What to buy in Dubai? — 23 best things to buy in Dubai & best gifts from Dubai

Dubai tourism is growing stronger and stronger, just walking down the street, you can easily see shops selling souvenirs and gifts everywhere. In general, the choice of gifts depends on the preferences and conditions of each visitor and their budget. And you can rest assured because Dubai is a paradise for shopaholics. From busy and bustling shopping malls to bustling souks (traditional markets), you’re guaranteed to have a trip that’s packed with exciting gifts and souvernirs. So, what to buy in Dubai, what can we buy in Dubai, what is special in Dubai for shopping, what should I buy in Dubai, what should we buy in Dubai? Let’s check out our Dubai shopping guide with 23+ best gifts from Dubai, best things to buy in Dubai, best dubai souvenirs including must buy in Dubai, things must buy in Dubai, top 10 things to buy in Dubai as well as best places to find them and some useful Dubai shopping tips to find out the answer!

This is a list of 23+ best gifts from Dubai, best things to buy in Dubai to bring back for loved ones when leaving Dubai. The listing includes helpful information on prices and where to buy them. The special souvenirs in Dubai will be the perfect reminder of your wonderful trip in the city dubbed the “Golden City” of the Middle East.

Best things to buy in Dubai: Dubai gold jewelry

Referring to Dubai, anyone will immediately think of gold. In this city, gold appears everywhere: Gold souks, gold ATMs, gilded structures or even gold-plated dishes. So choosing for yourself an item of gold jewelry when traveling to Dubai is a very reasonable thing. In particular, gold here is usually much cheaper than most other major cities. The jewelry here is very diverse in design, so it can take you a lot of time to choose and consider. And don’t forget to bargain for the best price.

Jewelry prices here are relatively lower than in many other cities due to their tax policy. In addition to gold jewelry, ornaments, you can also buy diamond and platinum jewelry at a reasonable cost. This is an opportunity not to be missed, you can both buy good items and save money, there is nothing more to ask for.

Price

• AED110 (US$ 30) per gram.

Where to buy

• Dubai Gold Souk (Address: Gold Corner Building, 3rd Floor – Gold Souq – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates).
• Gold and Diamond Park (Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Quoz – Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates).
• Joyalukkas Jewellery (Address: Karama Centre, Kuwait Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates).

What to buy in Dubai: Clothing and accessories

Dubai is truly a great shopping paradise with countless shopping centers and breathtaking shopping malls. You can choose fashion items and accessories such as clothes, shoes, bags from different big and small brands as gifts for friends and family. The best time is during shopping festivals. Because all the stores in Dubai are bursting with discounts up to 70%, attracting millions of visitors to experience and shop every year. Dubai offers high-end products with countless of famous luxury brands for you to choose from.

If you want to buy clothes of international brands at affordable prices, go to Bloomingdale’s department store. This store is located right in the Dubai Mall. You can buy trendy clothes that match current trends or buy fashionable leather bags, stylish designer shoes… here.

Must buy in Dubai: Oudh and Bakhoor Agarwood Chips & Oil

If you are a fan of distinct scents found on the streets of Dubai and want to take them home, Oudh or Bakhoor agarwood chips and oil is the perfect choice for you. Made from the wood of the Southeast Asian agarwood tree, Oudh is a premium aromatic oil extracted from the resin of agarwood. This fragrant oil has an enchanting scent, often available in the form of pure oil or an oil blend between Oudh and some other floral oils such as rose, jasmine, etc.

It comes in different forms such as pure oil, mixed oil, floral oil or perfume. Bakhoor refers to the burnt chips of agarwood to create an equally pleasant scent. A great choice for you to freshen up your room with different yet pleasant scents, both Oudh and Bakhoor are very beloved items.

Price

• Oudh: AED1,000 – 40,000 (US$250 – 10,000)
• Bakhoor: AED100 – 500 (US$25 – 150)

Where to buy

• Deira Perfume Souk in Deira (Address: Sikkat al Khali – Dubai – United Arab Emirates)
• Perfume shops in the shopping malls.
• Dubai Spice Souk (Address: 41 34th St – Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates)

What should I buy in Dubai: Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina shawls are made of Cashmere wool, a fiber produced from the hair of South Asian goats. Cashmere wool is often combined with 30% silk to create an exceptionally soft fabric. The excellent material of this shawl makes it a special gift loved by women. To test the quality of real Pashmina shawls, try pulling the entire shawl over a ring, it will slide through easily. If you have a tight budget, you can buy scarves from silk or Viscose.

