JEDDAH: Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj, a pilgrimage that marks one of the most significant moments of their lives. After days of worship, reflection and physical endurance, many look for a tangible reminder of the journey they have completed.
Traditionally, these keepsakes were simple: a bottle of Zamzam water, a prayer mat, prayer beads or small items purchased near the holy sites. Their value lay not in their design, but in their connection to a deeply personal spiritual experience.
Today, however, Saudi entrepreneurs and artists are reimagining the Hajj souvenir, creating products that blend faith, culture and contemporary design.
Pilgrims can choose from a growing range of souvenirs, including contemporary artwork, modern calligraphy, handcrafted gifts and products inspired by the holy sites. These pieces offer a new way to commemorate Hajj, turning memories of the pilgrimage into lasting keepsakes.
Drb, meaning “The Path,” is redefining Saudi souvenirs by bringing together local designers and artisans to create gifts that reflect the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. Founded by Kholoud Attar, Drb has recorded more than 8,000 creatives and customized over 50,000 gifts.
The platform has since expanded through its Drb Caravan, a mobile cultural space that debuted at King Abdullah Financial District extending to cover AlUla and Jeddah. Drb aims to make authentic Saudi design accessible to both local and global audiences.
Attar said the evolution of Hajj gifts reflects a deeper understanding of what pilgrims seek beyond material value.
She told Arab News: “Every pilgrim carries home more than a gift; they carry a memory of faith, peace and the beauty of Saudi hospitality.
“Pilgrims want gifts that feel spiritual, culturally rooted, easy to carry home and meaningful to share with loved ones after returning from Hajj,” she added.
“The most successful products are the ones that tell a story, not just about religion, but about Saudi hospitality, craftsmanship and memory.”
The commercial landscape supporting pilgrims has also expanded significantly.
Kidana Development Co., the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, announced a significant leap in commercial investments for this year’s Hajj season.
The total number of participating entities rose to 66 distinguished brands, marking a record growth rate of 127 percent compared to the previous season, which featured 29 brands.
This year also saw the entry of 37 new brands taking part in the holy sites for the first time, reflecting growing confidence in the investment environment dedicated to serving pilgrims.
As part of operational readiness efforts, more than 410 commercial outlets have been leased. These include grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, banking and healthcare services, as well as charitable activities and barber shops.
This expansion coincides with enhanced operational and commercial service readiness, and greater diversity in offerings for pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Dar Shajan is another Saudi brand placing cultural identity at the heart of its creations.
Founded in Makkah by Ashjan Al-Sulaimani, the company focuses on developing gifts that reflect national identity and express cultural and religious values in innovative ways.
Al-Sulaimani said the brand was built on the belief that creativity should carry purpose.
They provide a strong focus on developing items that reflect national identity, and express cultural and religious values in innovative and distinctive ways.
Their journey began in Makkah, as a challenge to create Makkah-inspired products that represent religious symbols and are suitable for gifting in an elegant and authentic style.
“I believe that every idea holds the potential to create real impact. From this belief, Dar Shajan was born under the slogan: We create the idea and transform the moment into a memory,” Al-Sulaimani told Arab News. “Our goal has always been to design experiences, not just products — to create gifts that carry meaning, identity and emotion.”
Explaining how the company entered the Hajj and Umrah market, she said careful research shaped their approach.
“We began by carefully studying the needs of the market and understanding the expectations of government entities and service providers, particularly during Hajj and Umrah seasons. We focused on developing VIP gifts and distinctive Makkah-themed souvenirs that reflect the quality of hospitality offered to pilgrims and leave a lasting positive impression.”
She highlighted that the emotional dimension of Hajj souvenirs remains central to their appeal.
“Our products reach different nationalities and cultures from around the world, which gives us the opportunity to showcase Saudi identity globally and expand the brand’s presence beyond borders,” Al-Sulaimani added.
Wafaa Khaled, founder of Tajseed, another brand offering locally inspired handmade craft products, said the company develops its collections around the practical needs of pilgrims.
“Our objective today is to make things easier for pilgrims, especially with their frequent movement and travel. That’s why before any season or campaign, we carefully assess what pilgrims need most during Hajj,” she told Arab News.
She said many pilgrims want to bring home simple tokens of their journey, particularly for family and friends who may not have had the opportunity to perform Hajj.
“I believe the true meaning comes after completing the obligation of Hajj ... the gift becomes a way of sharing that blessing and experience,” she said.
