Skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, thrilling adventure parks, luxury shopping and an exciting nightlife- that is the very versatile Dubai for you. Also known as the “City of Gold”, Dubai is not just another tourist destination for shopping, it is in itself a heaven for shopping enthusiasts and luxury products. Tax-free shopping, globally-acclaimed craftsmanship, and deep-rooted cultural traditions make Dubai an unparalleled shopping haven – and that is why it is imperative to know the best things to buy in Dubai.
The umpteen choices Dubai offers can leave you confused, and the experiences can make you feel overwhelmed. Dubai’s multicultural and cosmopolitan nature welcomes people from all across the world. In 2024 alone, DXB saw 18.72 million international visitors, an impressive 9.15% increase in tourist arrivals year over year1. So yes, planning a trip to Dubai should be on your to-do list, and when you get there, you should know what are the best things on offer that you can bring back home as memories and souvenirs.
15 Best Souvenir Items To Buy In Dubai
A trip to Dubai offers far more than luxury sightseeing—it’s an immersive cultural and shopping experience. Whether your destination is haute jewelry, exotic spices, or whimsical home décor, Dubai delivers unforgettable finds. And just to let you know, bargain shopping in Dubai is a truth, so do put your bargaining skills to test!
Enjoy your hunt for the best things to buy in Dubai—may your souvenirs be as vibrant and enduring as the city itself!
1. Gold And Diamond Jewelry
Dubai is not known as the “City of Gold” for nothing. Due to zero (0%) GST on bullion and gold jewelry, gold prices in Dubai are better than other countries. The emirate with a unique blend of traditional and modern culture boasts of better 24 Karat Gold ornaments and couples with a strong gold trade hub and no import duties the prices can be tempting. You will find numerous designs in your budget and the price difference will make it easier for you to take a call. Without a doubt, jewelry shopping is one of the hot things to buy in Dubai for women.
Ranked as the 3rd largest diamond trading center in the world, Dubai is also a shopping paradise for people looking for high craftsmanship and diverse options in diamond jewelry. Dubai’s strategic location also makes it first to get to land the diamonds making their way from the African diamond mines. Nevertheless, if you are into jewelry, your trip to Dubai will turn out to be a glittering one, for all the good reasons.
Where to buy gold and diamond jewelry in Dubai: The Gold Souk in Deira’s old commercial district and The Gold & Diamond Park.
Price Range: Honestly, this depends on your budget, making charges and craftsmanship and design.
2. Electronics
So, which electronic items are cheap in Dubai – is one question every person tends to ask when planning a trip to the Arab Emirati. If you are looking to save significant money on electronics and gadgets, then Dubai should be the place of interest for you. A strong market and lower taxes make Dubai a hotspot for electronic items and the price difference ultimately benefits the end consumer.
So if you are eyeing the next I-phone series, and wondering if it will be cheaper than the USA, let us tell you it will be cheaper in Dubai, provided you are not just flying to buy one. Other tech products, such as laptops, wearables, cameras, TVs etc are also comparatively better priced than most other markets. Your hunt for things to buy in Dubai for teenagers should end here with a huge smile on their faces.
However, the bigger items need to be packed carefully and a reliable freight forwarder or cargo company needs to be looped in. Additionally, you may have to bear the excess weight charges and pay the additional custom duties as well. Look for more easily transportable electronic items that you can shop for in Dubai and carry back home without hassles.
Where to buy: Alain Centre, Mankhool, Al Fahidi Street and other stores like Jumbo – almost in every mall across the emirate.
Price Range: You can get Tabs from AED 500 and the price goes up till about AED 30000 for high-end electronic items.
3. Designer Fashion & Luxury Brands
Dubai is a global hotspot for high-end fashion and luxury shopping. The city’s opulent malls—especially The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates—are home to virtually every major international designer label, from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, to Gucci, Hermès, Cartier, and Rolex. You just can’t stop going ga-ga at the luxurious designer products in every shop window. Another exquisite thing to buy in Dubai for women, for sure.
