Best Things to Buy in Dubai: Lanterns, Spices & More
Dubai, often referred to as the "City of Gold," is a place of limitless possibilities. From touching the sky with its towering skyscrapers to offering a glimpse into the future, Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze. It's not only a hub of excitement but also a paradise for shoppers, combining culture and high fashion seamlessly.
Whether you're a luxury seeker or shopping on a budget, this metropolis accommodates all your desires. Its markets from vibrant traditional souks brimming with gold, spices, and perfumes to high-end designer boutiques in iconic malls like the Dubai Mall, invite you to indulge in retail therapy.
This article aims to guide you through the best souvenirs to buy in Dubai, ensuring that you choose items with cultural significance and long-lasting appeal, unlike typical tourist trinkets. Whether you're a style enthusiast, food lover, or looking for unique gifts, Dubai has something to offer everyone.
Lanterns
Thinking of souvenirs in Dubai? Lanterns are a fantastic choice. Whether adorned with delicate glass details or evoking an Aladdin-like charm, these lanterns bring a unique touch to any space. A unique and beautiful gift to bring home.
- Where to Buy: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Souk Karama, Dragon Mart, and Homes R Us
- Average Price: AED 30 - AED 500
Spices
Want to capture the essence of Dubai in your cooking? Local spices are your answer. These flavorful and budget-friendly spices are renowned for their ability to turn a simple dish into a mouthwatering delight. Whether you're a home cook or seeking a gift for a culinary enthusiast, these spices are an excellent choice.
- Where to Buy: Dubai Spice Souk/Old Souk, Spice Market in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Supermarkets
- Average Price: AED 10 - AED 25 per pack
Arabian Coffee
For coffee enthusiasts and collectors of exotic blends, Dubai's coffee shops offer a haven of exquisite coffee. Its unique, slightly bitter yet refreshing taste can be a delightful find for coffee addicts. Typically served with sweet treats to complement the strong flavor, this coffee makes for a memorable souvenir to bring back home.
- Where to Buy: Dubai Coffee Museum, Dubai Souks, and significant Supermarkets
- Average Price: AED 125 Per Kg
Unique Tea Combinations
You can discover a variety of exotic tea blends that fuse traditional flavors with a hint of extravagance. For instance, saffron-infused teas combine the subtle scent and flavor of saffron with tea leaves, offering a one-of-a-kind and luxurious tea experience. Conversely, rose-flavored teas infuse the delightful essence of roses, delivering a floral and revitalizing tea flavor.
- Where to Buy: Dubai Spice Souk, and Specialized Tea Shops
- Average Price: AED 50 and above
Camel Milk Chocolates
Indulge in the distinct flavors of camel milk chocolates found in Dubai, exclusively crafted by Al Nassma. These chocolates, available in enticing varieties such as macadamia, whole milk, and spicy Arabia, offer a delightful taste of Dubai. It's worth mentioning that Al Nassma is the sole manufacturer of these unique camel milk chocolates, including charming camel-shaped treats.
- Where to Buy: Al Nassma Kiosks at-Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, The Palm, Atlantis, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Bab Al Shams Hotel, Emirates Towers Hotel, Kempinski, Anantara Hotels & Resorts; Duty free Shops; Camelicious Camel Farm.
- Average Price: AED 44 - AED 165
Arabian Dates
Dates are a beloved snack in Dubai for residents, enjoyed raw, in desserts, and are even brewed into beverages. They're known for their exceptional quality and are rich in nutrients like magnesium and calcium. Dubai offers a wide selection of dates, including popular varieties like Kholas, Sokari, and Madjool. These tasty and nutritious treats are perfect for keeping your energy up during a day of sightseeing.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets (packed dates), Deira Food Market (fresh dates)
- Average Price: AED 35 - AED 250 Per Kg
Arabic Sweets
Satisfy your sweet cravings with delectable Middle Eastern sweets like Baklava, Khabees, Maamoul, and Batheeth. These sweets have a good shelf life, making them suitable for taking back home.
