Travel Planning Made Simple. Create Your Own Itinerary.
Things to Buy in Dubai
Written by Sairam on April 24, 2020 Share on

Top 20 Arabian Souvenirs to Bring Home from Dubai

If you are a shopaholic and want to indulge yourself in some of the best shopping experiences in the world, Dubai is the go-to place and should be on top of your bucket list. Dubai is a paradise for shoppers and is visited by millions of travellers and shoppers from all over the world. Dubai is known to be one of the countries in the world where you can get anything and everything. From Jewellery to spices to international clothing brands to electronics, Dubai is a primary market for all of it. The Dubai Shopping Festival and the Global Village Dubai is one of the best seasons to shop in Dubai.

List of Best Things to Buy in Dubai

Dubai is one place where you can anything and everything. While there is no limit to the different things that you can get in Dubai, we have handpicked the best things that you can buy in Dubai for yourself or a loved one. Let’s jump right into the list.

Alladin lamps:

These lamps are inspired by the world-famous stories of Aladdin and the Genie. They are beautifully crafted lamps made of wood or brass and can be used as a decor piece. It can be found in the Karama markets or the Karma Souk, which is one of the most popular Dubai shopping centres. And No! Genie’s do not come out of them if you were wondering.

Camel milk chocolates

I am sure we all have friends and family who would want us to get some local chocolates from the country we are visiting. Dubai has a local chocolate delicacy of its own, which is the Camel Milk chocolate. This chocolate started as a homegrown delicacy that the Arabs loved. Off late it has increased in popularity and is purchased by people from all over the world. This is a perfect gift for your friends and family back home.

Photo by Dario Ciraulo on Unsplash

Lanterns

If we are to picture the souks of Dubai, one of the first visuals that would come to our mind is that of lanterns. Lanterns are a perfect buy for your home as a decor piece and as a gift for a loved one. These lanterns are prepared with great attention to detail and craftsmanship making it a very special buy.

Dubai dates

Dates have been a very important inclusion in the Middle Eastern cuisine and culture. These calcium, iron and magnesium nuggets of sweetness are a great enjoyment for the people who consume it. They also happen to be one of the most authentic yet cheap souvenirs that you can purchase from Dubai. You can find them in plentiful from your area supermarket to the dates souk in Deira.

Arabic Attar

The Arabic attar or perfume oils are one of the most popular amongst the fragrance and perfume lovers all over the world. These exotic fragrances give a strong yet pleasant fragrance and is a perfect present for your lady love or any women in your life. Dubai is very famous for its perfumes and has a lot of speciality shops and boutiques which sell the Arabic Attar. You can also quickly grab a few in the airport on your way to the flight back home.

Photo by Lida Sahafzadeh on Unsplash

Persian Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and Rugs in our homes have been the standout pieces of decor. Persian Rugs and Carpets are especially famous all over the world for their intricate detailing, craftsmanship and the royalty that is exuded. Rugs are one of the most famous things to buy in Dubai. If you are in the mood to splurge, you can go for a high end one or you can also choose from a collection of inexpensive ones.

Lucky stones

Lucky stones are stoned ornaments which are placed in gold, silver or platinum rings. These lucky stones are chosen based on your birth month and zodiac sign. They are believed to bring in luck and prosperity. I just googled and found out that my lucky stone is yellow sapphire. Now I know what to look out for on my vacation to Dubai.

Oudh and Bakhoor

Oudh or Bakhoor are some of the best traditional fragrances that can be gifted to someone. Oudh is made out of Agarwood resin and gives out a rich and pleasant smell. On the other hand, Bakhoor is made out of Agarwood chips and it spreads quickly giving a pleasant smell to the entire house. These can be found in Plentiful at the Perfume souks, shopping malls and in the airport.

Hookahs

Hookahs are a common sight in Arabic households and is widely used in family and friends gatherings to relax and chill. Dubai is also home to some of the most exquisite and extravagant hookahs that make for great gifts. These can be purchased both expensive boutiques or inexpensive yet beautiful shops.

Pashmina shawls

Pashmina Shawls are some of the most exclusive and expensive gift items that can be purchased in Dubai. These shawls are rich in texture and quality and make for a memorable gift. If you are on a budget constraint you can also choose to get the silk versions of the same.

Arabian Coffee

Arabian coffee is high on the list of coffee lovers and coffee collectors. Arabian coffee is known for its strong taste and fragrance and is one of the most exquisite varieties of coffee. Dubai is one of the best places in the world to purchase authentic Arabian coffee for yourself and your loved ones.

Kava Pots and Coffee Sets

While we’re on the topic of coffee, we should talk about the Kava coffee cups and pots that are predominantly used in Arabian households. These gold or silver coffee sets seem like they are out from the royal kitchens. Buying Kava coffee sets perfectly complement the purchase of Arabian coffee.

Jewellery

Dubai is known as the ‘City of Gold’ and it is called so for a reason. Dubai is one of the best places to purchase gold and diamond jewellery. Dubai’s designer jewellery boutiques are one of the best places to shop in Dubai for these beauties. They are also quite cheap when compared to the gold sold in other countries. If you are reading this from India, you know how much our country loves gold. What better gift for your family members and loved one.

Electronic items

Dubai is one of the best places in the world to purchase your favourite electronic items. A visit to the Dubai shopping festival is sure to get you some great discounts on electronic purchases.

Photo by Laura Cortesi on Unsplash

Flavourful Dubai Spices

While it might not seem so on the outset, cuisine and culinary are one of the most intricate parts of Arabian Culture. They love their spices and produce some of the most flavourful spices in the world. You can grab some at the Dubai spice souks.

Incense holders

Incense holders are some of the most popular gift items that you can buy from Dubai. This culturally rich ornament, portrays the hospitality of the Arabian culture. While Incense holders are available in Plentiful, We would recommend you to purchase the same in the old shops in the Spice souks.

Traditional Arabic footwear

The Arabic footwear is a very prominent sight in traditional functions and gatherings across the world. These shoes are small and are tapered to the size of your legs. They are made with different colours and embroidery styles. This is one of the best options to buy in Dubai.

Khanjar

Khanjar is a traditional Arabian ornament worn by men. They are made in either silver or gold and are in the shape of a dagger. In olden times, the Khanjar was made out of Rhino horns. This traditional ornament can be purchased in the gold souks of Dubai.

Jewel chest

If you are buying jewellery, or a jewellery collector, a Jewel chest is one of the best things to buy in Dubai. These chests are usually wooden and the exquisite ones are made out of sandalwood or teakwood. They make great options as souvenirs and gifts.

Quran stands

Islam is the most prominent religion followed in Dubai and also provides a lot of scope to buy religious artefacts and gifts. The Quran is the holy book of Islam and is revered by everyone. The Quran stand is a perfect gift for someone, especially for Ramadan or Eid.

Photo by Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash

Here is a quick tip to buy souvenirs from Dubai, buy one for your home, buy one to eat and buy one with cultural value. With the Dubai shopping festival set to happen at the end of the year, it is time to start planning your trip to Dubai.

Related Itineraries

Note: The images that are being published here are the author's choice, and the organisation takes no responsibility for their usability.