Best Souvenirs of Dubai: What to Bring from Your Trip

Experience the delightful sweetness of juicy dates, the shimmering beauty of gold and mosaic lanterns, the enticing scent of spices and oud, and unbeatable discounts—Dubai’s shopping scene is bound to enchant any visitor.

Explore our detailed guide to souvenirs of Dubai to learn how to plan your shopping budget, find the best deals, and gain insider advice on finding unique mementos and the top places to buy them.

Top Picks: Must-Have Dubai Souvenirs

Arabian Spices

A long time ago, spices were more valuable than gold. The appreciation of seasonings endures despite the lapse of time since a small amount of grains can significantly change the taste of a meal.

One meal may tell you more about a people than a thousand legends, and the famed Spice Souk is a perfect example of Arab culture. The lively market is always crowded with shoppers, bargainers, and vendors praising the qualities of their wares.

Here are cloves, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, different peppers, dried barberries, orchid roots, rose buds, black lemons, anardan, and rare saffron, among many more spices.

A spice combination that comes highly suggested is bezar seasoning, which consists of cinnamon, dill, turmeric, chili, coriander, and fenugreek. The flavors of meat, fish, chicken, turkey, and roasted vegetables can all be enhanced with this versatile seasoning.

Try Carrefour or Lulu for more reasonably priced spices. An extensive range of well-known and distinctive spices are available at consistently reasonable costs from the well-known Indian/Desi supermarket chain Lulu. It’s easy to load up on spices for 45 AED, so you can make sure your backpack is full of tasty selections.

• Average Price: depends on the chosen spice, 45-100 AED for the gift set.
• Where to Buy: Spice Souk, Dubai Textile Souk, Meena Bazaar, Al Seef Heritage Souk/ Carrefour or Lulu.
• Tips: It’s wise to research prices at supermarkets before making any purchases, and remember that bargaining is often needed at traditional souks because traders may enormously raise their prices. Additionally, since not all establishments accept cashless payments, keep cash dirhams on hand. To guarantee that products maintain their peak freshness and aroma, purchase them only before leaving the country for the best outcomes. Use securely sealed bags and keep spices dry in a cardboard box or other similar container before moving them into airtight storage containers. Think of gift packages as well, as they typically come wrapped well from the very start.

Dates

The United Arab Emirates is well-known for cultivating the best dates in the world, which are prized for their unique and subtle flavor. This fruit, which is sold in exquisitely designed souvenir boxes and a range of confections, is a key national symbol.

There are about 150 different types of date palms grown in this country, and local vendors sell a wide range of dates, including sun-dried, dried, stuffed, and glazed varieties. The Emirates are home to several notable date types, including Khenaizi, Sheesh, Khalas, Barhi, Dabbas, Lulu, and Fard.

Apart from dates, souks, and malls also sell a variety of date-based goods such as date cookies, date syrup, chocolate-covered dates, and fruits in different syrups. Date paste, and date confections with almond, honey, and pistachio fillings are among the additional offerings. A couple of the most well-known date brands are “The Date Room” and “Al Barakah Dates”, which are highlighted by their beautifully designed packaging.

• Average Price: 30-300 AED/kg.
• Where to Buy: Traditional souks such as Spice Souk, Souk Al Bahar, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, or Dubai Mall (Bateel) or Spinneys, Almaya, Lulu, etc.
• Tips: If you are going to the souk, you can try different before buying. Cheaper dates usually come from Egypt or Tunisia and are smaller and not as tasty. On the other hand, the best dates, like Majdul, are big and really delicious. If you like sweet things, you should try Lulu dates because they taste like chocolate Nutella. Sukri dates are also a good choice – they’re light in color, very soft, and really sweet.

Camel Products

First-time visitors to the UAE are often surprised to see camel milk being sold in stores. It’s a popular product in the Emirates, where locals drink it as it is or use it to make yogurt, cheese, chocolate, and other items.

Camel milk has more fat and less cholesterol than cow’s milk. It’s also rich in iron, vitamin C, fatty acids, vitamin B, and important minerals like sodium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Because of its nutritional value, camel milk is highly valued in the region.

In local stores, camel milk costs about 16 dirhams per liter. Al Ain and Camelicious brands are known for their high-quality camel milk products.

However, if you want to take camel milk home, keep in mind that it’s perishable, and finding pasteurized milk may be difficult. Instead, consider getting products like camel milk chocolate or camel milk powder that are easier to transport as souvenirs. 

Chocolate

One of the top companies making and selling this unique chocolate is Al Nassma, which was founded in Dubai in late 2008. It took them four years to develop this special natural product, which doesn’t have any preservatives or artificial colors.

Al Nassma’s chocolate has a slightly salty taste, giving it an extra layer of complexity and flavor.

They offer a variety of chocolates infused with traditional oriental sweets like dates, honey, and nuts, as well as herbs and spices. The chocolate comes in three types – bar, candy, or camel-shaped, and is available in dark or milk chocolate.

• Average Price: 50-100 AED/70 gm.
• Where to Buy: Spinneys, Dubai Duty-Free, Dubai Mall, ‘At the Top’, Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Bab Al Shams Hotel, Emirates Towers Hotel, Atlantis, The Palm, Kempinski, Grand Hyatt and Anantara Hotels & Resorts.
• Tips: Too busy to hunt for a chocolate souvenir? Explore duty-free locations for less expensive camel chocolate packages.