- Where to Buy: Alreef Lebanese Bakery, Al Baba Sweets, and Souks
- Average Price: AED 50
Kava Pots & Coffee Sets
Kava, the purest form of coffee, is savored black and intense by the locals. In Arabic culture, it holds great significance and is traditionally served in exquisite pots and cups. These kava coffee pots often feature opulent gold or silver linings, with precious stones embellishing the most valuable ones. These ornate coffee sets make for beautiful and cherished souvenirs to take home from Dubai, marking them as must-have items for visitors.
- Where to Buy: Souk Al Madinat Jumeirah
- Average Price: AED 20 and above
Oudh and Bukhoor
Oudh and Bukhoor, derived from the Southeast Asian agar tree, offer a unique Dubai fragrance. Oudh comes in various forms, including pure oil and perfumes, while Bukhoor is aromatic wood chips. These sought-after items make great alternatives to traditional room fresheners, candles, and incense. When shopping in Dubai, Oudh and Bukhoor are a must for bringing home the city's distinctive scent.
- Where to Buy: Perfume Souk, Dubai Spice Souk, and Perfume shops in Malls.
- Average Price: Oudh- AED 1000 - AED 40,000
Bukhoor- AED 100 - AED 500
Incense Holders
Dubai offers exquisite incense holders, often containing fragrant frankincense or myrrh. These cultural treasures are used in weddings and religious events, symbolizing hospitality and tradition. They also add a calming, aromatic touch to your home and make for meaningful gifts.
- Where to Buy: Souks, Home Décor Stores, or Specialized Incense Shops.
- Average Price: AED 15 and above
Arabic Attars
Arabic Attars, known for their aromatic fragrance, are a popular choice in Dubai. These alcohol-free perfume oils come in various scents and sizes for both men and women. Vendors offer a wide selection and can create custom blends. Arabic Attars make a traditional and must-buy souvenir from Dubai.
- Where to Buy: Perfume Souk, Perfume Shops in Malls and the Airport
- Average Price: AED 90 and above.
Electronics
While not a Dubai specialty, electronics in Dubai stores are often more affordable than in many other markets. Items like smartphones, tablets, laptops, LED TVs, and cameras are available at lower prices. It's advisable to compare these prices to those in your home country to ensure a good deal. This may not be the most traditional Dubai purchase, but it can be a cost-effective and valuable buy.
- Where to Buy: Al-Fahidi Street, Sharaf DG
Gold and Diamond Jewelry
Don't miss the chance to go gold shopping in the "City of Gold." Dubai offers great deals on gold jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets, with lower prices thanks to favorable tax policies. You can also find affordable diamond and platinum jewelry. Plus, a bit of haggling can get you an even better deal.
- Where to buy: Dubai Gold Souk, Gold and Diamond Park, and Meena Bazaar
Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
In Dubai, you can discover rings and pendants crafted from gold, silver, or platinum, each adorned with birth month-specific gemstones believed to bring luck. These make great gifts for both genders, with a diverse selection of designs to satisfy various tastes.
Be sure to choose the finest gemstones by comparing different retailers. Dubai boasts a marketplace with high-quality diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and a variety of semi-precious stones, available either as loose gems or in jewelry.
- Where to Buy: Covent Garden Market Dubai, Gold & Diamond Park, Al Ras, Gold Souq Dubai
- Average Price: Depends on the quality
Traditional Arab Shoes
Dubai offers traditional Arab shoes known for their slim, colorful designs. They come in various styles with embellishments like threadwork, beads, and fabric decorations. These shoes are unique and can be either slip-on or fully covered, making them an interesting addition to your wardrobe. Whether for men or women, they are stylish and distinctive items to bring home as a souvenir.
- Where to Buy: The Cloth Souk, Al-Karama, and the Old Souk.
