Top things to buy in Dubai that should be on your shopping list!
With its heady mix of gargantuan malls and traditional souks, there’s no doubt about Dubai’s claim to being the ultimate shopping destination. The city is a haven for shopaholics and is packed full of retail hotspots where you can get your hands on distinctive souvenirs for your loved ones. We’ve compiled an intriguing list of unique things you can buy that are totally synonymous with Dubai. Items that form part of the retail fabric of the emirate — and will continue to do so for many centuries yet! Find out more about the lowdown on these ‘must-have’ Dubai treasures.
LIST OF THE BEST THINGS TO BUY IN DUBAI
CAMEL MILK CHOCOLATES
Let’s start our list with something sweet, and what could be more irresistible than a bar of chocolate? But this time, we’re looking at chocolate with a twist. This tempting treat by Al Nassma is made with the finest camel milk, authentic bourbon vanilla and pure cocoa butter. It’s a distinctive gift that symbolises the rich Arabian culture of Dubai.
- Available at: Al Nassma kiosks at various malls in Dubai.
- Contact: +971-4-223-9289 | office@al-nassma.com (enquire about a location near you or home delivery options)
- Cost: Starting from AED 29
LANTERNS
Another affordable souvenir to buy in Dubai is the colourful traditional Emirati lanterns. These gorgeous lanterns have inlaid mirrors and glass that require expert artisanship. A great deal of artistry and work goes into creating these masterpieces.
Other variations of these traditional lanterns include those made from copper and tin. These copper and tin versions feature intricate artwork with small glass pieces woven into the design. The glass and copper lanterns make the perfect decoration for inside or outside the home.
- Available at: Deira Grand Souk | Karama Souq | Hamriya Shopping Centre | Dragon Mart | Other local shops | Homes R Us stores
ARABIC COFFEE
Next on our list of the best things to buy in Dubai is Arabic coffee. Speciality Arabic coffee stores are spread across the city. Speciality Batch, Jabena Specialty Coffee, Seven Fortunes Coffee Roasters and Al Rifai are some of the top places to buy Arabic coffee in Dubai. The Café Bateel and Coffee Planet online stores also feature a selection of premium Arabic coffee blends.
- Available at: Specialty Coffee Stores and online
- Cost: Starting from AED 70 (250 grams) at Specialty Coffee Batch | Prices at other stores vary
ARABIC COFFEE POTS
Arabic coffee pots, locally known as “dallah,” are the perfect souvenirs to take home from Dubai. These unique and stunning coffee pots represent the culture and essence of the UAE.
For some traditional Emirati families, the qahwa or kava sets are family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next. These traditional sets are sometimes made of gold, silver and precious gems, making them prized valuables. Usually, these coffee pots and kava sets are inexpensive buys available at various kiosks and stores across the city.
- Available at: Deira Grand Souk | Perfume Souk | Souk Madinat Jumeirah | Other souvenir shops in malls.
CAMEL-MILK SOAPS
One more product representing the perfect souvenir to bring home is camel-milk soap from the Camel Soap Factory. These all-natural soaps are made with 25% camel milk and are known to soften the skin and prevent dryness. Pick your favourite scent from an orange, lavender, cinnamon and lemongrass range. Visit the Camel Soap Factory’s official website for online orders or visit their store in Ibn Battuta Mall.
- Available at: Camel Soap Factory at Arabika Ibn Battuta Mall
- Cost: Starting from AED 12
BEDOUIN KHANJARS
Curved Daggers or khanjars are a part of the UAE’s culture and heritage. Traditionally, men wore these daggers to use during wars or for hunting. Even today, men from Bedouin communities wear these impressive curved daggers.
The dagger’s case features intricate carved designs that make you marvel at the craftsmanship! These traditional daggers are also available in gorgeous wall-mount frames ready to adorn your home walls.
- Available at: Stores in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood | Bayt Al Khanyar Museum | Al Jaber Gallery stores across Dubai
MABKHARA
A souvenir-shopping spree in Dubai will not be complete without the mabkhara. The traditional mabkhara is also called incense or oud burner in English. These incense burners are used in homes throughout the Arab world, including the UAE. The electric burners also come in a new variety that costs half the price of the authentic pricey ones.
- Available at: Grand Souk Deira | Perfume Souk.
BAKHOOR AND OUD
Now that you have the mabkhara, it’s time to add some bakhoor and oud to the mix. Bakhoor and oud (or Oudh) are special fragrances usually burned in the mabkhara. Oud is one of the most pleasant scents you’ll ever come across but it can be a little on the expensive side.
On the other hand, bakhoor or agarwood chips are comparatively affordable options. These chips give out a refreshing aroma when burned and spread rather quickly.
- Available at: Perfume Souk in Deira | Arabic perfume shops across Dubai
- Cost: Starting from AED 210 for bakhoor
LUCKY STONES
Many believe that stones and gems can positively influence one’s personality and bring luck. Thankfully, lucky stones are one of the best things to buy in Dubai for your loved ones. These stones make the perfect gift for both men and women.
They come in various colours and are beautifully adorned in jewellery or rings. Or if you want to gift it to someone special, why not buy the entire set that includes a necklace, bracelets and earrings? To make it even more special and personalised, you can choose the base metal from silver, platinum and gold. They are also available in sterling silver.
- Available at: Gold and Diamond Park Dubai
- Cost: Starting from AED 120 for an inexpensive stone only
Please note that 1 tola gold price in Dubai might impact the total cost of a jewellery set.
SHAWLS
If you’re browsing through the bustling souks in Dubai, you’ll come across a wide array of shawls, dresses and other fabrics. Textile Souk, in particular, has a splendid selection of inexpensive shawls that you can’t miss out on.
From vibrant colours to pastel hues, there’s an expansive variety. Opt for the faux pashmina, an affordable option if you aren’t looking to spend too much. Authentic pashmina shawls are also available but are priced higher due to their flawless quality and authenticity.
- Available at: Textile Souk | Souk Al Bahar | Karama Shopping Complex
SPICES
Dubai is home to several cultures and the cultural diversity is evident when you visit the Spice Souk in Dubai. This is one of the top places to shop for essential oils, Arabic perfumes…and spices – one of the best things to buy in Dubai. The souk has countless varieties of spices from around the world, so take your pick and don’t forget to haggle for the best deal.
- Available at: The Spice Souk
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE CAN I FIND SOUVENIRS IN DUBAI?
There are countless places to shop for souvenirs in Dubai. You can find them at malls, souks and even at the shops located within museums. The Dubai Coffee Museum, Dubai Museum and other museum gift shops offer a wide variety of souvenirs that would make the perfect gift to take back home.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES FOR SHOPPING IN DUBAI?
The Old Souk in Bur Dubai, Deira Waterfront Market, Karama Centre and Dragon Mart are some of the most popular spots for reasonable shopping in Dubai.
That concludes our list of the top things to buy in Dubai as souvenirs to take back home for your loved ones, colleagues and friends.
Apart from those mentioned above, other popular things for visitors to buy in Dubai include dates, shoes and electronics. You can also visit these 1 to 10 dirham shops in Dubai to get great gifts for a bargain price.