Moreover, some luxury brands offer limited-edition collections only available in the Middle East. Thanks to Dubai’s low-tax environment and frequent sales promotions during shopping festivals (like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Dubai Summer Surprises), you may find better prices on luxury fashion than in Europe or the U.S. Additionally, high-end boutiques in Dubai often provide VIP services, such private fitting rooms, refreshments, and personal stylists—making your luxury branding shopping experience feel truly first class.
True to its spirits, Dubai also supports emerging Emirati fashion designers who blend traditional Gulf aesthetics with modern cuts. Boutiques in areas like City Walk, The Dubai Design District (d3), and Alserkal Avenue showcase these unique local styles.
Where to buy: The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Fashion Avenue in Dubai Mall
Price Range: You cannot pin a price on luxury brand shopping, can you?
4. Luxury Watches
As the global hub of luxury and fashion, Dubai boasts of a very luxurious watch market for both an avid collector and someone who wants to treat themselves with a classic timepiece. Dubai’s tax-free status means that you’re often able to find luxury watches at prices lower than in other countries.
With no VAT (Value Added Tax) or additional duties, purchasing a high-end timepiece in Dubai can save you a considerable amount of money. Whether you are eyeing a Audemars Piguet or a Patek Philippe, an Omega or a Rolex, you will find the most elegant, authentic and magnificently crafted timepieces in the luxury malls of Dubai.
Where to buy luxury watches in Dubai: You can shop from the flagship stores of luxury watch brands, including Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. You can also hop to multi-brand dealers like Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and Dubai Watch Club that have multi-brands. There are also boutique watch stores in boutiques in the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. And for the last minute splurge on luxury, the Airport is a great friend.
Price Range: If you are a first-timer, you can own a luxury watch for about AED 6000 – AED 15,000. For the collector, the prices go up to AED 100,000 depending upon the exclusivity, design, brand and craftsmanship.
For the same reason, you can also tempt yourself with luxury cosmetic brands in Dubai. We can say with confidence, you will not find such huge selections anywhere else in the world.
5. Persian Rugs and Carpets
One of the best things to buy in Dubai has to be the high-quality Persian rugs and carpets, which essentially means getting a piece of Arabic heritage to your home. Renowned for their exceptional quality, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors, these rugs and carpets come in all sizes and suit all pockets. Whether you are looking for an exquisite piece for your home, or want to carry small rugs as gifts from Dubai, you will not only find a distinctive variety but also great prices and deals to make your purchase heavy on the compliments, but light on the pocket.
And if you do consider spending some good money on a hand woven, unique masterpiece, know they can last for decades, or even centuries, making these souvenirs an investment in its own way.
Where to buy Persian rugs and carpets: Al Fahidi Street (Bur Dubai), The Dubai Mall, and the Global Village have some of the best and intricately designed pieces that are hard not to buy.
Price Range: A small rug can cost you around AED 200.The prices depend on the size, weaving pattern, knots, materials used etc, and you can expect a premium silk carpet to cost around AED 50,000 – AED 200,000. The higher prices also indicate quality craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
6. Arabic Perfumes & Oudh
Among the most treasured and iconic elements of Arabic fragrance culture are Oud and Arabic perfumes — both of which are integral to the identity of the region. My personal favorite things to shop for in Dubai, I cannot believe anyone could return from this Arabic city without these two must-buy things.
With its rich history, cultural significance, and exceptional quality, the world of Arabic perfumes offers a sensory journey like no other. Arabic hospitality is incomplete without their rich fragrances and Attar, both of which form an integral part of Arab culture and religion.
If you have been intrigued with the fragrances during your trip to Dubai, be assured the magic lies in the use of Arab perfumes, Attars, and Oudh. Like I said, they are a must-but item in Dubai. Plus, buying from Dubai has its benefits as you will rarely find so many options to choose from anywhere else.