With so many fakes on the market today, making sure you buy the right shawl and pay the right price for it is extremely important. Therefore, you should go to reputable places to buy it. However, if you find it too expensive, you can choose to buy viscose or silk scarves which are also very beautiful.

Price

• From AED250 (US$70) and up for a real Pashmina shawl.
• Around AED30 (US$8) is the average price for a Viscose shawl.

Where to buy

• Pashmina House Shops.
• Textile Souk (Address: 57, Opposite to Abra – Ali Bin Abi Taleb St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates).
• Al Karama Old Market (Address: 55 18 B St – Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates).

Best dubai Souvenirs: Carpets, rugs

Middle East carpets or rugs are always famous for their variety of colors and sizes, intricate patterns and extremely meticulous and sophisticated weaving. They are used to spread in the room, in the hallway or to decorate the wall. In Dubai, there are many types of carpets, ranging from traditional hand-woven carpets, rugs of Iran and Afghanistan; industrial machine-woven carpets from Turkey, China and Central Asia; to Arabic prayer carpets and rugs… Affordable rugs and carpets can be easily purchased at the carpet souk. For more upscale carpets like hand-woven Iranian rugs, you should go to reputable shopping places like National Iranian Carpets (Address: 2nd Floor, Souk Al Bahar, Near Dubai Mall, DownTown – Dubai – United Arab Emirates) or Persian Carpet House (Address: Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates). High-end carpets are very expensive, so you should choose carefully before buying.

Persian rugs

The Persian carpet is also so famous in Dubai that there is no doubt that it is even one of the symbols of Dubai. Although a bit pricey, these rugs are quite a delicate item to adorn your floors.

Hand-made rugs are more expensive than machine-made and the beauty and sophistication will certainly be many times more. You can ask the mechanic to fix the rug to your liking if you don’t like the ready-made types. They come in different sizes, and their prices also vary. Depending on the quality, materials and amount of work done on the rug to give out the right price.

Price

From AED400 (US$ 100) and up. The price of carpet is very diverse, it depends on the material, the number of stitches, the weaving method and the origin of the carpet.

Where to buy

• National Iranian Carpets
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Persian Carpet House stores at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdif and Souk al Bahar, Bur Dubai Souk Market.

Best gifts from Dubai: Arabic Coffee

Coffee trees have been grown in Arabia for a long time, forming a traditional profession in this region. Arabic coffee may not suit the taste of some people, but for those who are passionate about coffee, when they try it, they are always highly appreciate this type of coffee.

Coffee lovers will find this mild yet refreshing bitter taste of Arabic coffee. And great for coffee addicts, this is one of the best gifts from Dubai and best things to buy in Dubai. It usually accompanied by some sweet treats to balance out the flavors, the coffee here is known for its mild bitter flavor and an aftertaste unforgettable impression .

Price

• Coffee pot: AED20 (US$5) and up.
• Coffee powder: AED125 ($34) per kg.

Where to buy

• Dubai Coffee Museum.
• Dubai souks
• Big supermarkets and malls.

Things must buy in Dubai: Arabic Dallah coffee pot

In addition to tasting Arabic coffee, you can also buy Arabic Dallah coffee pots designed in the traditional Arabic style. These pots are usually made of copper and are suitable for everyday use. Some are rimmed with gold and silver and are of a more expensive category. They can also be used for decorative purposes to enhance the elegance of the room.

Price

• From 200AED ($55)/pot

Where to buy

• Dubai Coffee Museum (Address: Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya, Villa 44 – Al Hisn St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates)
• Dubai Souks
• Major supermarkets, shopping malls

What to buy in Dubai: Dubai perfume essential oil

These perfume essential oils, known locally as the name Arab Attars, are widely known for their unique fragrance. Formulated from botanical sources such as rose, kewra, mehndi, hina… these essential oils are alcohol free, available in different scents and sizes used by both men and women in Dubai.

Vendors can help you choose from one of the Attar fragrance oils and can even prepare a special one by blending different scents. If you are looking for a traditional souvenir to take home, this is one of best gifts from Dubai, best things to buy in Dubai.

