What to Buy in Dubai – 20 Best Dubai Souvenir Ideas
Traveling to Dubai and wondering what to buy from there? Looking for the best Dubai souvenirs but not sure what to pick?
We can help you with our Ultimate Dubai Shopping Guide, which includes all the best things to buy in Dubai.
Dubai is known for its swanky skyscrapers, opulent malls, avant-garde museums, and luxury lifestyle. Yet, what truly fascinates me about Dubai is its rich cultural heritage and the incredible variety of handicrafts.
I live in the Middle East and have traveled to Dubai several times. Every time I visit, I learn about a new craft or a new history, all of which I have tried to incorporate into this article.
From aromatic spices and luxurious gold jewelry to traditional Al Khous baskets and aftaba sets, here’s a list of the 20 best things to buy in Dubai.
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20 Best Souvenirs from Dubai
Spices
One of the best things to buy in Dubai is its remarkable collection of spices.
Colorful, fragrant, and diverse, Dubai’s spices are an excellent way to remember the culinary traditions of the Middle East.
Some spices I always pick up on my Dubai trips are sumac, saffron, cumin, cinnamon, and za’atar.
Where to buy spices in Dubai?
The best place to buy spices in Dubai is, of course, the Spice Souk. Located in the historic district of Deira in Old Dubai, this bustling market offers all kinds of spices you can think of.
★ Pro Tip: Visiting Old Dubai? Here are the best things to do in Dubai’s historic district.
Gold Jewelry
Dubai is often referred to as the “City of Gold,” and for good reason.
The city is dotted with gold shops selling everything from sleek designer pieces to garrish, over-the-top items. Dubai is an absolute heaven for gold lovers.
Where to buy gold jewelry in Dubai?
The Gold Souk in Deira is world-famous for its dazzling array of gold jewelry.
Even if you’re not buying anything, I highly recommend that you visit this market and let your eyes pop out. The Gold Souk is a Dubai attraction that is unlike any other.
★ Pro Tip: Visit the Gold Souk on this Old Town and Souks Tour of Dubai.
Sand Art Bottles
If you’re looking for an artsy souvenir from Dubai, consider sand art bottles.
Sand art bottles are beautiful creations that capture the essence of the desert with intricate designs made from pigmented sand.
Whether a simple landscape with a tiny camel or a detailed depiction of Dubai’s swanky skyline, sand art bottles make for a lovely keepsake.
Where to buy sand art bottles in Dubai?
You can find sand art bottles everywhere in Dubai. Every mall, every attraction has artists selling their sand art creations.
Traditional Emirati Clothing
If you want to buy something tangible and fashionable from Dubai, get a traditional Emirati dress. You can wear one too when you’re visiting mosques locally.
Women wear abayas and men wear kanduras, the national dress of Dubai. If you want something more colorful and printed, you can try kaftans for women.
Where to buy kaftans and abayas in Dubai?
The best places to buy kaftans and abayas in Dubai are the Dubai Mall, Meena Bazaar Bur Dubai, and the textile stores in the Al Fahidi historic neighborhood.
Perfumes, especially Oud
When in Dubai, be sure to buy a bottle of perfume, especially Oud.
Oud is an essential oil extracted from the agar tree found in South Asia. Since the oil can only be extracted from the wood of an agar tree infested with a particular kind of fungus, Oud is terribly rare and expensive. It is often called “Liquid Gold”.
Oud can be mixed with other ingredients to create many complex fragrances, which form the heart of the oud industry in the Middle East.
Even though Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford have their oud variants, the best option is to buy an oud fragrance from a local shop in Dubai.
Where to buy the best Oud in Dubai?
Dubai Mall has several oud shops. Arabian Oud, Oud Elite, and Touch of Oud are all pretty good. All of them have branches in the Dubai Mall.
Did you know that Dubai has an entire museum dedicated to Oud and the art of perfume-making? It is called Al Shindagha Perfume Museum and is one of the best museums in Dubai I have visited. There is a small shop inside the museum where you can buy authentic Oud.
★ Read Next: 9 Best Museums to Visit in Dubai
Al Khous Souvenirs
Al Khous is the art of weaving palm fronds into practical and decorative items such as mats, baskets, fans and trays.
A significant part of Emirati culture for centuries, Al Khous souvenirs are unique and practical.
Where to buy Al Khous products in Dubai?
I saw a few Al Khous artisans inside the Global Village.
Dubai’s Turath Center for Traditional Handicrafts often hosts workshops in palm frond weaving, the details of which are available here.
Arabic Lamps
Looking for something to decorate your home? Buy an Arabic lamp from Dubai.
Locally known as fanoos, Arabic lamps are traditional Middle Eastern lanterns that are used to decorate homes and streets during festivals and celebrations. These can light up any corner of your home.
They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, often featuring colorful glass and intricate metalwork.
Where to buy lamps in Dubai?
You can find traditional Arabic lamps in the souks of the Deira neighborhood. The Antique Museum in Al Quoz neighborhood has a great collection too.
Dubai Skyscraper Models
My 11-year-old is fascinated by the skyscrapers of Dubai. Well, some of us adults are fascinated, too. So, now we have all kinds of skyscraper models from Dubai.
From the tallest Burj Khalifa to the cutest Burj Al Arab, we have everything in our kitty now. If you love skyscrapers and their models, then Dubai is definitely the place to be.
Where to buy skyscraper models in Dubai?
I recommend buying these models from the souvenir stores at the skyscrapers. They usually have better quality products, even though they are slightly more expensive.
