What to buy in Dubai : Shopping Guide For Every Travelers

This city is famous for being a haven for customers. It even celebrates its love for shopping with an annual Dubai Shopping Festival. You will get everything from local markets to big malls that sell everything you can think about.

You can buy many different types of things like local souvenirs to luxury items, without paying any tax. This guide shows 20 of the best things to buy in Dubai and their prices which helps you get the most out of your shopping.

List of 20 Top Things to Buy in Dubai:

1. Arabian Perfume Oils and Incense

Dubai is popular for its scents. And Oudh is a special wood that is valued for its fragrance here. It’s used to make expensive oil or sold as small chips called Bakhoor. Such chips give a rich scent that fills in the air when burned.

• Pure Oudh oils can cost you about AED 1,000 to 40,000. And good Bakhoor chips are priced between AED 100 and 500 per pack.
• Consider buying Attar if Oudh seems too costly. It’s a pure perfume oil mixed with scents like rose or jasmine with prices starting from AED 90.
• You can buy such perfumes in local markets like the Perfume and Spice Souk or find great deals on french brands like Chanel or Gucci at Dubai Duty Free.

Tip: Always try the scent before paying for it and feel free to ask vendors for help. Only buy from trusted stores to ensure you get genuine products.

2. Pashmina Shawls

Such shawls are another great item to buy in Dubai which is famous for being elegant and comfortable. Pashmina shawls are made from a mix of fine goat hair called cashmere and some silk. This mix creates a shawl that is very soft and fancy. Dubai’s fabric markets sell these beautiful shawls in every color and pattern.

• A real Pashmina shawl is quite pricey and is sold at AED 250 or more.
• If that price is too high then you can choose shawls made from less expensive materials such as viscose or silk blends. They will still feel nice but will cost only about AED 30 to 50.
• You can visit the Textile Souk in Pashmina House or the Karama Market for shawls. Such places are great for bargaining to get better deals.

Tip: Always check the label or ask the seller about the shawl’s material as many fake Pashminas are sold. Good shops that sell real Pashminas give you a certificate to prove it’s real.

3. Persian Rugs and Carpets

Think about getting a Persian rug or carpet in Dubai if you want to take home an Arabian luxury home. Such carpets are made by hand and are famous for their unique designs and high quality. They are unique art and great gifts but are costly and heavy.

• Small rugs made by machine start selling at AED 400. But large Persian carpets made by hand can cost thousands. Its price depends on the material used and is a good investment that will last for years.
• You can find many carpet shops in Carpet Souk or at special stores like the Persian Carpet House. Even expensive malls like the Dubai Mall have places that sell carpets.
• Many stores will even arrange to ship it internationally for you if the rug is too large to carry.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to bargain as it can help you get a great deal. You can also ask the owners about how the carpets were made as they are happy to share such details.

4. Arabic Coffee and Coffee Pots

Any coffee lover should buy some Arabic coffee and a traditional coffee pot before leaving Dubai. Gahwa is roasted lightly and served unsweetened with dates. It has a unique and fresh taste that is important for the Middle Eastern welcoming culture.

• You can purchase the Arabic coffee powder or whole beans to brew yourself at home. Expect to pay about AED 100 to 150 per kilo for premium Arabic coffee.
• Look for a Dallah coffee pot with a long spout that is made of brass or copper. Simple ones start at AED 20 to 30. But large or fancy pots cost AED 100 or more.
• You can get Arabic coffee in supermarkets or the Spice Souk and you can find Dallah pots in market shops or tourist stores. It allows you to share Dubai’s coffee culture at home.

Tip: Buy a brewing Dallah if you want to brew coffee. It’s because these pots are great for decoration.

5. Camel Milk Chocolate

It’s a very unique sweet you can get in Dubai. This chocolate is special as it uses camel’s milk, which gives it a very special and creamy taste. Al Nassma is the only company that makes this treat.

• This chocolate is sold in multiple flavors, such as dark chocolate or macadamia. Their most popular chocolates are shaped like small camels, which makes them a perfect souvenir.
• Single bars or small camel shapes cost about AED 40 to AED 60, with gift boxes starting from AED 100 to AED 150+. Its unique flavor and novelty make this chocolate worth the price.
• You can find the Al Nassma kiosks in large locations like the Dubai Mall or at Dubai Duty Free.

