Riyadh during off season (summer). The fabric quality is superior to what you find in many other places; it flows well, it’s breathable (essential for the heat), and it doesn’t wrinkle easily.
Apart from abaya, you can also look for a Jalabiya. These are the colorful, often embroidered dresses worn at home or during gatherings. It is also very popular outfit in Ramadan, worn by ladies in a private iftar gatherings.
They are incredibly comfortable and forgiving in terms of sizing, which makes them a low-stress gift to buy.
3 . Ajwa Dates
Another gift you can bring from Saudi Arabia is the Ajwa dates from Madinah.
They are grown primarily in Madinah and have a very significant religious and cultural history.
They are smaller, darker, and have a unique texture that is almost like a prune but not as sweet as the sticky Sukari dates.
I always bring Ajwa dates home because they feel special. When you buy them, ask to taste one first. A good date should be soft, not dry or flaky.
If you want to mix it up, you can buy dates stuffed with almonds, pecans, or even dipped in chocolate.
If you want to impress a boss or a difficult-to-please relative, a high-end box of stuffed dates is the way to go.
4. Saudi Coffee
Saudi coffee is the symbol of hospitality here. Don’t miss out to try Saudi coffee and bring back the pre-packed kind you can find at any shop.
Saudi coffe has a greenish-yellow color. It is often boiled with cardamom and saffron.
I recommend buying a high-quality pre-mixed powder that already has the cardamom and cloves in it just like the one from Baja.
5. High-Quality Saffron
To make your gift from Saudi Arabia complete, pair it with some local spices, specifically Saffron.
Saffron is expensive everywhere, but the quality you get in Saudi Arabia is exceptional.
You can also find beautiful spice blends. I often browse the spice markets for mixed spices used for Kabsa (the traditional rice dish).
It’s a great gift for your foodie friend who loves cooking.
6. Elegant Prayer Mats (Sajada)
Another popular gift people often bring back from Saudi Arabia is the sajadah (prayer mat).
I bought a beautiful set for my parents during a trip to Madinah. The quality is very nice.
When I gifted these to my parents, they were genuinely touched. Every time they use it, they are reminded of the holy lands. It is a gift that carries a lot of sentimental value.
7. Miswak (Tooth Cleaning Tools)
Another unique yet appreciated gifts from Saudi is the Miswak.
It is an ancient, natural toothbrush made from the Salvadora persica tree.
It might seem like a strange gift to some, but it is a fascinating cultural artifact and very practical.
It’s known for its teeth-cleaning properties and is a Sunnah.
It’s cheap, small, and definitely a unique eye-opening gift for friends who are into natural wellness or history.
8. Gold Jewelleries
While in Saudi Arabia, you can also bring back gold jewelleries as gift.
Gold in Saudi Arabia is famous for its purity and value. While 14k or 18k might be common in the West, here you will see rows and rows of dazzling 21k and 24k gold.
However, if you are like me, you might find the options a little different than what you are used to.
Where I am from, 22k gold is the standard. I absolutely love it because it hits that perfect sweet spot as it is the purest form of gold that you can practically wear daily.
24k is pure gold, but it is actually softer and more delicate. 22k is stronger and more durable yet it still keeps that incredibly deep, rich yellow luster that we crave.
The designs you will find in Saudi can be very elaborate and unique.
Just remember to keep your receipt and be aware of your home country’s customs regulations regarding bringing back jewelry.
Some famous and trusted gold brands in Saudi Arabia:
9. Fridge Magnets & Keychain
Sometimes, you just need a few small, easy gifts for coworkers or distant cousins.
There is no shame in the humble fridge magnet or keychain. In fact, I love them.
A keychain of a camel, a magnet of the Kingdom Centre tower, or a map of Saudi are timeless.
They are much more affordable, they don’t take up any space, and they are a fun little reminder of your trip.
I usually grab a handful of these at the end of my shopping trip just to have extras on hand—you never know who you might have forgotten.
10. Camel Plushies / Soft Toy
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen these. The Saudi camel plushie has become a bit of a viral sensation, and they are soo adorable.
You can get these camel plushies any markets in Makkah or Madinah as they are hot spot for pilgrimage and tourists.
If Riyadh, you can try to find this at Souq Al Zal.
It’s a lighthearted, fun souvenir that breaks up the seriousness of the gold and oud.
Where to Buy Souvenirs From in Riyadh and Madinah?
If you are heading out to buy these things, you generally have two choices: the gleaming modern malls or the traditional souqs.
For perfumes and high-end dates, shopping malls in Riyadh are great because they have all the major brands in air-conditioned comfort.
But if you want the real experience—and better prices on abayas, incense, and antiques—you need to go to the souq.
In Riyadh, Souq Al Zal is the oldest and most atmospheric market in Riyadh. It is where you will find the best biscuits, the authentic swords, the handmade sandals, and the vibe of old Arabia.
Shopping in Riyadh is an adventure in itself. Take your time, drink the tea if a shopkeeper offers it to you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The people here are incredibly welcoming and will love helping you find the perfect gift to take home.
So, pack that extra bag (or just leave space in your luggage like I try to do), and enjoy the hunt. Your family is going to love whatever you bring back.
Meanwhile if you’re visiting Madinah, there are a lot of places where you can buy souvenirs. The one I’ve been to personally is the Al Uyun Market near Mount Uhud.
They have variety of booths selling cheap abaya (as low as SAR50), prayer mat, spices, dates and even henna tubes.