Attar is the common name for essential oils prepared from plant origin. In Dubai, both men and women use this perfume quite popularly. If you want to buy essential oils as a gift, you can visit the perfume market (Perfume Souk) in Deira where the sellers can advise and suggest the right scent for you. You can also ask the seller to create a special perfume just for you, by trying out a mixture of a few of your favorite scents. In addition, there are many famous perfume brands in Dubai for you refer to such as Hind Al Oud, Anfasic Dokhoon, Amouage and Khaltat.

Price: 90AED/bottle ($24.5).

What is special in Dubai for shopping? Frankincense and myrrh

Frankincense is a precious item often used by people to smoke in the worship space or to treat asthma. Myrrh has long been known for its anti-cancer, antibacterial and muscle-relaxing effects. These are two quite popular gifts that many tourists choose to buy as gifts. You can easily find them in malls or souks.

In addition to some familiar aromas, Dubai also has some great scents to offer shoppers. One of them is frankincense or myrrh, which gives a rich and seductive scent. These scents are widely used in wedding ceremonies and religious celebrations. As for us, you can use it to deodorize and increase the fragrance in the house.

Must buy in Dubai: Electronics

Although not special products of Dubai, electronics are available in Dubai stores, malls relatively cheaper than in other markets. From smartphones, tablets, laptops, LED TVs, cameras, etc., everything seems to be more affordable. So, you can consider buying some electronic items that you feel are well priced.

Where to buy: Al-Fahidi street in Bur Dubai area, Sharaf DG store or other electronics stores in the malls,…

What to buy in Dubai: Camel Milk Chocolate

A delicacy and also recommended to buy in Dubai, camel milk products are quite famous for their very appealing taste. Camel milk chocolates are so rare that they are only made by a company called Al Nassma. Camel milk chocolate is one of the best snacks available only in Dubai. It is produced exclusively by the Al Nassma company. These products are only made in Dubai but have been exported to many other European and Asian countries. There are also a number of chocolates shaped like camels to make them more impressive. Their chocolate bar comes in 5 varieties: Pure milk, 70% cocoa, dates, macadamia nuts and spices.

Price

From AED44 – 165 (US$ 12 – 45).

Where to buy

• Al Nassma stores at: Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Bab Al Shams Hotel, Emirates Towers Hotel, Atlantis, The Palm, Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, and Anantara Hotels & Resorts.
• Duty free shops at the airport.
• Camel farm.

Best gifts from Dubai: Dried fruit

Dried fruit is the standard snack option for people in Dubai. Their excellent quality as well as reasonable prices make them a favorite snacks among many visitors. Dried fruits are used in desserts, served with coffee, made non-alcoholic beverages, given away during Ramadan, etc. they seem to be present in almost every meal of the people of Dubai. The most famous one among them is dried dates.

Price

35 – 250 AED/kg.

Where to buy

Farmers Markets, Dubai Mall, Atlantis old town, Dubai Festival City Mall, BurJuman Shopping Mall,…

Best things to buy in Dubai and best gifts from Dubai: Dates

Dates is a naturally sweet, nutritious fruit that is a symbol of the Middle East region in general and Dubai in particular. Dates contain a lot of nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin K, B vitamins… This fruit is very beneficial for health such as strengthening bones, reducing the risk of joint diseases, good for the cardiovascular system, digestive system, skin and hair care…

Bateel is a brand specializing in providing products made from dates in Dubai . They have more than 100 varieties of dates, of which the most popular ones are Khidri, Sokari, Madjool and Kholas.

Price

• Each kg of dates costs about AED35 – 250/kg (US$ 10 – 68).
• Bateel’s date bar: AED7 (US$2)/bar.

Where to buy

• Bateel stores at: Burjuman Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina Mall, Festival City Mall, The Avenues Atlantis, Dubai Mall, Old Town, The Walk JBR, Town Center Jumeirah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Naeem Mall.
• Dates Souk belongs to Deira F ood Market with fresh dates, dried dates, syrup and date candy.
• Supermarkets: Packed dates.

