Discover shopping in Saudi Arabia—from luxurious modern malls to traditional souks offering unique crafts, fashion, and culture.
A country with a rich cultural heritage, landmarks that are spiritual and a country that has undergone a modernization process has also been transformed into one of the most interesting shops in the Middle East. Encompassing posh malls that can rival the most luxurious malls globally, to the old fashioned souks that narrate the history of the years of trade, shopping in Saudi Arabia is not an easy task, but a revisit of history and culture, accompanied by contemporary and luxury. It could be a stroll through the bling-bling shopping malls of the Riyadh shopping malls or a negotiation in the old markets of Jeddah, the Kingdom presents a shopping experience that you will not forget and will be a perfect blend of the traditional and the new.
Shopping in Saudi Arabia is a compulsory activity to the travelers who visit the country. With the inflated economy and Vision 2030 program of the Kingdom, a number of world-class malls, designer boutiques, local artisan markets have been opened. The visitors are able to enjoy the luxury brands of different international countries, handmade souvenirs, as well as have a taste of entertainment, fine dining, and cultural exhibition, all in a single roof. Riyadh offers something to Dammam and Al Khobah offers something to Jeddah. To have an even smoother experience in your trip, GoKite Travel will provide you with the best of all in the Explore Saudi Arabia Tour Packages from UAE to make sure you enjoy the best shopping, culture and adventure in a single unforgettable trip.
The shopping culture in Saudi Arabia has experienced a spectacular change over the past few years. The old souks were also present, as social places and trade centers of textile and jewelry, spice and handicrafts. Nowadays, these souks continue to carry with them a huge cultural significance, but contemporary cities in the Kingdom have ultra-luxury shopping malls, as a sign of modernization in the country.
Saudi Arabia shopping is now the idea that satisfies all kinds of travelers including luxury lovers, bargain hunters, and people who explore the culture. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading shopping destination within the Middle East that competes with Dubai and Doha due to the presence of tax-free shopping, establishment of flagship stores by international brands, and much more.
The business capital, Riyadh is the business capital of the Kingdom, and luxury shoppers will find it a paradise. In this case, shopping in Saudi Arabia takes new grounds of sophistication and elegance.
Having a spectacular design and variety of retail stores, Mall of Arabia Riyadh has internationally reputed brands, entertainment centers for the whole family and a variety of food options. It is a luxurious and a mid-range mix between Gucci and Zara in the fashion and clothes world, respectively.
Riyadh Park Mall is also among the most favored shopping and entertainment centers in the Kingdom. The mall is also family friendly with some attractions like VOX cinema and Magic Planet in addition to fashion stores and international cuisine restaurants.
The Kingdom Centre Mall is located in this iconic skyscraper and contains exclusive luxury boutiques of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex among others. It is also an excellent place where one can appreciate the skyline of Riyadh on the popular Sky Bridge.
To offer a complete experience to the travelers, the Explore Saudi Arabia Tour Packages provided by the UAE through GoKite Travel can incorporate guided shopping trips at these top malls in Riyadh, cultural trip and desert tours.
The gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a peculiar shopping experience that combines the modern luxury with history. The retail environment in the city is the perfect blend of the ancient souks and contemporary commercial hubs.
Red Sea Mall is one of the biggest in the nation, which has a variety of foreign brands, amusements, and fine restaurants. Its strategic position along the Corniche renders it the perfect attraction of tourists who are going to explore the coastal beauty of Jeddah.
This mall is located on hundreds of stores and offers both international and local brands that offer fashion and electronics as well as perfumes and accessories.
To get a true feel of shopping in Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to visit the Souq Al Alawi that is located in Al Balad. The close alleys, reeking of spices, jewelry made by hand, and Arabian perfumes take one back to the past. In this case, the bargaining business is an art, and the treasures you have are invaluable memories about Saudi artistry.
Eastern Province is a more casual shopping experience which is suited to families and expats.
Al Rashid Mall is a construction masterpiece in Al Khobah and has hundreds of retail outlets, as well as themed interiors, and fountains. It is among the top malls in the area, with such brands as H&M, Sephora, and Adidas.
Dhahran Mall integrates style with functionality as it has a large layout and different stores. It is a one order shopping center, whether it be designer labels or home decor and electronics.
Souq Al Dammam has a traditional taste of trade specializing in handicrafts, abayas, carpets and antiques. It is a wonderful destination place because of its friendly environment and local culture that offers authentic souvenirs to the travelers.
Although Mecca and Medina are mostly associated with their spiritual value, they provide great shopping experience particularly around the Grand Mosque locations.
It is a shopping center of more than 4,000 shops and restaurants within the buildings of the Abraj Al Bait. Traders and tourists also have the opportunity to shop prayer items, clothes, electronics, as well as souvenirs, and then have the views of the Kaaba.
Al Noor Mall is among the most luxurious shopping malls in Medina which has a combination of international fashion retailers, fine shopping and entertainment centers.
Shopping in those holy cities in Saudi Arabia is a mixture of spiritual contemplation and experience with easy access to modern shopping conditions.
The shopping in Saudi Arabia cannot be complete without traditional souks as they are the heritage and Arabian hospitality.
Souq Okaz (Taif) -A traditional marketplace re-animated in homage to poetry, art and local products.
Souq Qaisariah (Al Hofuf) -It is one of the oldest souks, where one may find spices, gold, and hand-woven cloths.
Souq Zainal (Jeddah) -A busy market place with merchants of all types and varieties of goods including textile and homeware.
These souks will be ideal to shoppers who want to buy traditional products such as oud, gold jewelry, camel leather products and hand embroidered abayas.
Saudi Arabia is working on various mega projects as an element of Vision 2030 which will revolutionize shopping in Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Qiddiya are to include futuristic shopping malls, eco-friendly shopping malls, and luxury resort boutiques that combine luxury and sustainability.
The offered new developments are not only a shopping experience, but a revolution of the lifestyle- the luxury retail with nature, technology and art.
When to Shop: It is best to go during Saudi Shopping Festival or Ramadan when there is a great deal to get.
Payments: All are welcome with credit cards however carry cash to souks.
Dress Code: Be culturally sensitive- modest dressing is valued in malls, but mandatory in the souks.
Bargaining: In the traditional markets, negotiation is promoted but not in the malls.
VAT: There is a 15 percent VAT although in most cases, tourists can receive a refund at the airports prior to departure.
Saudi Arabia shopping presents an amazing mixture of the traditional, luxury and modernity. Be it an exploration of the old souks, filled with the smells of oud and spices, or a trip through a glittering mall, with the most desirable brands of the world, each and every corner of the Kingdom will bring a surprise. Starting with the monumental shopping centers of Riyadh to the ancient markets of Jeddah, the retail arena of Saudi Arabia demonstrates the active development of the country and its strong culture.
To all the travelers, who want to be a part of this great change, GoKite Travel is offering the best opportunity to visit the country with their specially crafted Explore Saudi Arabia Tour Packages originated in UAE. Having customized service, handcrafted experiences, and native knowledge will make your shopping experience in the Kingdom as informative as it is thrilling.
