The best fashion and gift stores Saudi Arabia

Timetable

Saudis get up early (for the first prayer at dawn), but stores open late. In the souks, they are sometimes open in the morning, between 8 and 10 am. They lower the curtain during the hottest hours of the day, reopening around 4pm and closing at 10pm. Some don't open at all in the morning.

Traditional, air-conditioned stores are generally open between 10am and 10pm. Shopping centers have similar opening hours. The busiest malls, or those with many restaurants and cinemas, close between midnight and 2am.

Budget & Tips

In the big international stores, the prices are the same for branded items, whether it is clothing or computer or cell phone equipment. The best deals are to be found in the souks where you can haggle (a little).

Sales

There are no legal sale dates in Saudi Arabia. So you will find promotions and "clearance stocks" all year round. Each store chooses its own dates. However, Black Friday is an essential date to make good deals, especially since Saudis are crazy about shopping.

What's very local

Traditional markets are organized in sections. All dealers of the same type of item are grouped in the same corner of a bazaar. It is possible to haggle when the price is not displayed. Bargaining is to be taken as a game, especially since the sellers are often tough and you will only lower the asking price by a few riyals in principle.

You will find some handicrafts on the local markets, such as pottery or objects made of woven palm leaves. Don't miss a trip to the date market or the camel market.

Tourist traps

The sale of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Expressly refuse any solicitation, even if it is unlikely to occur. Brand name clothing sold in the souks is almost certainly counterfeit. Possession of counterfeit items is prohibited in France and customs may seize them upon arrival at the airport.