What to Buy in Dubai - 22 Best Things to Buy in Dubai

Did you know the biggest festival in Dubai is the Dubai Shopping Festival? This gives you a clear glimpse of how much the Emirate loves to shop. So the bottomless sightseeing list isn't the only thing impressive in Dubai. 

A shopping haven for everyone, you cannot visit Dubai and come back empty-handed. With its many shopping malls and souks, there is something available for every tourist. But with so many options, people tend to miss some of the must-buy items. So if you're wondering what to buy in Dubai, we have prepared a list of 16 products that Dubai is famous for.   

Here is a list of the best things to buy in Dubai:

1. Gold and Diamond Jewellery

It would be unfair to visit the “City of Gold” and not indulge in a little bit of gold shopping. There is no better place than Dubai to purchase those gold necklaces or bracelets. The prices of jewelry here are relatively lower than in many other cities due to their tax policies. Apart from gold ornaments, you can also buy diamond and platinum jewelry at reasonable costs. Though the prices are low, a little bargaining can get you a good deal for your purchase.

Average price: AED 110 per gram
Where to buy: Dubai Gold Souk, Gold and Diamond Park, Joyalukkas outlets, jewellery stores, etc.
Tips:
Bargain: Haggling is a common practice, so negotiate the price to get the best deal.
Verify Quality: Ensure you're buying from reputable sellers and verify the purity and authenticity of the gold and diamonds.

2. Oudh and Bakhoor

If you are a fan of the distinct aroma found in the streets of Dubai and want to bring home the same fragrance, Oudh or Bakhoor is your answer. Made from the wood of the Southeast Asian agar tree, Agarwood Oudh is an expensive fragrance oil that is one of the unique things to buy in Dubai. It comes in different forms, such as pure oil, mixed oil, floral oils, or perfume fragrances. Bakhoor refers to the chips of the agarwood that are burnt to produce an equally pleasant aroma. An excellent alternative to room fresheners, candles, and incense, both Oudh and Bakhoor are highly demanded items.

Average price:
Oudh- AED 1000 - AED 40,000 
Bakhoor- AED 100 - AED 500 
Where to buy: Perfume Souk in Deira, Spice Souk, and perfume shops in malls.
Tips:
Sample First: Try different varieties and grades to find your preferred fragrance.
Authenticity: Purchase from reputable retailers to ensure the product's authenticity.

3. Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina is no stranger to Middle Eastern residents. Made from the hair of goats and blended with silk, it is a beautiful but slightly expensive thing to buy in Dubai. With numerous fakes in the market these days, it is incredibly crucial to make sure you purchase the authentic stuff and pay the right price for what you are buying. An actual test for a real pashmina shawl is if it can pass through a ring. If this is a little over your budget, you can always opt for the alternate viscose or silk versions.

Average price:
Real Pashmina shawls- from AED 250 
Viscose Shawls- AED 30 
Where to buy: Pashmina House, Textile Souk, and Karama Market. You can also visit carpet shops in souks or specialized carpet stores across Dubai.
Tips:
Authenticity: Look for certificates of authenticity and purchase from reputable dealers.
Bargain: Negotiate the price; bargaining is customary.

4. Persian Rugs and Carpets

There is absolutely no doubt regarding the beauty of Persian rugs and carpets when wondering what to buy in Dubai. Slightly on the expensive side and bulkier to carry, these carpets are quite an exquisite artifact to adorn your home’s floors. Hand-made rugs are costlier than machine-made ones, but they are worth spending the money on. The stores in Dubai offer you the option of customizing your carpet if you don’t prefer an available one. They come in different sizes, and their prices vary accordingly. The quality, material, and amount of work performed on them also affect their rates.

Average price: AED 400 and above
Where to buy: National Iranian Carpets, Souk Madinat Jumeirah; Persian Carpet House, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Mirdiff City Centre and Souk al Bahar; Bur Dubai Souk

5. Arabian Coffee and Coffee Pots

Coffee lovers will find some unusual delight in this bitter yet refreshing taste of Arabian coffee, and hence, if you are a coffee addict, this is one of the best things to buy in Dubai. Often accompanying some sweet treat to balance out the flavors, the coffee here is known for its strong taste. It is quite a souvenir to take back home, along with coffee pots, locally known as “dallah”. Designed in traditional Arabic styles, these pots are usually made of copper and are suitable for everyday use. Some are rimmed with gold and silver and fall under a more expensive category. They can be used for decorative purposes as well.

Average price:
Coffee- AED 125 per kilo
Coffee pot- AED 20 and above
Where to buy: Dubai Coffee Museum, Dubai Souks and major supermarkets for pre-packed coffee.
Tips:
Buy Fresh Coffee: Purchase freshly ground Arabian coffee for the best flavor.
Authentic Dallah: If buying a dallah, choose from various sizes and designs; some are purely decorative.

