Introduction – Buying Dates in Makkah
If you’re going for Umrah, one of the most common questions is:
👉 “Where to buy dates in Makkah near Haram at cheap price?”
Dates (khajoor) are one of the most popular things pilgrims buy from Saudi Arabia. From Ajwa dates in Makkah to budget-friendly Safawi and sweet Sukkari, knowing the right market and price can save you money and ensure quality.
This complete guide covers:
- Best places to buy dates near Haram
- Cheapest date markets in Makkah
- Ajwa dates price comparison
- How to identify original khajoor
- Travel tips for UK pilgrims
Types of Dates in Makkah (What People Actually Buy)
Ajwa Dates Makkah – Most Searched & Premium
- Most searched keyword: Ajwa dates price Makkah
- Soft, black, slightly dry
- Sunnah food
💡 Buying Tip: Real Ajwa is not too shiny or sticky
Sukkari Dates – Sweetest Dates in Saudi Arabia
- Golden colour
- Very soft and sweet
- Popular among tourists
👉 Keyword: sweet dates in Makkah
Safawi Dates – Cheap Ajwa Alternative
- Budget-friendly
- Similar to Ajwa
- Good for daily use
Medjool Dates – Premium Gift Option
- Large, juicy, premium
- Best for gifting
Where to Buy Dates in Makkah Near Haram (With Distance from Kaaba)
1. Date Shops Near Haram (Walking Distance)
📏 Distance: 0.5 – 1 km from Kaaba
- Easily accessible
- Higher prices
- Good quality options
👉 Best for: Quick purchase
2. Souq Al Aziziyah – Cheapest Date Market in Makkah
📏 Distance: 4–5 km (10–15 mins from Haram)
- Cheapest Ajwa dates
- Bulk discounts
- Large variety
💡 You can save 30–40% compared to Haram shops
3. Al Hijrah Market – Local Cheap Market
📏 Distance: 5–6 km
- Lower prices
- Fresh stock
- Less touristy
4. Batha Quraish Market – Wholesale Deals
📏 Distance: 6–7 km
- Best for bulk buying
- Wholesale pricing
5. Al Kakiyyah Market – Best Value Option
📏 Distance: 5 km
- Balanced price and quality
- Local shopping experience
Ajwa Dates Price in Makkah
| Location | Price Range | Notes |
| Near Haram | High | Tourist pricing |
| Aziziyah | Medium | Best value |
| Hijrah Market | Low | Budget-friendly |
| Wholesale Markets | Lowest | Bulk deals |
👉 Pro Tip: Always compare 2–3 shops before buying
How to Identify Original Ajwa Dates
Many people search: “How to check real Ajwa dates?”
Here’s how:
- ✔ Deep black colour
- ✔ Not too shiny
- ✔ Soft but slightly dry
- ✔ Natural texture
❌ Avoid: oily, very shiny, overly sticky dates
How to Choose High-Quality Dates in Makkah
- ✔ Uniform size and colour
- ✔ No sour smell
- ✔ No visible damage
- ✔ Fresh and clean packaging
Fresh vs Dry Date
- Rutab (fresh): Short shelf life
- Tamr (dry): Long-lasting
👉 Always choose Tamr if travelling to UK
How to Bring Dates from Saudi Arabia to UK
- Allowed for personal use
- Pack in sealed boxes
- Keep within luggage limits
👉 Keyword: bringing dates from Saudi to UK
Transport Guide from Haram to Date Markets
- 🚕 Taxi: 10–20 SAR
- 🚗 Uber/Careem available
- 🚌 Local buses (cheaper)
Common Mistakes When Buying Dates
- ❌ Buying without comparing prices
- ❌ Overpaying near Haram
- ❌ Not tasting before buying
- ❌ Choosing fake shiny dates
Pro Buying Strategy
- Visit Aziziyah market first
- Compare prices
- Taste dates
- Buy in bulk for discount
Faqs
1. Where can I find the cheapest dates in Makkah?
While shops immediately surrounding the Masjid al-Haram are convenient, they carry a “tourist premium.” For the best prices, head to Souq Al Aziziyah (approx. 5km away) or the Al Kakiyyah Wholesale Market. Prices in these local hubs can be 30% to 50% lower than those in the Al Safa or Clock Tower areas.
