Dates
Saudi Arabia is the second largest producer of dates in the world with 1.5 million tons. Nearly 300 varieties are cultivated in the country. The most famous is the medjool, with a reddish-brown color and a slightly fibrous flesh. But the most appreciated by the Saudis is the ajwa date, produced exclusively in the Medina region. Its almost black color and its light plum taste make it a sweetness that has its price. These are the most expensive dates, which can reach 25 € per kilo. In the souks, you will also find sukari dates, safawi, saghai... If you can find dates everywhere in the country, because they are very appreciated by Saudis, especially during Ramadan to break the fast, there is a specialized market in Riyadh, at the exit 14 of Eastern Ring Road. It is well known and should be visited during the peak season, between August and November.
Zamzam water
This water with miraculous virtues is the essential souvenir brought back by pilgrims to Mecca. It comes from the well of Zamzam whose source would have been revealed by Ishmael. Legend has it that Abraham sent his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael into the desert at the request of Allah. They had only a little water and dates with them. Being thirsty, Ishmael struck the ground and brought up the spring of Zamzam on the present site of Mecca. The water was said to be free of bacteria and safe to drink. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims drink directly from the spring and do not hesitate to bring some in their luggage. Drinking the water of Zamzam would allow one to see one's wishes come true, to strengthen one's bones and metabolism. Non-Muslims will have no trouble finding this water all over the country.
The oud
Originally, oud is a resin secreted by the wood of agar or aquilaria. The resin is only produced if the tree is contaminated by certain fungi. The only way to find out is to cut down the tree, and only one in a hundred would be parasitized. As a result, oud is prohibitively expensive, sometimes more expensive than gold. Its naturally woody and animal scents are primarily intended for the initiated. Oud is used in the composition of complex and heady perfumes that symbolize the Middle East. Oud shavings are sometimes used as incense and burned with charcoal. Its smoke is said to be conducive to meditation and to strengthen the body and mind. Every Saudi city has its own perfume souk, the most famous being Al Zal in Riyadh, which has a distinctive leathery note in its narrow alleys. Today, many perfumers use a synthetic oud combining patchouli, vetiver, incense and cypriol which is then married with more floral notes, including rose. The most famous Saudi oud perfumers are Rasasi, Hind al oudh, Swiss Arabian or Al Amaken.
The dallah
This coffee maker available in all sizes, you will come across it everywhere in Saudi Arabia. Its long spout, very curved handle, flared body and alloy cap would be the secret of the perfect qahwa. Saudis love this spicy coffee prepared right in the coffee pot. The coffee beans are roasted and then ground. The must is boiled in the coffee pot with saffron, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. The use of spices and their dosage varies according to the region. Served without sugar and in very small quantities, it is accompanied by dates and sweet dishes. Qahwa is the flagship drink of Arabian hospitality and is offered on every occasion.
The Saudi carpet
Goat or sheep wool rugs are part of the Saudi craft heritage. Genuine carpets are woven on a hand loom and feature traditional graphic or camel motifs. It is the women who weave the carpets, as they are traditionally in charge of keeping the house and therefore decorating it. The carpets were used in the desert, to protect themselves from the burning ground during the day and cold at night. Carpets are still very popular in homes and small stores. In Riyadh, you can find them in the Al Zal souk or in the Dirah souk.
The spices
Crossed by caravans from South and Southeast Asia before the modern era, Saudi Arabia has integrated the use of spices in its cuisine. Meats are marinated, coffee is flavored, rice is improved, salads are spiced up with spices that always come, for the most part, from Asia. But the mixtures and dosages are unique to the Arabs and the flavors that emerge create a unique and typical cuisine. You can find the mixtures to reproduce the chicken al faham or kabsa in the souks. This is where you can find the best quality spices. The most common are black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, bay leaf, cardamom or black lemon.
Dromedary milk
Saudis are devoted to the dromedary. The milk is still very appreciated, despite a strong urbanization. Camel farms have developed throughout the country, in order to supply milk to a population that has never lost its interest in this very rich protein source. Milk is often processed and used in the production of chocolates, giving them a distinct, slightly salty taste. Milk is also used in the composition of soaps and refers to the opulence of the Egyptian pharaohs who used to bathe in camel milk.
Gold
With no VAT or taxes on gold, Saudi Arabia is a good destination for jewelry made from precious metal. There are many stalls to choose from, from fine jewelry in air-conditioned malls to traditional jewelry in bazaars. The best deals are to be found in the souks and it is best to buy on Saturdays or Sundays, when the stock exchanges are closed and the price of gold is stable. Riyadh has two famous markets: Batha Gold Market and Balad Gold Market. The port city of Damman on the east coast is also a famous destination. Many jewelers line the streets of the Share al-Hob district.