6. Arabic Attars

These perfume oils, locally known as Arabic Attars, are widely famous for their aromatic fragrance. Prepared from plant sources, these alcohol-free oils come in various scents and sizes and are used by both men and women in Dubai. The vendors can help you choose from the vast array of Attar options and can even prepare a special one by mixing and blending different scents. If you're looking for a traditional souvenir to take back home, this is one of the best things to buy in Dubai. 

Average price: from AED 90 
Where to buy: Perfume Souk in Deira, Perfume shops in malls and the airport.
Tips:
Test Before Buying: Attars have different scents; try a few before deciding on one.
Authenticity: Choose reputed stores to ensure the attar is pure and high quality.

7. Electronic Items

Though not a speciality of Dubai, the electronic items available in Dubai stores are relatively cheaper than many markets. From smartphones, tablets, laptops, LED TVs, cameras, etc., everything appears to be more affordable. However, it is best to compare the prices with what you get in your home country to get an actual benefit out of the purchase. This might not be the most traditional thing that comes to mind when you think of what to buy in Dubai, but if found a good deal, this could be the most value-for-money product you take back home. 

Where to buy: Al-Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai area, Sharaf DG store or other electronics store in malls.
Tips:
Check Warranty: Ensure electronic items have a valid warranty and are compatible with your region's power supply.

8. Camel Milk Chocolate

A delicacy of Dubai and also a must-have thing to buy in Dubai, camel milk products are quite famous for their enticing taste. Camel milk chocolates are so rare that they are produced by one company only- Al Nassma. Their chocolate bars come in five varieties- whole milk, 70% cocoa, dates, macadamia, and spiced. The most recommended ones are the chocolates shaped like camels.

Average price: AED 44 - AED 165  
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.
Tips:
Variety: Explore different flavors, including plain camel milk chocolate or those with nuts and spices.

9. Arabian Dates

Dried fruits are standard snack options for people in Dubai. The excellent quality of the dates produced here makes them a favorite among tourists as well. Eaten raw, used in desserts, served with coffee, used to make non-alcoholic beverages, gifted during Ramadan, they seem to have never-ending uses. Aside from their commercial benefits, dates are also considered rich sources of nutrients like magnesium, calcium, copper, etc. You will find a wide assortment of Dates in Dubai. Taste, and pick the ones that best suit you. This little power snack is the best thing to buy in Dubai if you have a long day of sightseeing. 

Average price: dates per kilo- AED 35 - AED 250
Where to buy: Dates Souk at Deira Food Market, supermarkets, Bateel outlets at-Burjuman Centre, Dubai City Centre, Dubai Marina Mall, Festival City, The Avenues Atlantis, Old Town, The Walk JBR, Dubai Mall, Al Naeem Mall, Ras Al Khaimah, Town Centre Jumeirah.
Tips:
Freshness: Choose dates that are plump, unbruised, and have a glossy appearance for freshness.

10. Dubai Spices

The perfect way to bring the feeling of Dubai back home is to buy the local spices. Full of flavor, these spices are sold in markets at reasonable prices. They are known for having the magical ability to transform the dish from bland to mouth-watering. If you love cooking or want to gift it to someone who does, these spices make the ideal gift option.

Average price: AED 10 - AED 25 per pack
Where to buy: Spice Souk, Supermarkets
Tips:
Quality: Purchase from reputable vendors to ensure you're getting genuine and high-quality spices.

11. Hookah Pipe

Hookah pipes are found everywhere around the globe. But nothing cuts it as well as the authentic Arabic ones. Take home a bit of tradition when you make your list of things to buy in Dubai. Shisha smoking is popular in Arabian culture. Even if you don’t want to indulge in the actual process of the activity, you can buy a hookah pipe and use it as a decorative piece at your home. These beautifully designed pipes come in different sizes and shapes. Some come with two pipes, but most of them have a long hose.

Average price: AED 50 - AED 370 
Where to buy: Smokers’ Centre outlets, Carrefour Hypermarket, Dubai Souks. You can also find them in specialized hookah shops or markets like Naif Souk.
Tips:
Material and Size: Consider the material (stainless steel, glass, etc.) and size based on your preferences.

12. Arabic Lanterns

Just like how we saw it in the Aladdin movies, Arabic lanterns are the perfect addition to any decor. Want to take something home that will amp up your house? A lantern is one of the best things to buy in Dubai. A common decor item in Emirati homes, lanterns make perfect souvenirs if transported safely. Made of copper and tin with filigree work, they have intricate patterns that add on to their beauty. They can be placed on a table or hung up. Cheaper versions of these lanterns are made up of aluminum and glass.

Average price: AED 30 - AED 500
Where to buy: F-Zone at the Dragon Mart, Homes R Us and Karama Souk. Look for them in souks, specialized lighting stores, or home decor shops.
Tips:
Design and Size: Choose a design and size that complements your home decor and fits the intended space.

