Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the Muslim world that combines the colorful and mysterious atmosphere of the East with the comfortable and modern way of life of the Western states. What to bring from Saudi Arabia instead of a traditional fridge magnet or mugs, read below.
Dates
The king of sweets - this is how the Arabs call the fruits of the date palm. In the markets and shops of Saudi Arabia, you can find a wide variety of this best-selling product in the country.
Why are dates so revered in the Muslim world? The history of this plant is almost 7 thousand years old. It is mentioned more often than others in the Quran, about 20 times, as a useful and necessary product.
In addition, dates bought in Saudi Arabia have a noticeably different taste from those that tourists are used to seeing in stores at home. The fruits brought from the East are sweeter and softer. Sometimes you can find gift sets in stores. For example, dates with almonds, packed in a beautiful bright box.
Water from the source Zam-Zam
The source of this sacred water is located in the main mosque of Muslims in Mecca. The origin of the source is associated with the ancient legend about the prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. According to reviews, "Zam-Zam" water has a very pleasant taste and medicinal properties. There are many stories of how this water helped heal even the most hopeless of the sick.
According to scientists, the reason for the miraculous properties of water has not yet been clarified. However, studies have shown that there are absolutely no harmful impurities and substances in it. On the contrary, the water is saturated with microelements useful for the body: magnesium, calcium and others. Water from the source Zam-Zam is famous for its wonderful properties: it quickly quenches thirst (most likely, this is due to the high content of potassium and magnesium); has a disinfecting effect; the taste of water does not change over time, does not deteriorate; the source never dries up.
Tourists who have visited Saudi Arabia are advised to definitely try the water from the Zam-Zam spring and bring a few bottles to family and friends.
The most popular souvenir
The most popular souvenir among tourists is the model of the Kaaba, the main Muslim shrine. As a gift, you can purchase: Koran in a box made of genuine leather in the form of a Kaaba; stand for writing utensils; wall clock depicting a shrine; panels and pendants.
Almost always, these items are made from natural valuable materials (leather, marble), which naturally makes them quite expensive. It should be borne in mind that the export of antiques and items of artistic or historical value is possible only with a special permit.
What else can you bring from Saudi Arabia?
In addition to the most popular souvenirs - dates, sacred water and models of the Kaaba, tourists also bring other gifts. Women primarily seek to acquire perfumes, aromatic oils and incense. Perfumes from Saudi Arabia are renowned for their long-lasting rich aroma and quality. They are based only on natural ingredients: flower oils; spices; the Rose; sandalwood and others. The main feature of oil-based perfumes is that just one drop is enough for a light pleasant aroma to accompany the owner of this perfume for the West of the Day. And when in contact with water, the perfume begins to open more strongly.
Many people take with them hookahs of various sizes, decorated in accordance with the best traditions of the East. Aladdin's souvenir lamp made of various metals will become an original gift. As well as from other countries, tourists often bring elements of traditional clothes or shoes, jewelry (earrings, pendants, pendants with traditional ornaments) as a keepsake.
The most recognizable item associated with Saudi Arabia is a checkered head scarf - arafatka (keffiyeh). However, the colors can be different with or without a pattern. Collectible coins depicting the main shrines and attractions of the state can become quite an expensive souvenir. True, there will be no practical benefit from such a gift.
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, so you can buy some religious paraphernalia as a keepsake: a rosary, a prayer mat, the Koran in a beautiful original cover.
And, of course, a visit to any country cannot be left without tasting local cuisine. In memory of a trip to Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to buy oriental sweets: halva, Turkish delight, baklava, sherbet and many others will pleasantly surprise you with their delicate taste.