Where to buy: Several high-end perfume boutiques, including Ajmal, Al Haramain, and Swiss Arabian have their stores in most malls of Dubai and at the Dubai Airport.
Price Range: While small packs of Packs of Bakhoor can range from AED 50, making them an affordable souvenir from Dubai, high quality Oudh and Attar can cost you anywhere between AED 200 to AED 3000, and even more.
7. Spices & Condiments
If you are someone who likes to buy souvenirs that are classy, functional, useful and spell out your thoughtfulness, then gifting spices and condiments from Dubai would be a great pick. Spices like saffron, cardamom, or za’atar, ensure you’re taking home a piece of Dubai’s culinary legacy. Moreover, these exotic and rare spices are easy to carry back home, given they come in small and lightweight packs.
Spices and condiments are also durable and long-lasting, which means they won’t spoil during travel and can be enjoyed for months after your trip. So every time you miss Dubai, whip up something in your kitchen that is as fragrantful and divine as your time in the DXB.
Where to buy: Do not miss taking a trip to the aromatic Spice Souk in the historic district of Deira. Global Village, Carrefour and other supermarkets also have premixed spice mixes that can be easily carried back home over a flight.
Price Range: Small packs will cost you around AED 10, and the more exotic rare spices will be around AED 400 and AED 500.
8. Dates & Date Products
A visit to the Emirati state is incomplete without tasting the delectable dates and date products. Deeply ingrained as the quintessential symbol of hospitality, dates feature in all aspects of Arabic life. Whether it is a religious festival, a happy gathering or the observance of the Holy Month of Ramdan, you cannot come from Dubai without these fruits. Yes, dates and date products are some of the famous things to gift in the Emirates.
In fact, the date palm is noted as a symbol of the UAE’s resilience and cultural heritage, and the tradition of eating and serving dates is centuries old. For the tourists, Dubai has high quality dates attractively packed specifically for gifting purposes.
Apart from the dates themselves, you will also find a delectable array of date products including jams, juices, pastes, sugar, sweets, candies and much more. Go ahead, spoil yourself and your dear ones with this best souvenir from Dubai.
Where to buy dates in Dubai: The Date Souk in Deira is the place to visit for a wide variety of premium dates in attractive packages and exquisite tastes. Al Ain Dates is also popular for dates and date products. Additionally, supermarkets, Dubai International Airport, and other Malls also house luxury dates and products wonderfully packed for gifting.
Price Range: Medjool and Khalas dates cost around AED 30-AED 40, whereas chocolate covered and stuffed dates cost more. Date syrups and jams are comparatively cheaper, and can be easily carried back home as souvenirs from Dubai.
9. Arabic Coffee (Qahwa) & Dallah Sets
You cannot experience Emirati hospitality without enjoying Arabic coffee, or Qahwa in a Dallah (an Arabic coffee pot). Almost a ritual in the city of gold, Arabic coffee is a smoother and less-bitter tasting making it more enjoyable for many coffee drinkers. Made from lightly roasted coffee beans (sometimes green), ground with spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron, this cup of coffee is sure to tantalize your senses and wake you up from a slumber without trying too hard.
Relish Arabic coffee without sugar and with a serving of dates to actually feel the Emirati experience. Undoubtedly, this makes Arabic Coffee Packs a great gift for anyone, and they are also a budget-friendly souvenir. But you do not have to stop at coffee packs alone, you can even opt for beautifully crafted Dallah sets and if your budget allows, go for Complete Qahwa Gift Sets to awe anyone.
Where to buy: Spice Souk (Deira), Dubai Coffee Museum (Al Fahidi), Al Jaber Gallery for decorative Dallah sets & gift packs. You can get coffee premixes at most Carrefour and other supermarket stores.
Price Range: Arabic Coffee Gift Packs in Cardamom/Saffron blends can cost you anywhere between AED 10- AED 80. Complete Qahwa sets and Dallah sets with coffee blends are priced upwards from AED 150-200.