Best Dubai souvenirs: Dubai Spices/Condiments

Besides the scents from perfumes and frankincense, Dubai is also very famous for spices and condiments. If you love the taste of Dubai food and want to take it home, don’t hesitate to try to buy some spices and condiments at the Dubai Spice Souk (Spice market) in Deira district. The Spice Souk is like a treasure trove, selling everything from popular spices to rare spices that you can’t find anywhere else in the UAE. Dubai spice has a strong aroma that makes your meal more attractive. But note that their smell is very strong, so you need to pack them carefully when sharing with luggage.

The perfect way to bring the Dubai experiences back home is to buy local spices. Full of flavor, these spices are marketed at reasonable prices. They are known for their magical ability to transform dishes from bland to rich. If you love to cook or want to give it to someone who loves to cook, these spices and condiments are the most ideal gift choice.

Price

AED10 – 25 (US$3 – 7) per pack.

Where to buy

• Spice Souk in Deira
• Supermarkets, Malls

What to buy in Dubai? Jewelry boxes

Beautifully carved jewelry boxes made of sandalwood studded with silver, brass, gems, etc., are a great gift for someone who cherishes their jewelry. In addition to wooden materials, jewelry boxes can also be crafted from animal bones. They are carved delicately, meticulously and skillfully to ensure that they bring real value to the user.

• Price: 250 – 700 AED/piece (~ 1,581,000 – 4,428,000 VND).
• Where to buy: Gold Souk market, BurJuman shopping center,…

Best things to buy in Dubai: Aladdin Style Lamps

Just like how we’ve seen it in the Aladdin mythological movies, the Arabian lamp is the perfect addition to any decor. Want to bring something home to embellish your home? A lamp is the perfect choice to buy in Dubai. These intricately designed and decorated lamps are sure to take you back to the stories of Aladdin and the gods. They are often inlaid with stones and intricately carved. Available in various sizes and shapes, Aladdin style lamps are a unique gift to buy in Dubai.

Lanterns are a common decorative item in Emirati homes, making lamp become the perfect souvenir item if transported safely. Made of copper and tin with the delicate patterns combined further enhance their beauty. They can be placed on the table or hung up. Cheaper versions of these lamps are made up of aluminum and glass.

• Price: 30 – 500 AED/piece.
• Where to buy: F-Zone at Dragon Mart, Homes R Us and Karama Souk,…

What should I buy in Dubai: Traditional Arabic shoes

Traditional clothing and footwear from any culture are great souvenir options to take home. The usual Arabic shoes are designed differently for both men and women. Men’s shoes are often simpler, while women’s shoes are enhanced with beads and jewelry. Arab shoes are the perfect things to buy in Dubai if you want a unique addition to your outfit collection.

• Price: 50 – 100 AED.
• Where to buy: Textile Souk, Al Karama Shopping District and Old souks,…

What can we buy in Dubai? Arabian Dagger (Jambiya)

Usually, Arabic dagger is used to combine with the traditional clothes in Dubai for men. It is mainly made of metal, the blades gently curving at the tip and the handle is meticulously decorated with symbols. The more ornate ones often come with marble or silver handles. You can buy it as a unique decorative gift for your home or to add to your unique collection.

• Price: 100 AED/piece.
• Where to buy: Yemen stall at the Global Village and Mutrah Souq.

Best things to buy in Dubai: Gemstones

Like gold, Dubai has a market for high quality diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and many other precious stones… You can choose to buy raw gemstones or jewelry depending on your purpose. The prices of these items are relatively high, but you can bargain and negotiate with the seller to get a good price. The best shopping spot recommended is the Gold Souk.

Best gifts from Dubai: Sweets

If you love sweet flavors then don’t forget to try some delicious sweets in Dubai such as: Baklava, Khabees, Maamoul and Batheeth, etc. Most of these have a very long expiration date, convenient for you to bring them home as gifts.

• Price: 50 AED.
• Where to buy: Alreef Lebanonese Bakery, Al Baba Sweets, The Hummingbird Bakery,…

What should we buy in Dubai: Arabic sandals, slippers

You can also choose to invest in a comfortable pair of Arabic sandals and slippers. You will find a wide range of sandals to choose from. Guaranteed, you will only get the right Arabic sandals when you buy them in Dubai. Although the price is a bit high, it is really comfortable to wear, and it is also a unique and unforgettable gift.