- Average Price: AED 50 - AED 100
Pashmina Shawls
Pashmina shawls are a well-known and slightly expensive item in Dubai, crafted from goat hair and silk. To ensure authenticity, you can test a real pashmina by passing it through a ring. If it's beyond your budget, you can explore more affordable alternatives like viscose or silk versions. These shawls are particularly popular among ladies in Dubai.
- Where to Buy: Textile Souk, Pashmina House, and Karama Market.
- Average Price: Real Pashmina shawls - AED 250 and above
Viscose Shawls - AED 30
Persian Rugs and Carpets
Explore the beauty of Persian rugs and carpets in Dubai, even though they may be pricey and challenging to transport. Investing in handmade rugs is a wise choice, and customization is available in Dubai stores.
These carpets come in various sizes, and their prices depend on factors such as quality and craftsmanship. They make for a superb choice when shopping in Dubai for exquisite floor coverings.
- Where to Buy: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Mirdiff City Centre, and Souk al Bahar, Naif Market Deira.
- Average Price: AED 400 and above
Handcrafted Artifacts
In Dubai, handmade crafts encompass a wide range of items, including elaborately designed pottery, intricately woven baskets, and finely crafted wooden carvings. These pieces exemplify the region's rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the Middle East.
- Where to Buy: Textile Souk, Global Village
Also Read: Dubai Textile Souk - A Guide to the Best Shopping Experience in the City
- Average Price: AED 50 and above
Arabian Daggers (Khanjar)
The khanjar, an essential component of traditional Emirati men's attire, is a valuable item to purchase in Dubai. These curved daggers feature silver and gold embellishments and were originally crafted from rhino horns, although they are now primarily made from wood. Many khanjars have handles composed of silver, marble, or sandalwood, and their sheaths are often intricately decorated with silver-threaded patterns.
- Where to Buy: Yemen Pavilion at the Global Village, Karama Complex, Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya)
- Average Price: AED 100 and above
Aladdin Lamps
Consider bringing home an Aladdin lamp for a touch of Dubai in your decor. These lamps, inspired by the Aladdin legend, are beautifully crafted from copper and tin with intricate designs. They can be placed on tables or hung from ceilings, and budget-friendly versions come in aluminum and glass. An ideal gift or memento from Dubai.
- Where to buy: Karama Souk, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Ras Market
- Average Price: AED 50 and above
From high-quality goods to exquisite jewelry, and aromatic spice markets; Dubai is well renowned for its diverse shopping experiences. Its one-stop shop facility for textiles, fragrances, electronics and more reflects the city's rich culture making it a unique destination for global tourists.
Best Shopping Street in Dubai
Bur Dubai Souk
- Location: Bur Dubai - Al Fahidi - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Clothes, shawls, bedsheets
- Timings: 10 AM to 10:30 PM (Daily)
Meena Bazaar
- Location: 34 Al Nahdha St - Al Fahidi - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Spices, jewelry, ceramics
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM (Saturday to Thursday)
Covent Garden Market Dubai
- Location: The Walk at JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Clothes, shoes, fragrances
- Timings: 10 AM to 12 AM (Daily)
Dubai Spice Souk
- Location: 41 34th St - Deira - Al Ras - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Spices, gold, fragrances
- Timings: 7:30 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Ripe Market
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Sufouh - Al Sufouh 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Handmade gifts, jewelry, homeware
- Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Budget Shopping Destinations in Dubai
Dragon Mart
- Location: Al Awir Road - International City - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Furniture, Home Essentials and Accessories, Office Equipment, Sports Gears, Electronics, Building Materials, Machinery, Fashion and More.
- Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 10 AM to 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Dubai Outlet Mall
- Location: Route 66 - Al Ain - Dubai Rd - Dubai Outlet Mall - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
- Best For: Clothes, shoes, jewelry
- Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 10 AM to 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Brands For Less
- Location: Ground Level. Grand Midwest Hotel Building - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Barsha 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
- Best For: Toys, homeware, clothes
- Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 10 AM to 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)