10. Pashmina Shawls
A heritage symbol and considered significant culturally, Dubai offers you a great collection of pure and blended pashmina shawls and stoles. These vibrant, colorful and high quality pieces of fabric make for a great souvenir or gift. Available in exquisite designs and colors, and often featuring unique designs exclusive to the UAE – pashmina shawls showcase the rich heritage of the Arab Emirates and are considered a luxurious and thoughtful gift for any occasion. Arguably, pashmina shawls are one of the best things to buy in Dubai for people you hold really close to your heart.
Where to Buy Pashmina Shawls in Dubai: Textile Souk (Bur Dubai), Al Karama Shopping Complex, Kashmir Emporium, Dubai Mall are some reputed shops that sell both pure and blended Pashmina shawls and scarves.
Price Range: AED 200–600+.
11. Camel Milk Chocolates
What’s special in Dubai – camel milk, of course! Among Dubai’s most memorable edible souvenirs is camel milk chocolate – a luxurious, regionally unique delicacy that blends rich cocoa with nutrient-rich camel milk. Since camel milk is a prized ingredient in the Middle East, camel milk chocolates are considered exotic. Absolute delight for gifting to people and to stock up for yourself too once you are back home.
Considered a rich ingredient, and a slightly salty taste from its counterpart traditional milk, camel milk, when combined with chocolate, creates a creamier, lighter texture with a distinctive flavor profile. Many people love the flavor profile and simply cannot have enough of these exotic and distinctive chocolates.
Where to buy: Dubai Duty Free (DXB Airport), Al Nassma Kiosks (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates), Spinneys / Carrefour / Lulu, Souk Madinat / Global Village
Price Range: You can get chocolates from AED 10, while exquisite gift packs and exotic flavor profiles are priced more. Gift boxes start from AED 25 and make a very affordable souvenir from DXB.
LGST Tip: Chocolates are heat sensitive, ask for insulated packaging when buying camel chocolates as souvenirs.
12. Aladdin Lamps & Lanterns
Arabic folkstories have awed us all for centuries – the magicians, the flying carpets, the magical lamps, and the genies who’d give us all our wishes. So many of us (me included) grew up on the idea of finding Aladdin lamps and lanterns and just rubbing our troubles away! Well, when in Dubai, why not try the same?
A very beautiful way to live your childhood dream, and make someone else revisit these stories of fantasy animals and magic lands is to buy the traditionally inspired, with intricate engravings or Arabian motifs. Not all of them are functional, but they come straight from the Arab mystic lands to your home fulfilling the wish of owning an Aladdin lamp, for real. And indeed, a unique souvenir for anyone, if you ask me.
Where to buy: Al Karama Market has great and affordable options for gifting such as kids’ lamps, keychains and the like. For collectibles and premium handcrafted lanterns and lamps, check out Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Global Village or Dubai Mall.
Price Range: Small, decorative mini-brass lamps are priced around AED 10. You can get medium-sized engraved lamps from AED 30 onwards, and prices go up for large, premium lamps and the antiques’ collectible items.
13. Khanjars & Traditional Daggers
Once a deadly weapon, the modern day Khanjars represent strength, pride, heritage and masculinity – used more as a display of status symbols rather than a weapon. In Arabic culture, khanjars and traditional daggers were often worn at the waist and used for defense and war as and when necessary. Now adorned with beautiful Arab motifs and tribal symbols or Islamic patterns with ornate handles, they make for a great Arab gift due to its place as a revered cultural icon.
You would have found these hung on walls of most Arab buildings and offices, often signifying a traditional value. Miniature khanjars used as decorative pieces look striking when mounted on walls or in glass cases, and are actually a real Arab gift.