• Price: 400 AED/pair or more.
• Where to buy: Naal Souk, Farada, Antonio Store at Dubai Mall,…

Best things to buy in Dubai: Lucky gemstones

Lucky gemstones based on birth month are often made into rings, pendants in gold, silver and platinum to bring good luck to the wearer. This unique and meaningful gift is suitable for both men and women. The variety of designs is unimaginable and you are bound to be captivated by even the most demanding customer.

These jewelry not only adorn your look, but also bring good luck to the owner who wears it.

• Price: 120 AED and up.
• Where to buy: Pearlicious in Brooklyn Garden, Dubai Marina – Dubai, Gold & Diamond Park,…

What to buy in Dubai: Saffron

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. They have a lot of health benefits such as helping to sleep well, balance hormones, good for the digestive and cardiovascular systems, improve memory, increase eyesight and prevent cancer. Workers need to harvest about 200,000 saffron flowers to get 1kg of Saffron. So their prices are also very expensive. Saffron is also often used as a spice in cooking, as a coloring agent, and sometimes in combination with skin care products.

Price

From AED40 (US$ 10) or more, depending on the type of Saffron.

Where to buy

• Spice Souk Deira
• Supermarkets, Malls

Must buy in Dubai: Antiques

Coming to Dubai, tourists often hunt and look for antiques, often sold in many souks, such as the Dubai flea market. Here you can find very valuable collectible antiques at very cheap prices. Note when buying: You must be a connoisseur of antiques, you must bargain before you buy. Ask an experienced local guide.

Dubai shopping tips

Duty-free shopping

One of the best things about shopping in Dubai is that there is no VAT. Therefore, you can enjoy shopping a variety of items from fashion, cosmetics, gold jewelry, electronics, cars… with prices about 10-20% lower than many other markets around the world.

Bargain when buying at markets (souks)

All products in the shopping malls have a fixed list price, so you cannot bid. However, feel free to bargain when buying goods at Muslim markets or outdoor shopping areas, street vendors, flea markets. As most of the merchants here say the price is at least 25% higher than the item value. Also, the more you buy, the more discounted the price. Most of the vendors at the market can communicate well in English, so the bargaining process can go smoothly.

How to pay after purchase?

You can pay by international cards such as Master Card, Visa at shopping malls, centers, supermarkets or big stores. As for the flea markets, there is only one way to pay, which is to pay in cash when buying goods. Therefore, you should exchange currency before your trip to make it easier to shop!

Some shopping malls, centers and supermarkets also support door-to-door delivery. This is a special utility that tourists love when shopping in Dubai. In addition, the transportation of goods to other countries is also very convenient and reasonably priced.

Is it possible to exchange or refund?

Most shopping centers in Dubai have a return policy for visitors, so you can rest assured. And in case you want to exchange or return goods, you need to keep your invoices and shopping receipts carefully.

After each trip, surely everyone wants to choose the most meaningful gifts for relatives and friends. Best gifts from Dubai, best things to buy in Dubai, what to buy in Dubai, what should I buy in dubai as a gift when traveling to Dubai? So you already have your answer. Hopefully, the above useful information can help you find the best gift for your loved one during your trip to Dubai.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Dubai you can refer to

• Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
• Burj Khalifa Observation Deck with Dubai Aquarium & More
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park
• Wild Wadi Water Park
• Bollywood, Motiongate And Legoland Tickets At Dubai Parks And Resorts
• [Sale] Ski Dubai Admission Ticket
• Dubai Garden Glow Ticket
• [Sale] Dubai Dolphinarium
• [Sale] Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo And Penguin Encounter At Dubai Mall
• Evening Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Dinner
• Shared Transfers between Dubai Hotel and Dubai Attractions
• Private Dubai International Airport (DXB) Transfers for UAE Emirates
• Global Village Ticket in Dubai
• VR Park Dubai Ticket
• Dubai Frame Ticket
• Go Dubai Explorer Pass (3, 4, 5, or 7 Attractions)
• Dubai City Sightseeing Bus Pass
• Dubai Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Half Day Dubai City Tour
• Half Day City Tour in Dubai with Dubai Frame
• Ain Dubai: World’s Largest Observation Wheel
• 4G WiFi (DXB Airport Pick Up) for Dubai
• 4G SIM Card (DXB Airport Pick Up) for Dubai

Are you looking for more top things to do in Dubai: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And My trip to Dubai — The memorable experiences in the mysterious city of Middle East.