Dubai, with its grand malls and traditional souks, is a shopper’s paradise. Tourists are generally eager to go shopping, but many are unsure about what to buy in Dubai. The reason is that the emirate offers a diverse selection of traditional treasures, luxury items, and one-of-a-kind finds. So, where do you start? We’ve noticed that these items listed below are what guests enjoy spending on while shopping in Dubai.
Famous Things to Buy in Dubai for Every Traveller
Arabian Dates
The city’s food scene often includes this star ingredient – Arabian dates. Consistently included in all meals, it is on the shopping list of every Dubai tourist, whether it’s just a handful of dates and dry fruits to snack on or a gift for home. Dubai dates, especially the ‘Khidri’ variety, are an integral part of Middle Eastern hospitality. You would never leave this city without a box of them for yourself, either in their original form or fused with chocolates.
Where to buy:
Dubai’s markets are teeming with a variety of dates. You can find them fresh to buy in kilos at Dubai’s Souks, but packed versions are found in every other retail store you visit in Dubai. Look for brands like The Date Room and Al Barakah Dates. Explore Bateel shops to find premium dates filled with delicious fillings like candied orange, pistachios, or caramelised pecan, wrapped neatly in bespoke, customised packaging to add a personal touch to gifts you wish to give others.
Apparels
When you start your shopping, clothes are often the first things to buy in Dubai. The city is filled with places where you can get all sorts of attire – traditional and modern. The city of Dubai is a favourite for global brands to showcase their fabrics and designs, and it has a diverse variety of commercial boutique shops.
Where to buy:
All shopping malls have a range of stores. Here you can buy luxury brands in their exclusive shops, such as Versace and Armani, at luxury malls like Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, and Mall of the Emirates. Places like Dubai Outlet Mall, Textile souks near Dubai Creek, and Dragon Mart offer a variety of clothes at cheaper rates.
Arabian Lanterns
Arabic lanterns, known as ‘fanous’, are the best Dubai souvenirs to take back home. They are famous for their intricate trellis-like metalwork gilded with colourful glass panels and mirrors, which cast mesmerising light patterns and hues when lit. You can find them in different sizes, from small table lamps to colossal hanging fixtures. The more a craftsman has worked on a piece, the higher its value. Nevertheless, they are charming and perfect for adding an Arabian touch to home decor.
Where to buy:
Explore options like Deira Souk, Karama Souq, Al Hamriya Shopping Centre, and Souk Madinat Jumeirah for a wide selection of Arabic lanterns.
Arabian Coffee
Arabian coffee is, inarguably, one of the Dubai famous things to buy. Many want to take their memories of Emirati hospitality, symbolised by Arabian coffee and dates, back home. You can buy green coffee beans to roast and prepare yourself, or opt for ready-to-brew options for Qahwa, the traditional Arabian coffee infused with spices.
Where to buy:
The coffee shops in Deira Souk and the Dubai Coffee Museum are two spots where you get authentic blends, whereas at malls you can get branded options from speciality coffee shops. Pairing a coffee pack with a dallah (a traditional Arabian coffee pot) is a great gift for your dear ones after your Dubai trip.
Shop for Unique Things That Stand Out
Gold
There’s a reason Dubai is lauded as ‘The City of Gold.’ It denotes its royal vibe, but in Dubai, they take it further by embossing real gold on hotel ceilings, sprinkling gold flakes in coffee, and even having dispensing machines where gold can be bought on the go! So, when in Dubai, shopping for gold and semi-precious stones is a definite must-do. The experience of strolling through over 300 shops in Dubai’s Gold Souk will leave you bedazzled. Watching so much gold and precious gems in one alley is something you will find only in Dubai and nowhere else.
Where to buy:
You will be spoiled with choices. In Dubai, the Gold Souk is the ultimate place to get gold jewellery at really low prices. There are independent gold and jewellery shops to check out as well, such as Bhima Jewellers, Joyalukkas, and Damas Jewellery.
Camel Milk Chocolates
Who doesn’t like to enjoy a rich piece of chocolate now and then? In Dubai, the speciality of chocolates is that they are made with camel milk, which gives a distinct, enriching taste. Al Nassma is the most popular brand that offers a variety of camel milk chocolates, fused with flavours like spiced Arabia, macadamia or hazelnuts, offering a uniquely Arabian taste. They make for a novel gift for friends back home.
Where to buy:
You can buy the best varieties at Al Nassma kiosks at various malls in Dubai, and Duty-Free shops at the airport.
Cheap Things to Buy in Dubai Without Compromising Quality
Spices
From aromatic saffron to diverse spice blends like Baharat and Za’atar, the Middle Eastern food in Dubai is fragrant and flavourful. You will even come across unusual flavour enhancers, such as loomi, which are whole dried lemons. As a global trade hub, Dubai has easy access to fresh, high-quality spices from places like Iran, and Turkey. Because of tax-free policies, these spices are often cheaper in Dubai than in other countries.