Tip: Buy gift boxes for this chocolate at Dubai Duty Free when leaving. Doing this will make packing easy.

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6. Arabian Dates and Dry Fruits

Dates from Dubai are famous and make a wonderful gift that you can eat. Dates have been a key food in the Middle East for hundreds of years. They taste like caramel and are healthy since they are packed with vitamins.

• You will see a huge variety of dates like Medjool and Ajwa, each with a different taste. You can eat them plain or cover them in chocolate.
• Good quality dates cost around AED 30 to 50 per kilo. Expect to pay about AED 150 to 250 per kilo if you choose the very best quality dates or ones in a special gift box.
• Dates Souk at Deira’s Waterfront Market is the best spot to buy dates. You can also try shops like Bateel for luxury options. The best places for nuts are also the Spice Souk and the shops in Meena Bazaar.

Tip: You can try samples before choosing which dates to buy. Choose sealed boxes to keep them fresh if you are taking dates with you on a plane.

7. Gold and Diamond Jewelry

Dubai is ideal for jewelry shopping. Gold here is known for its high purity and is cheaper due to low taxes. You can also find beautiful diamond pieces at great deals which makes it a perfect spot for quality mementos.

• Gold’s price changes daily. But Dubai’s prices are around AED 110 per gram for 24K. Always bargain for the making charge at local markets. Dubai is also a great place to find deals on beautiful diamond jewelry.
• Visit the famous Dubai Gold Souk in Deira with over 300 dazzling shops. Or try modern places like Gold and Diamond Park or other reliable places in the city.
• The Dubai government ensures that all gold is stamped and certified. This guarantees its purity and its weight so you can be sure of the quality.

Tip: Always find the current price of gold before shopping. Knowing this helps you judge if the seller is charging you fairly.

8. Dubai Spices and Saffron

Visiting the Spice Souk in old Dubai will bring the taste of Arabia home. It looks and smells incredible with baskets full of brightly colored spices. It’s the perfect place to buy tasty treats at an affordable price.

• You can buy saffron with cinnamon and spice mixes as they make great and affordable souvenirs.
• Common spices cost about AED 10 to 25 for a small package. Saffron is expensive. But it’s a much better deal here which costs around AED 15 to 30 per gram.
• The Spice Souk in Deira is the best place to go. But just remember to bargain or negotiate the price. You can also buy these spices at grocery stores.

Tip: Make sure the spices smell fresh. And check your country’s customs rules before you bring them home.

9. Middle Eastern Sweets

If you love sweets, then Dubai has many tasty Middle Eastern treats perfect for taking home. The most famous sweet is Baklava which is a dessert made from layers of pastry with nuts inside soaked in a sweet honey syrup.

• Try other popular sweets like Ma’amoul and Halva. Such desserts use lots of nuts and dates to provide the best experience.
• A regular box of about half a kilo to one kilo costs around AED 40 to 60. If you want a fancy gift box, then be prepared to pay AED 100 or more.
• Visit popular shops like Al Samadi Sweets or Hafiz Mustafa. You can also find sweets that are already packaged in local bakeries and supermarkets.

Tip: Use sealed boxes for travel. You can find them in many local bakeries and supermarkets.

10. Exotic Teas and Tea Sets

Tea lovers will find special tea blends in Dubai. Be sure to look for saffron tea which is a rich black tea mixed with saffron that gives it a special taste. Other popular choices are Arabic mint tea or blends that include rose petals or cardamom.

• Small tins of regular tea cost about AED 20 to 50. But the better quality saffron tea costs more, around AED 70 to 100.
• You might also like to buy a charming Arabic tea set, which includes a teapot and beautiful glass cups. Simple sets start at AED 50 to 100. But if you want better sets, then you must pay AED 200 or more.
• You can find teas at the Spice Souk and at specific shops. Visit the Karama Souk or local home décor shops for tea sets.

Tip: Many shops let you try sample tea before you buy it.

