Dubai is famous for its fancy shopping options, including expensive stores and traditional markets. Looking for a special souvenir or unique gift in Dubai ? Check out this list of the best things to buy in Dubai.
1. Perfumes and Scents
Dubai is renowned for its fragrances, reflecting the significance of perfume in Middle Eastern culture. You’ll notice the pleasant aroma of oud and other scents in the streets and shops.
Here’s what to consider:
- Arabian Oud has many branches inclduing in Dubai Mall. This shop offers a variety of body and home perfumes. They also sell incense to make your house smell nice. Arabian Oud sells agarwood, also known as “oud” in Arabic, in its natural form. You can burn it to perfume your home and remember your trip.
- Abdul Samad Al Qurashi: Another popular perfume shop where you can find traditional scents like oud, musk, and bukhoor.
- Souks: Explore the traditional markets for unique scents and incense holders, perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
By visiting these “souks,” you will also experience the traditional Middle Eastern way of shopping.
2. Camel Milk Products
A unique and authentic product to buy in Dubai is anything made with camel milk.
Options include:
- Camel Milk Chocolate: A delicious and exotic treat.
- Camel milk soap and cream are skincare products made from camel milk. You can buy them at specialty stores like The Camel Soap Factory.
- Camel Milk Itself: Try the classic ones or others with different tastes like chocolate or saffron.
You can buy camel milk powder packs at the supermarket for easy travel. Share this unique milk with your family and friends as a souvenir for them to try. Camel milk is known for reinforcing the immune system and combating tiredness.
3. Dates and Date Products
Dates are a traditional staple in the Middle East and make excellent gifts.
Here’s what to look for:
- Variety of Dates: Explore the many varieties of dates, each with distinct flavors and textures. There are so many types to try, coming from all over the Middle East. Our favorites are the “Medjool dates” that mainly come from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Palestine. They are often considered one of the fanciest due to their unique taste and rich flavor.
You will also love the “Sukkari dates.” Their sweetness makes them delicious, and you can’t stop once you have had one. - Choco Dates: Dates filled with chocolate or other sweet fillings. Popular brands include Chocodate and Tamrah, which offer various flavors like caramel chocolate covered with almond or cappuccino chocolate covered with almond.
4. Spices
If there is one thing you must bring home to remember Dubai, it’s the spices!
Dubai’s spice markets are vibrant and aromatic, and you can’t miss out on them.
Here’s what you can find:
- Saffron: Although it’s not native to Dubai, you can find high-quality saffron, especially the Iranian variety. You can use this “red gold” to spice your food and add more flavor to it. It also has medicinal uses to relax your mood and act as an antioxidant. A few threads in water a day and you will see the benefits!
- Visit the spice markets like the Dubai Spice Souk in old Dubai to explore a wide range of spices. You can ask about their uses and enjoy the colorful displays.
There, you will find classics like pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cumin.
5. Arabic Sweets
Dubai offers a delightful selection of traditional Arabic sweets.
Consider these:
- Maamoul: a popular Arab sweet made of semolina and it can be filled with dates, pistachios, nuts, almonds or figs.
Baklava is also a classic Middle Eastern pastry. Though it’s more delicate to transport, you can try it while on your trip and try to recreate it at home. It’s made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
6. Gold and Jewelry
Dubai is famous for its Gold Souk, where you can find beautiful jewelry at competitive prices.
Keep in mind:
- Gold Jewelry: Look for rings, bracelets, and other items. Ensure you get proper certification.
- Diamonds: Dubai has a reputation for high-quality diamonds, but be sure to shop at reputable stores.
7. Traditional Outfits
For a unique souvenir, consider buying traditional clothing:
- Abayas for Women: Naif Souk and other old markets are great places to find affordable and stylish pieces.
- Kanduras for Men: Traditional white robes commonly worn by Emirati men.
These are just a few of the best things to buy in Dubai, from luxury items to traditional souvenirs. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the best things to buy in Dubai to bring back home, Dubai has something for everyone.
Enjoy your shopping adventure!
