Dates
Saudi Arabia is the world's second largest producer of dates, with 1.5 million tonnes. Nearly 300 varieties are grown in the country. The most famous is the medjool, with its reddish-brown color and slightly fibrous flesh. But the most popular is the ajwa date, produced exclusively in the Medina region. Its almost black color and slight plum flavor make it a sweetness that has its price. These are the most expensive dates, reaching up to €25 per kilo. In the souks, you'll also find sukari dates, safawi, saghai... Although dates can be found all over the country, as they are much appreciated by Saudis, particularly during Ramadan to break the fast, there is a specialized market in Riyadh, at exit 14 of the Eastern Ring Road. Well-known, it's best to visit during the peak season, between August and November.
Zamzam water
This water with its miraculous virtues is the essential souvenir brought back by pilgrims to Mecca. It comes from the well of Zamzam, whose source is said to have been revealed by Ishmael. Legend has it that Abraham sent his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael into the desert at Allah's request. All they had with them was a little water and dates. Thirsty, Ishmael struck the ground and brought forth the Zamzam spring on the site of present-day Mecca. The water was said to be free of bacteria and safe to drink. Hajj and omra pilgrims drink directly from the spring, and don't hesitate to bring some back in their luggage. Drinking the water of Zamzam is said to grant wishes and strengthen bones and metabolism. Non-Muslims will have no trouble finding this water just about anywhere in the country.
The oud
Oud is originally a resin secreted by the wood of agar or aquilaria trees. 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 so than gold. Its naturally woody, animal scents are primarily intended for the initiated. Oud is used in the composition of complex, heady perfumes that alone symbolize the Middle East. Oud shavings are sometimes used as incense and burned with charcoal. Its smoke is said to be conducive to meditation, strengthening body and mind. Every Saudi city has its own perfume souk, the most famous of which is Al Zal in Riyadh, from which emanates that distinctive leathery note in its narrow alleyways. Today, many perfumers use a synthetic oud combining patchouli, vetiver, incense and cypriol, which is then blended with more floral notes, including rose. The most famous Saudi oud perfumers are Rasasi, Hind al oudh, Swiss Arabian and Al Amaken.
The dallah
Available in all sizes, you'll come across this coffee maker everywhere in Saudi Arabia. Its long spout, curved handle, flared body and alloy cap are said to be the secret of the perfect qahwa. Saudis love this spicy coffee made right in the 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 and dosage of spices vary from region to region. Served without sugar and in very small quantities, it is accompanied by dates and sweet dishes. Qahwa is the flagship drink of Arab hospitality, and is offered at every opportunity.
The Saudi carpet
Goat's or sheep's wool carpets are part of the Saudi artisan heritage. Genuine carpets are woven on hand looms and feature traditional graphic or camel motifs. Carpets are woven by women, who are traditionally responsible for keeping and decorating the home. Carpets were used in the desert to protect against the ground, which was hot 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 into its cuisine. Meats are marinated, coffee is perfumed, rice is improved and salads are spiced up with spices, most of which come from Asia. But the mixtures and proportions are unique to the Arabs, and the flavors that emerge create a singular and typical cuisine. You can find the mixes you need to make al faham or kabsa chicken in the souks. This is where you'll find the best quality spices. The most common are black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, bay leaf, cardamom and black lemon.
Dromedary milk
Saudis worship the dromedary. Milk is still highly prized, in spite of heavy urbanization. Camel farms have sprung up across the country to supply milk to a population that has never lost interest in this rich source of protein. Milk is often processed and used in the manufacture of chocolates, giving them a distinctive, slightly salty taste. Milk is also used in soaps, evoking the opulence of the Egyptian pharaohs, who bathed in camel's milk.
Gold
In the absence of VAT and gold tax, Saudi Arabia is a good destination for jewelry fashioned from precious metal. There are many stalls to choose from: high jewelry in air-conditioned malls or traditional jewelry in bazaars. The best bargains are to be found in the souks, and it's 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 Dammam on the east coast is also a renowned destination. Numerous jewelers line the streets of the Share al-Hob district.