Arabic Coffee or Qahwa
Coffee is an integral part of Emirati culture, and Dubai offers some of the best coffee in the world.
Arabic coffee, also known as “Qahwa,” is a unique blend of flavors and spices, usually cardamom. It is often served with dates, making for a delicious and traditional treat.
Where to buy Arabic Coffee in Dubai?
You can find Arabic coffee at local souks in Deira and even at some cafes.
Dubai Old Town has an entire museum dedicated to coffee where you can learn all about the history of Arabic coffee, taste some, and buy some more.
If you’re looking for the best cafes in Dubai, try Arabian Tea House in the Al Fahidi neighborhood, Cafe Bateel, and Arto Coffee in Dubai Mall.
Coffee Sets or Aftaba Sets
Since we are discussing Arabic coffee, wouldn’t it be fun to take home an Arabic coffee set to drink?
Aftaba sets are traditional coffee sets used in the Arab world. They are usually colored golden or silver and filled with intricate carvings, adding a regal, Arabian Nights touch to your household.
Where to buy Aftaba Sets in Dubai?
Apart from the souks of Old Dubai, you can find aftaba sets at the Al Jaber Gallery at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Antique Museum.
Dates and Maamoul
Dates are a staple in the Middle Eastern diet, making for a delicious and healthy souvenir from Dubai.
Dubai offers a wide variety of dates – Safawi, Mejdool, Ajwa, Omani, and Khidri. You’ll also find dates stuffed with nuts and other fillings. The choices are endless if you’re visiting before or during the Holy Season of Ramadan.
Maamoul, on the other hand, are date-filled cookies with a delicate, buttery crust.
Both dates and maamouls are often beautifully packaged, making them a great gift to take back from Dubai.
Where to buy dates and maamoul in Dubai?
The best places to buy dates in Dubai are Bateel Boutique in Burjuman Mall, Themar Al Alia Dates, and Kingdom Dates.
For the best maamoul in Dubai, head to Al Samadi Sweets, Hafiz Mustafa 1864, and Nabeel Nafisa Sweets.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
Apart from dates, you can choose from a gamut of dried fruits and nuts available in Dubai, such as cashews, pistachios, almonds, apricots, raisins, figs, and walnuts.
They are not just a healthy addition to your morning breakfast of bircher muesli but also make for delicious gifts from Dubai.
Where to buy dried fruits and nuts in Dubai?
Spice Souk in Old Dubai is the best place to pick up your stash of dried fruits and nuts.
Baklava
A traditional Middle Eastern dessert, baklava is made from layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped walnuts or pistachios, and soaked in honey or sugar syrup.
Baklavas last longer than other Middle Eastern sweets and are, therefore, easy to carry back home as a delicious Dubai souvenir.
You can get several varieties of baklava packed in boxes to give them as gifts back home.
Where to buy the best baklava in Dubai?
For the best baklava in Dubai, head to Al Samadi Sweets, Hafiz Mustafa 1864, and Nabeel Nafisa Sweets.
★ Read Next: 12 Best Middle Eastern Desserts that you totally need to try
Dried Flowers and Herbs
How about some dried flowers for your potpourri bowl back home?
Spice Souk in Deira has a wide variety of dried flowers to choose from. Take your pick.
Camel Milk Chocolates
Camel milk chocolate is a unique souvenir from Dubai.
Al Nassma Chocolate Company from Dubai is the world’s best camel milk chocolate maker. Its chocolates come in all varieties, including dates, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, and macadamia nuts.
Where to buy Al Nassma camel milk chocolates in Dubai?
You can pick up Al Nassma chocolates from the duty-free section of Dubai airport or order them online on Amazon.
There were a bunch of Al Nassma shops in Dubai city that seem to have closed now. That’s quite unfortunate, though.
Honey
Desert, Dubai, and Honey – do not seem to go together, do they? Only the truth is that THEY DO!
Dubai produces excellent honey at the Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre, where you can take tours and join workshops on rearing honeybees and preserving the long history of apiculture in the UAE.
Where to buy the best honey in Dubai?
Of course, one of the best places to buy honey in Dubai is the Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Center. Other places include Queen Bee Honey and Herbs, Balqees Honey, and Yemeni Honey World.
Rugs
If you’re looking for a typical Middle Eastern souvenir from Dubai, consider getting a rug.
These beautiful pieces are often handwoven and feature intricate designs and patterns. They are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your home.
Where to buy rugs and carpets in Dubai?
Al Fahidi neighborhood has several boutique shops selling handwoven rugs and carpets.
Umm Suqeim Street in the Al Barsha neighborhood also has several carpet stores. Carpet Center and The Red Carpet are two popular stores.
Dubai Tote Bags
Tote bags with Dubai symbols like camels and skyscrapers are cute and functional and make for a fantastic souvenir from Dubai.
Where to buy tote bags in Dubai?
You will find tote bags at all local markets and malls in Dubai. Discover Dubai and I Love Dubai souvenir shops have pretty good collections too.
Camel Figurines
Camel figurines are a popular souvenir in Dubai, symbolizing the city’s connection to the desert.
These figurines come in various sizes and materials, from gold and silver to wood and ceramic. You will also find camel plush toys everywhere if you love that stuff.
Where to buy camel figurines in Dubai?
You can find camel figurines everywhere in the city. Every souvenir shop in any mall or souk stocks camel figures and plush toys.
Other knickknacks – Fridge Magnets, Keychains, and Paintings
Apart from these amazing Dubai souvenirs, you’ll also find the usual tourist knickknacks, such as Dubai fridge magnets, keychains, and paintings, everywhere.
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