Best Souvenirs in Dubai
Dubai has plenty of unique souvenirs that capture its vibrant culture. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back, don’t leave without picking up something special. Here are the top Dubai souvenirs to buy for yourself or your friends. Best Souvenirs to Buy in Dubai Perfume, Oud and Boukhour Day to Day Gold and Jewelry Dates and Sweets Luxurious Carpets and Textiles Souvenirs Sand Bottles Arabic Tea Set and Coffee Pots 1. Perfume, Oud, and Boukhour: A Fragrant Memory Image Courtesy of Arabian Oud Perfume is one of the best souvenirs to bring back from Dubai, especially oud. Oud is derived from agarwood and is known for its rich, woody scent that lasts a long time. In Dubai, you can find various types of oud, ranging from affordable options to customized, high-end versions. Boukhour, on the other hand, consists of scented wood chips or incense burned to create a rich, inviting fragrance in homes. This aromatic smoke is commonly used across the Middle East, where it plays a significant role in traditional hospitality practices. Boukhour often blends different oils, such as rose, sandalwood, and oud, making it an attractive and traditional gift choice.To wear perfume the Arab way, apply it first, then use boukhour to scent yourself and your clothes. This combination will make you smell amazing and remind you of the wonderful scents you enjoyed while in Dubai. You can find a wide selection of oud and boukhour products at shops in Dubai Mall or Arabian Oud. Taif al Amarat perfume also offers signature fragrance that will remind you of your trip to Dubai. 2. Day to Day: Affordable Souvenirs Visit Day to Day for budget-friendly souvenirs that won’t break the bank. This shop is perfect for small trinkets that help you remember your trip or make great gifts for friends and family. Magnets: You can’t go wrong with fridge magnets! Day to Day offers a variety of designs, from the Burj Khalifa to camels, all at very low prices. Pins: If you collect souvenirs or know someone who does, you’ll find cheap Dubai-themed pins that make great additions to any collection. T-shirts: For something to wear, check out T-shirts with Dubai slogans and images, perfect for casual wear or souvenirs. 3. Gold and Jewelry Dubai is famous for its gold. Many beautiful souvenir pieces of jewelry are available here. One of the top destinations is Dubai Gold Souk, where shops offer everything from tiny gold pendants to detailed bracelets. Many stores provide engraving services for a personal touch, making each piece unique. 4. Dates and Sweets Image Courtesy of Bateel Dates are available in various varieties, such as Ajwa, Medjool, and Sukkari, each with a unique taste and texture. You can find them in local markets or stores like Bateel, which offers beautifully packaged gift boxes filled with nuts and chocolate-dipped dates. Middle Eastern sweets like baklava and maamoul make great souvenirs. These treats are perfect for introducing your friends and family to the region’s flavors. 5. Luxurious carpets and textiles: If you’re looking for a truly unique and high-quality souvenir, consider buying a Persian or Arabian carpet. These beautifully designed carpets are not only a symbol of luxury but also a piece of art to take home. You can find carpets in various styles and sizes at Dubai Textile Souk or specialized carpet shops throughout the city. In addition to rugs, try pashminas and shawls. Made from high-quality silk or cashmere, they are practical and stylish, adding a touch of Dubai luxury to your wardrobe. 6. Souvenir Sand Bottles: Image of Souvenir Sand Bottles A particularly iconic souvenir from Dubai is a sand bottle filled with different layers of colored sand. These bottles are often handmade and depict stunning desert scenes, including camels, sunsets, and palm trees. You can discover these in the souks or personalize one with your name or a unique message. The sand art conveys the vast and beautiful desert areas surrounding the city. This is a perfect way to commemorate your trip to Dubai. 7. Arabic Tea Set and coffee pots (Dallah): Image of Arabian Dallah If you want to take a small portion of the hospitality culture of Dubai with you, consider purchasing an Arabic tea set or a traditional coffee pot, both referred to as dallahs. These items are functional and decorative, representing Emirati hospitality’s core- they serve visitors tea and coffee. To enhance your tea or coffee collection, consider adding some Arabic coffee or saffron tea, popular beverages for sipping in your new set. Dubai has various options for souvenirs suitable for all. These items will not only recall your journey but also share the magic of Dubai with your friends and loved ones.