Where to buy: You will find interesting collections in Global Village and Deira Gold Souk. For high-end collectible khanjars, head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
Price Range: Brass and alloy daggers purposed as souvenirs and decorative mounts cost upward from AED 50, whereas silver, horn, leather, handcrafted khanjars can be bought in both mid-range budgets and premium collectors items that are priced heavy.
14. Hookahs (Shisha Pipes)
If there is one most-sought after souvenir from the Middle East Arabic countries, it has to be a hookah or the shisha pipes. You couldn’t have missed them in Dubai’s famous Hookah Bars! A statement piece reflecting the Middle Eastern hospitality and culture, you can get them for both functional or ornamental needs, depending on your personal preference. Honestly, they look very visually striking in Moroccan-style mosaic glass patterns and bright colors.
If you intend to use the hookah, make sure you check the parts and test them once before you buy. Ensure it’s airtight with functional hoses and a proper bowl. Ask if it includes charcoal tray, tongs, and grommets.
Where to buy: Spice Souk (Deira) and Karama Market are great options to scout for affordable, budget friendly hookahs in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Hop to Dubai Mall (Al Jaber Gallery) and Specialty Shisha shops for collectibles items.
Price Range: Decorative mini-hookahs that serve as basic souvenirs can cost around AED 40. If you want to take something functional with brass, glass, wood combinations, you will need to shell out around AED 450 and more.
LGST Pro Tip: Make sure to carefully get the glass parts of the hookah packed separately and learn how to assemble them to know how to use it back home. If you are tight on luggage, pack the glass base and stem separately.
15. Arabic Calligraphy Art
Deeply rooted in Islamic culture and revered across the Arab world, Arab Calligraphy is an art form that transforms Quranic verses, proverbs, or names into intricate visual compositions on paper, canvas and even digital prints. This expressive art form seamlessly blends spirituality, geometry, and design.
You can get your favorite verses and quotes in Arabic calligraphy, or can even opt for custom names that you can hang on walls or framed in glass. You can also choose wooden, metal or even silver plaques to calligraph your favorite lines. Affordable and diverse handmade items with beautiful quotes and messages can be a cultural souvenir for your loved ones.
Where to buy: Al Fahidi Historical District, Global Village, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, The Dubai Mall all have beautiful options on various media to choose from. You can also get Arabic Calligraphy trinkets printed digitally online.
Price Range: Calligraphy pieces with verses or Quran or popular Arabic words for home decor can cost from AED 30 and upwards- depending upon the design, medium and media.
5 Tips For Shopping In Dubai
- If you are planning a shop-vacation in Dubai, plan it around the dates of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The discounts run high and wide (upto 75%) and the varieties are crazy. Else, plan your shopping spree during the Ramadan Festival when again the best deals are on.
- When shopping in Karama Market, Spice Souk, Textile Souks, Global Village, Diera Souks etc, bargain and bargain hard. Start from 50% from the quoted price and work your way up.
- For authenticity, check for local artisans or brands supporting Emirati craftsmanship (especially for oud, dates, camel milk products, calligraphy, and khanjars). Don’t hesitate to ask for certificates of authenticity or test samples before buying
- Ensure you know about your country’s custom rules, tax rules, and other restrictions- such as how much gold can you buy, tobacco import or perfume oils. Keep your receipts to claim VAT refund on eligible purchases, depending on your country’s rules.
- Cash is king in local markets and helps you negotiate better. Use your cards and other digital modes of payments in branded boutiques or malls.
Dubai is more than luxury shopping malls and futuristic architecture—it’s a vibrant blend of tradition, culture, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re hunting for edible treasures like camel milk chocolate and dates, artisanal pieces like Arabic calligraphy and oud perfume, or iconic keepsakes like Aladdin lamps and khanjars, this city offers souvenirs that are both meaningful and memorable. We have made this exhaustive list of best things to buy in Dubai to ensure you do not feel overwhelmed with the choices.
So whether you’re bringing home a token of Arab hospitality or a decorative conversation piece, these souvenirs will remind you of Dubai’s magic long after your trip ends.