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11. Electronic Gadgets

Dubai is famous for modern electronics shopping and not just traditional goods. Many electronic items here are cheaper than in Europe or South Asia due to great prices and tax savings. Tourists often buy the newest phones and tablets.

• Prices are different for every item, but you can save money. A new smartphone for example may cost 10 to 20% less than it would in some Western countries.
• Visit large stores like Sharaf DG or Jumbo Electronics. You can also check Dubai Duty Free for tax-free buys.
• Dubai’s market sells genuine products. So you don’t have to worry about buying fake items when shopping at big stores.

Tip: Compare prices to your home country. And check the international warranty for expensive items. Also make sure that the device will work properly where you live.

12. Shisha Pipes

Consider buying a shisha pipe if you want a memento of Middle Eastern culture or a unique decoration. These hookah pipes are used for a popular social activity and are beautifully designed.

• Basic pipes cost about AED 50 to AED 100. But be prepared to pay AED 300 to AED 400.
• If you plan to use this pipe then the flavored tobacco called mu’assel costs around AED 20 to AED 40 per box. Apple and mint are popular flavors.
• You can find such pipes in big supermarkets and special Smokers’ Centre shops. Or you can visit the Old Souks in Deira, where you can bargain for better deals.

Tip: Confirm that all the pieces are there and nothing is broken when buying the pipe. But if you just want it for decoration, then you can keep it as a memento that reminds you of your trip.

13. Arabic Lanterns and Aladdin Lamps

Such lanterns are beautiful and made of metal with colorful glass or detailed designs. They make beautiful patterns of light and shadow when lit. This gives any room a warm and Arabian feel.

• Small and simple lanterns start at about AED 30 to 50. In comparison, the bigger and fancy ones can cost around AED 300 to AED 500.
• However, a good decorative Aladdin lamp, on the other hand, starts at about AED 60 or more.
• You can buy them in Karama Souk or Dragon Mart for good prices. You will also find Aladdin lamps in many gift shops near tourist spots.

Tip: Such items break easily so you must pack them well. A lantern or genie lamp will be a magical reminder of your trip.

14. Traditional Clothing

Think about buying some local dresses if you want a memento you can wear that shows Dubai’s culture. Abaya is an elegant black cloak that many Emirati women wear.

Modern abayas come with beautiful embroidery and colorful patterns.

• Women also wear colorful gowns called kaftans and jalabiyas for special events. And the traditional clothing for men is the kandura which is a long white shirt or tunic.
• A simple kandura costs about AED 100 to AED 150. Whereas the basic abayas and kaftans cost AED 100 to AED 200. But fancy designer pieces on the other hand can cost AED 500 or more.
• Check the textile areas in Satwa or the shops in Meena Bazaar. You can also find abayas near Gold Souk.

Tip: Make sure the fabric of your dress suits your weather. And it’s fun to try them on even if you don’t buy.

15. Arabian Sandals and Shoes

Think about buying Arabic sandals or shoes for an authentic look. Many men in Dubai wear strong leather sandals every day as they are comfortable in hot weather. Such sandals generally come in black or brown colors.

• Women should look for colorful slippers decorated with beads or sequins. Such unique shoes will be a fun reminder of your trip.
• Premium men’s leather sandals cost about AED 200 to 400. But you can find simple ones for around AED 100. And women’s decorative slippers cost AED 50 to 150.
• Check out Souk Al Marfa or the traditional markets in Deira and Bur Dubai for great deals.

Tip: Know your size beforehand and always try footwears on to make sure they are comfortable.

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16. Khanjar

Consider buying this Arabian dagger for a truly unique item that looks special. Such daggers are a symbol of courage and history in some Gulf countries. They have a curved blade and a fancy handle often decorated with silver patterns or stones.

• Khangars are sold as beautiful decorations for walls or shelves in Dubai.
• A simple and decorative khanjar costs about AED 100 to 150. Whereas more detailed ones with fancy designs can cost several hundred dirhams.
• You can buy them at the Heritage Village or at souvenir stalls in old markets.

Tip: You must pack this in your checked luggage because it’s seen as a weapon. And check your home country’s laws before taking back the dagger.