Royal Mall Riyadh: A Family-Friendly Destination
Royal Mall in Riyadh is known for its elegant and traditional appearance. It is particularly famous among those looking to buy abayas and jewelry, offering a wide range of options that cater to all tastes and budgets. It perfectly fulfills the requirements of those who seek a complete and comfortable shopping experience. Discover Royal Mall Riyadh Below is the list of all the details you need to know about Royal Mall: Accessibility and Operating Hours Atmosphere Shopping Dining Entertainment Accessibility and Operating Hours Royal Mall is on King Fahd Road. Both residents and visitors will find Royal Mall convenient due to its location and ease of access. The mall has a large underground free parking area, so the visitors do not have to worry about parking problems when visiting. Operating Hours Royal Mall is open to shoppers throughout the week and during the weekend. Saturday through Thursday, 08:00 AM to 11:30 PM Sunday and Saturday: 01:00 PM – 11:30 PM. Atmosphere: Royal Mall has a unique atmosphere: Quiet and cozy: It is a nice, warm, and calm mall where customers can enjoy shopping while relaxing. The significant, comprehensive green architecture in the center assists in creating a cozy environment. Family-friendly environment: It offers all in one shopping facility for families in a secure atmosphere. The mall also has a facility for disabled people with wheelchairs. Clean and well-maintained: The mall inside and surrounding areas are clean and maintained. Shopping: Royal Mall Riyadh offers a diverse shopping experience for families. Here is the detail of things you can best buy from here: Abayas: It mainly specializes in abayas, which makes it one of the favorite shopping centers for women of all ages. Women who want to dress both formally and trendily in Islamic fashion must visit it. The shops selling abayas are plentiful, with so many colors, styles, and affordable prices. Jewelry and gold shops: The mall has many gold and diamond jewelry shops. It is an ideal place for people who are looking for valuable jewelry to buy. Brides particularly favor these shops, as they are in the market for appealing jewelry. Specialty stores: Royal Mall also has menswear shops, shops for bridal lingerie, and shops selling various accessories for women, making it the best place to shop for women in Riyadh. Dining: Royal Mall provides a range of dining options. Food Cafes: The Royal Mall doesn’t actually have a food court. Nonetheless, there are a few cafes and food stands there, mainly on the third floor. After shopping, tired visitors can relax there and have a sandwich or a cup of coffee. One of the popular destinations is Herfy, a well-known Saudi fast-food chain where you can enjoy burgers. Fewer dining choices: The mall’s food offerings are minimal, so it cannot cater to someone looking for a complete dining experience. Although its atmosphere creates an impression of quiet solitude, it is perfect for a cup-something snack or a coffee break. Entertainment: Royal Mall in Riyadh is also a center of entertainment for all ages. Ice skating rink: On the second floor, there is an ice skating rink, and people of all ages like to spend some time there. Fanta Park: this attraction targets children aged two and above. It provides different things to do, such as games and puzzles. So the children can play there while the elders are busy shopping. Royal Mall in Riyadh provides a calm and leisurely shopping environment. It offers extensive shopping, limited but decent eating spots, entertaining facilities, and a peaceful environment. Also explore other malls of Riyadh, each with its own charm and a variety of stores to discover.
Naif Souk Shopping Guide
Naif Souk stands out as one of Dubai’s oldest and most famous souks, located in the bustling Deira area. Explore our ultimate Naif souk shopping guide for an unforgettable shopping adventure and to discover the charm of old Dubai! Location and Access Naif Souk is conveniently situated an 8-minute walk from Baniyas Square Metro Station in Deira, and accessible by car.Parking is available nearby in RTA places, but spaces fill up quickly. It’s best to avoid peak hours, and note that many shops close during Friday afternoons for prayer. What You Will Find Naif Souk is an indoor retail space, perfect for shopping in the comfort of air conditioning, especially during warm weather. It’s renowned for a wide range of souvenirs, traditional abayas, and local perfumes such as oud and musc. You can also find scarves, oils, shoes, and toys… Inside Naif Souk, you’ll find small shops offering water, juices, and snacks, with benches available for seating (though they are often occupied!). Restrooms are also located inside the market for your convenience. Surrounding the souk, numerous cafeterias and restaurants provide dining options. Shopping Tips Bargaining is customary at Naif Souq. Prices for traditional abayas start around 80 AED, but can exceed 200 AED. Take your time to explore different shops.Prices can vary, so negotiate for the best deal, especially when purchasing multiple items. Timings Naif Souq welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Note: Some shops close on Friday early afternoons for prayer. Recommendation: Avoiding peak hours helps you reach the souk with minimal traffic and avoid the crowds inside the market. Nearby Attractions Naif Souk is conveniently located near other famous souks like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, making it ideal for a complete shopping experience. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Gold Souk, so consider combining visits to these iconic locations. Plan Your Visit Whether you’re a tourist or resident, you’ll enjoy the shopping adventure at Naif Souk. For a memorable afternoon, start by exploring Bur Dubai, then take a traditional Abra boat ride to Deira for just 1 AED. Begin at the Spice Souk to sample fragrances and spices (saffron is a must!), then head to the Gold Souk to marvel at the world’s largest gold ring. Wrap up your excursion with a visit to Naif Souq for an authentic shopping experience. Explore Naif Souk and immerse yourself in the charm of Old Dubai. Share your shopping finds with us! More to come….