2. Is it better to buy dates in Makkah or Madinah?
Historically, Madinah is the “City of Dates,” and many pilgrims prefer buying there for the spiritual connection. However, almost all high-quality Madinah dates are supplied to Makkah. If your trip only includes Makkah, you can find the exact same quality at the wholesale markets mentioned above.
3. What is the best time of day to go date shopping?
The wholesale markets, such as Al Kakiyyah, are most active shortly after Fajr. Morning hours (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) are ideal as the stock is fresh, the weather is cooler, and the crowds are thinner compared to the evening rush after Isha.
4. How do I get to the cheaper date markets from the Haram?
The most convenient way is via Uber or Careem, which typically costs between 15–25 SAR. Alternatively, you can take a local white taxi or the Saptco buses (the green or red public buses), which are significantly cheaper.
Quality, Types & Identification
5. How can I identify genuine Ajwa dates?
Authentic Ajwa dates from Madinah are typically matte black with very fine, white, longitudinal lines on the skin. They should be soft but not overly sticky or shiny. If a date is excessively oily or bright, it may have been coated to hide its age.
6. What is the difference between “Rutab” and “Tamr”?
- Rutab: These are fresh, ripe dates with high moisture content. They are incredibly soft but have a very short shelf life.
- Tamr: These are dried dates. They are firm, sweet, and have a long shelf life, making them the superior choice for international travel.
7. Which date is best for gifting to friends and family in the UK?
- For Prestige: Ajwa is the most sought-after due to its mention in the Sunnah.
- For Taste: Medjool dates are large, juicy, and premium, making them excellent gifts.
- For Sweetness: Sukkari (the “Royal Date”) is golden, soft, and melts in the mouth.
8. Is it okay to taste the dates before buying?
Yes, in almost all local markets and wholesale shops, it is customary and expected. Always taste a sample to check for sweetness and texture. If the date has a sour aftertaste or a fermented smell, avoid that batch.
Travel, Customs & Storage
9. Can I bring dates from Saudi Arabia into the UK?
Yes. Under current UK customs regulations, dates are classified as a fruit that is generally permitted for personal use. Ensure they are clean and free from pests. It is highly recommended to keep them in their original commercial packaging or sealed containers to avoid any issues at the border.
10. How should I pack dates in my luggage?
Dates are heavy. To prevent them from being crushed:
- Use hard-shell plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.
- Place them in the centre of your suitcase, cushioned by layers of clothing.
- Be mindful of your airline’s weight limit (usually 23kg or 30kg); dates can easily use up 5–10kg of your allowance.
11. How long do dates last?
High-quality dried dates (Tamr) can last for 6 to 12 months if stored in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage in the UK, keeping them in the refrigerator preserves their moisture and prevents them from becoming too hard.
12. Are there limits on how much I can bring back?
While there isn’t a strict “date limit” for personal use, you must stay within your airline’s baggage weight allowance. If you bring an excessive amount (e.g., 50kg+), customs may suspect commercial intent, which requires different declarations.
Expert Buying Tips
13. What is the “Jumla” price?
“Jumla” means wholesale. If you are buying in bulk (e.g., 5kg to 10kg or more), always ask the vendor for the “Jumla price.” You can often negotiate a discount of 5–10 SAR per kilogram when buying large quantities.
14. Should I buy pre-packed boxes or loose dates?
Loose dates allow you to inspect the quality of every piece. However, for travel to the UK, pre-sealed factory packaging is often more hygienic and easier to handle at airport security.
15. What is the “Mix Date” scam?
Some unscrupulous vendors may mix premium Ajwa with cheaper Safawi dates in the middle of a large box. Always check the bottom of the container to ensure the size, colour, and quality are consistent throughout.