13. Lamps

Average price: from AED 60 (approximately)
Where to buy: Karama Souk

14. Incense Holders

Apart from some enticing incense fragrances, Dubai has some fantastic incense holders to offer for shoppers. Containing frankincense or myrrh, they impart a rich and aromatic fragrance. They are widely used in wedding ceremonies and religious celebrations.

Average price: starting from AED 15 
Where to buy: Find them in souks, home decor stores, or specialized incense shops.
Tips:
Material and Design: Consider the material (metal, ceramic, etc.) and design that suits your preference.

15. Traditional Arab Shoes

Dresses and footwear of any culture are excellent souvenir options to take back home. Conventional Arab shoes are differently designed for both men and women. Men’s shoes usually include thread work, while women’s shoes are enhanced with beads and baubles. Arab shoes are the perfect things to buy in Dubai if you want a quirky addition to your outfit. 

Average price: AED 50 - AED 100 
Where to buy: The Cloth Souk, Al-Karama, and the Old Souk. 
Tips:
Size and Comfort: Ensure you select the right size for a comfortable fit, as traditional shoes may have a unique sizing.

16. Arabian Daggers

Part of the traditional Emirati outfit for men, these khanjars can look pretty magnificent on the walls of your home. Primarily made of wood these days, the blades gently curve at the tip, and the handle is decorated with markings. The more ornate ones come with marble or silver handles.

Average price: from AED 100 
Where to buy: Yemen Pavilion at the Global Village and Mutrah Souq. You can also find them in souks or antique shops that sell traditional items.
Tips:
Authenticity: Verify the authenticity and quality of the dagger before purchase.

17. Precious and Semi-Precious Stones

Dubai has a market for high-quality diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and a variety of semi-precious stones. You may choose to buy loose stones or even in jewelry.

Average price: Depends on the quality
Where to buy: Visit reputable jewelry shops or gemstone dealers in the Gold Souk or malls.
Tips:
Certification: Request certification for the stone's authenticity, especially for valuable gemstones.

18. Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, then don't forget to try some delicious Middle Eastern sweets like Baklava, Khabees, Maamoul, and Batheeth. Most of these can stay up till long so you can carry them home.

Average price: AED 50
Where to buy: Alreef Lebanese Bakery, Al Baba Sweets, The Hummingbird Bakery. Explore sweet shops in souks or specialty dessert stores.
Tips:
Packaging: Choose gift-packaged sweets for a lovely presentation.

19. Local Sandals

You may also choose to invest in a pair of comfortable Arabic-style sandals and slippers. You will find a variety to choose from.

Average price: AED 400 onwards
Where to buy: Naal Souk, Farada, Antonio. Find them in traditional markets, souks, or dedicated shoe stores.
Tips:
Comfort: Try them on to ensure a comfortable fit and choose a design that appeals to you.

20. Exotic Tea Blends

Dubai offers an array of exotic tea blends that fuse traditional flavors with a touch of luxury. Saffron-infused teas, for example, combine the delicate aroma and taste of saffron with tea leaves, creating a unique and luxurious drinking experience. Rose-flavored teas, on the other hand, infuse the fragrant essence of roses, imparting a floral and refreshing taste to the tea.

Where to Buy: Exotic tea blends can be found in specialized tea shops, spice souks, or markets dedicated to traditional and gourmet products.
Tips:
Sampling: Before purchasing, ask to sample the teas to understand their flavors and choose the ones that appeal to your taste buds.
Packaging: Consider purchasing these teas in beautiful and airtight packaging to retain their freshness and aroma.

21. Handmade Crafts

Handmade crafts in Dubai showcase the region's rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship. You can find a diverse range of items, such as intricately designed pottery, woven baskets, wooden carvings, and more. Each piece reflects the artistry and cultural heritage of the Middle East.

Where to Buy: Explore traditional markets like the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, the Global Village, or specialized craft stores in shopping malls.
Tips:
Authenticity: Look for the artist's signature or authenticity certificates to ensure you're purchasing a genuine handmade piece.
Materials and Techniques: Inquire about the materials used and the techniques involved in creating the craft to appreciate its artistry fully.

22. Arabic Calligraphy Art

Arabic calligraphy is a prominent form of artistic expression in the Middle East, with each stroke and curve of the Arabic letters conveying a deep meaning. Arabic calligraphy art can range from traditional scripts to contemporary styles, often depicting verses from the Quran or poetry.

Where to Buy: You can find Arabic calligraphy art in art galleries, specialized calligraphy stores, or at cultural events and exhibitions.
Tips:
Styles and Artists: Explore various calligraphy styles like Diwani, Naskh, or Thuluth and familiarize yourself with renowned calligraphy artists to identify your preferences.
Customization: Consider getting a piece customized with your favorite quote or a special message for a truly personal and unique souvenir.

Shopping for these items in Dubai not only allows you to bring back pieces of the city's culture and creativity but also provides an opportunity to connect with the rich artistic heritage of the region. Each item tells a story and adds a touch of the Middle East's unique charm to your collection.