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You can’t go for Umrah and come back without dates and Zamzam!
Fresh dates are available in Madinah.
Here are a few places that you can find good quality dates.
1. Madinah’s date market
2. Shops that are on the green dome side of Masjid Nabawi
3. Garden of Uthman Ibn Affan
4. Shops inside the Taybah shopping mall (outside gate 331)
5. Any other date market (there are many markets scattered around Madinah)
6. Date farms (there are many farms in Madinah)
Most places will allow you to taste the dates and will have a wide range available.
Don’t be tempted to buy cheap ajwa and other types of dates from street sellers around Mina and other places. They will be of low quality.
Makkah has a very limited choice of fresh dates in comparison to Madinah. You can get pre-packaged dates in shopping centres, like from Siafa, but you won’t get the chance to taste and prices will be higher too. So, if you go to Madinah first, don’t forget to grab your dates!
Zamzam
Check if your airline will allow you to take zamzam. Airlines that allow zamzam permit it as a separate piece of luggage, which means the weight is not included as part of your luggage allowance. Purchase your zamzam from OUTSIDE the airport in Jeddah or Madinah. It will cost around 8 riyal for a five litre drum. You will need to show your visa when purchasing.
Label your zamzam with a permanent marker (they do go missing on arrival).
If you are unsure, fill some small drums from the taps in Makkah to put in your check-in luggage. Do bear in mind that the person at the check-in counter may ask if you have water in your luggage, in which case you may have to remove it.
Saudi Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, PIA, Air India, Emirates Airlines, Gulf Air will allow you to take Zamzam. For budget carriers like Pegagus and Wizz Air, contact the airline prior to travel.