Where to buy:
Dubai’s Spice Souk is your one-stop shop for exotic spices. You won’t find lower priced, authentic, high-quality spices from all around the Middle East anywhere else. Plus, bargaining gives you the extra perk of getting your favourite combination of spices for a steal of a price! Not just spices, this street also has dried flowers like jasmine and sunflower petals, which are used to enhance the flavours of Arabian Tea.
Electronics
One thing you cannot miss doing in Dubai is shopping for electronics. Dubai is well-known for offering electronics at a bargain! Here, you can get your dream iPhones or that professional camera you were eyeing at irresistible prices. You will find a drastic drop in prices for electronic items compared to your home country. So, if you are from India, we suggest you keep a buffer in your holiday budget after calculating your Dubai trip cost from India. You will definitely find electronics shopping tempting, and you wouldn’t want to leave Dubai without getting your hands on some new gadgets!
Where to buy:
Check out Ecity, which has multiple outlets in all popular malls in Dubai. Other places to check out gadgets, laptops, smart watches, and more are Sharaf DG at Dubai Mall and Emax.
Things to Buy in Dubai for Men That Make Great Gifts
Arabic Ittar
Turn to authentic, all-natural fragrance with Arabian Ittars that leave a longer, lingering aroma than chemical perfumes. Handcrafted and expertly measured, they are a combination of aromatic oils to create divine scents. Arabian Ittars come in a range of scents that suit masculine energy, especially oud.
Where to buy:
You can find them in all trendy malls, but head to Perfume Souk in Deira for an authentic experience and to watch the masters curate distinct fragrances. In Ajmal, you can get a large collection of ittar from AED 25 upwards. Amazada is also a popular shop in this area for fragrances similar to luxury perfumes. Damas Rose and Naseem are other excellent shops to check out. For high-end attars and international perfumes, Ne’emah Perfume & Attar Shop and Arabian Oud, both located in Dubai Mall, are excellent places to go.
Luxury Watches
For men, one of the things that quite instantly catches the eye is a shiny new watch. So no man would say no to an opulent wristwatch as a gift. Dubai is where you should head if you plan on purchasing luxury brands like Rolex, Breguet, Audemars Piguet, and Cartier, as they are cheaper than in other Western countries.
Where to buy:
Search for an outlet of The Watch House by Al Futtaim Watches and Jewellery. This brand has multiple outlets in almost all popular malls in Dubai. They have an impressive collection of all the upscale brands of watches. There’s also the option of visiting independent stores for luxury watch brands in the Dubai Mall.
Things to Buy in Dubai for Women with Style and Elegance
Silk and Woollen Apparel
Fabrics are another speciality of Dubai. Here you can find the softest silk as well as high-quality woollen products. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Jilabiyah, a colourful silk scarf, or pure Pashmina, you’re sure to discover the perfect outfit that represents the spirit of Arabia.
Where to buy:
The boutiques of Bur Dubai, Al Barsha and Souk Madinat Jumeirah provide handcrafted selections ranging from extravagant hues to subtle designs. These make a perfect gift for ladies who appreciate vibrant fashion.
Diamonds and semi-precious jewellery
In a city that’s renowned for craftsmanship, just imagine the collection of jewellery showcased here in extraordinary designs! Not just for gold, the city has a myriad of shops that sell jewels in classy designs embedded with diamonds and semi-precious stones. These appeal to women due to their timeless beauty and versatility. The craftsmanship is undoubtedly of unmatched quality, and it offers pieces that are subtle and refined for daily wear and chunky, heavy ones for special occasions.
Where to buy:
Of course, the Dubai Gold Souk has many shops showcasing a dazzling display at low prices, which are negotiable further. The Dubai Mall is the next best spot to buy refined jewellery from global premium brands like Chopard and Cartier.
Things to Buy in Dubai from Duty Free Before You Fly
Before you fly out of Dubai, you need to check out the Duty-Free shops inside the airport. It is a jaw-droppingly sprawling arena filled with an eclectic mix of shopping outlets, and it remains the most extensive Duty-Free shopping destination in Dubai, with over 40,000 products across its terminals.
The UAE levies no value-added tax on goods purchased from duty-free zones. Hence, it’s a great place to get something you have on your shopping list, or for any last-minute purchases before you fly home. You can get the following items at more affordable rates at Dubai duty-free shops in the airport:
- Â High-end luxury perfumes
- Â Chocolates and sweets
- Â Arabic Spices and Teas
- Â Cosmetics, luxury watches, and jewellery
- Â Tech and Gadgets
So, make sure to reach your airport early to complete immigration and security checks. This will give you ample time to shop for your favourite things before you catch your flight to your onward destination.
Conclusion
Dubai is indeed a shopaholic’s dream come true. In fact, shopping is such an integral part of a Dubai trip that most Dubai packages would include spare time set aside just for it. The city offers an unparalleled shopping experience for every type of traveller. This global destination offers everything under the sun, no matter what your budget, whether you are searching for luxury goods or simply a token to take back home to remember your journey.
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