17. Luxury Products

Malls in Dubai have many luxury brands. You can often find things cheaper here than other places because the shopping is tax-free and they offer regular discounts. It’s a great place to buy designer handbags or sunglasses. People save money on brands like Michael Kors and Rolex here.

• Look for sales during the Dubai Shopping Festival for extra discounts on products.
• Prices differ widely. A premium handbag, for example,e may cost you between AED 1,000 and 1,200 at Dubai Duty Free. While a standard watch could cost AED 800 to 2,000.
• Shop at the big places like the Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates. Here you will find official brand stores. And be sure to check the Dubai Duty Free shop at the airport.

Tip: Keep your passport handy to claim the VAT refund on your purchases. And make sure to get an authenticity certificate and an international warranty for expensive items.

18. Alcohol and Cigarettes

Tourists can get great deals on alcohol and tobacco at Dubai’s duty free shops. It helps you save more when compared to other countries. But the airport’s duty free store is the only place to buy bottles as alcohol is heavily taxed in Dubai.

• Drinks like premium whisky cost about AED 285, and tobacco like a carton of 200 cigarettes costs AED 120 to 130. These prices are much cheaper than in other places.
• The Dubai airport duty-free is the main place to shop as buying alcohol within the city is difficult for travelers.
• Check your country’s customs limits for the amount of alcohol and cigarettes you bring back.

Tip: You can buy things duty-free right when you arrive in Dubai. Just ensure to put any liquid bought in your checked luggage if you have a connecting flight.

19. Handmade Gifts

Dubai offers multiple craftworks that show its culture for handicraft lovers. You can find beautiful items like pottery and wooden carvings. Such handicrafts come from across the Middle East and show the artist’s skills and heritage.

• Small handmade items like coasters cost around AED 20 to 50. Larger items like vases or carvings on the other hand can cost AED 200 to 300 or even more.
• Visit the old Al Bastakiya neighborhood or the Textile Souk for such products.
• Look for a label or card that proves the item is genuine. You are supporting local artists when buying such items. They make great decorations for your home.

Tip: Bargaining is expected in markets like souks. So make sure to negotiate their prices for the best deals.

20. Arabic Calligraphy Art

Arabic calligraphy is more than just writing. It’s a beautiful art where words like names or poems are made into beautiful designs. Such designs are made on things like canvases and jewelry. And it’s great for thoughtful and personalized gifts.

• You can find this art on different things like wall decorations and statues. This artwork comes in different styles, from simple black ink to bright and modern colors.
• Each price is different. A small print costs about AED 50 to 100. But real and original artwork can cost thousands. You can also pay a street artist less than AED 100 to write your name.
• You can find it in places like the Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar. You can also find this beautiful art in the old Al Fahidi area, where you might even see artists making it live.

Tip: Ask the artist to write your name or a quote to make it unique.

Conclusion

Dubai offers an excellent mix of cultural souks and modern luxury. Our list covers everything from gold to sweets which you can buy there. You can find great items for any budget whether you bargain in markets or find deals at Dubai Duty Free.

Remember to check for quality to ensure the items are real and will last long. Taking home a souvenir from Dubai makes your trip truly memorable. Enjoy a memorable experience and happy shopping.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best thing to buy in Dubai?

Items like gold and electronics are the best things to buy due to their high quality and better prices when compared to other countries.

Q2. Are Dubai Duty-Free prices cheaper than city prices?

Yes. Especially for perfumes and dates. But you will find gold and local goods for a better price in the city’s local markets called souks.

Q3. Which souks are a must-visit for shopping?

The Gold and Spice Souk are places you must visit as they offer genuine products at great prices. Plus, they provide a real taste of traditional Dubai shopping.

Q4. What should Indian tourists buy in Dubai?

You will find better deals on products like nuts and chocolates compared to prices in other countries.

Q5. Is bargaining allowed in Dubai?

Yes. You can bargain for prices in markets like souks. But you cannot bargain in major malls or official brand stores.

Q6. What gifts are best to bring back from Dubai?

Choose camel milk chocolates, Arabic perfumes, dates, baklava, pashminas, and lanterns for gifts to bring back from your trip.

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