If you want to try the viral “Dubai Chocolate” by FIX, explore the places where you can buy it.

Camel Milk Powder

The most convenient way to transport unique camel milk is in the form of whole milk powder. It might not taste as good as fresh milk, but at least there’s no need to worry about it going sour on the way home. Choose respectable brands like Al Ain and Camelicious when looking for camel milk powder; these products are readily available in supermarkets, health food stores, and local shops all around the United Arab Emirates.

Camel milk powder’s packaging options are various: sachets that are convenient to add to coffee or other drinks; boxes that include 12 or 24 sachets; and bigger 500-gram boxes. Even though the larger 500-gram box can cost between 230 and 250 AED, buying a box of sachets instead, which usually costs between 60 and 80 AED for eight pieces of 20 gm, might be a more economical option.

• Average Price: 60-250 AED.
• Where to Buy: convenient local stores and supermarkets.
• Tips: Are you searching for new ways to use powder in your recipes? You’re in luck! Whether you’re making smoothies, coffee, or tea, baking (like muffins, pancakes, and cakes), or DIY energy bars, there are so many ways to get creative and enjoy the rewards!

Meat

Similar to camel milk, camel meat is available in some supermarkets, although it is less commonly found there. To source fresh camel meat, consider visiting meat stalls or exploring online options, where you may find bargains starting from 80 AED for a stew with a bone.

Check the laws governing the import of meat products before thinking about bringing camel meat into the country where you live. Products made from camel meat often require to be stored in their original packaging. Fresh meat poses a serious risk of being confiscated, thus if you intend to carry camel meat, it’s best to go with canned or dried alternatives in their original packaging.

• Average Price: 18-50 AED/1 kg.
• Where to Buy: convenient local stores and supermarkets.
• Tips: Would you like to try camel meat without having the hassle of bringing it home? The Local House Restaurant serves camel biryani for 45 AED and a camel burger for 42 AED that comes with fries.

Sweets

Arab confectioners take great pride in using only natural ingredients like honey, nuts, dried fruits, spices, and cereals to craft their delicious sweets.

When browsing the shelves of shops in Dubai, you’ll discover a wide variety of baklava, maamoul, kunafa, sherbet, nougat, halva, and Turkish delight, offering plenty of options to satisfy your sweet cravings. You can also find beautifully designed sets, each containing a delightful assortment of flavors.

For those interested in trying uncommon delicacies, not typically found in European confectionery, you might want to consider sampling luqaimat, a fried donut coated with honey and sesame seeds, or basbousa, a delicate semolina casserole enriched with syrup, nuts, and seeds.

• Average Price: 50-400 AED.
• Where to Buy: Spinneys/ Choitrams, Dubai Duty-Free, Spice Souk, Al Seef Heritage Souk, Global Village, Wafi Gourmet, and other convenient local stores and supermarkets.
• Tips: You might want to sample some different desserts at a restaurant before buying them. That way, you can make sure the sweetness is just right for you before you decide what to get. You can check out places like Al Hallab Restaurant & Sweets, Bosporus, Sukka, SIKKA Cafe, Barsboussa, and ILA Restaurant for your dessert tasting and shopping.

Dried Fruits and Nuts

With so many options available in traditional souks and supermarkets, Dubai is a haven for fruit and nut delicacies lovers. The variety includes unusual fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and mango in addition to the traditional dried dates, figs, apricots, and various nuts and seeds. Blends with nuts and dried fruits that include walnuts, cashews, raisins, and almonds are also in high demand.

• Average Price: mix nuts from 25 AED/500 gm.
• Where to Buy: Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Choc & Nuts, supermarkets.
• Tips: Seek for saffron-infused treats for a truly memorable culinary experience. Saffron adds a delightful aromatic quality to the medleys, enhancing their overall flavor profile.

What to pack for your Dubai trip? Learn here.

Coffee

A vast array of coffee beans, each with a distinct roast and flavor, may be found at the souks. While the varied options of the scented coffee paradise can entice you, it’s fascinating to know that Arabs love their coffee produced from milky green beans that have been gently roasted. They typically drink it without sugar and with cardamom to enhance the flavor. In case you’re fond of flavored coffee, you can think about getting a packet of cardamom-infused coffee for yourself or as a kind present for others.

• Average Price: 35-50 AED/1 kg.
• Where to Buy: Spice Souk, Al Seef Heritage Souk, Coffee Museum, supermarkets.
• Tips: Coffee enthusiasts can learn about the evolution of coffee culture and history from the Coffee Museum in Dubai. The museum provides a range of instruments and items related to coffee, enabling visitors to have a deeper understanding of the rise of this popular beverage.

Set of Dallah (coffee pot) and finjan (cups)

When it comes to souvenir tableware in the Emirates, the focus is primarily on traditional coffee pots known as Dallah and a set of small coffee cups called Finjan, while other items are typically sourced from China.

The Dallah, a coffee pot with a long curved spout, is a particularly notable souvenir, adding a touch of elegance to any interior. These pots are available in both silver and hand-crafted ceramics, making them a stylish and unique addition to any collection.

• Average Price: 50-400 AED.
• Where to Buy: Dubai Mall (Al Jaber Gallery), Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Jumeirah, Marina Mall, Al Seef.
• Tips: Selecting Dallah and finjan in a coffee equipment shop is preferable to buying them from souvenir stores if your goal is not to utilize them for beauty but for their intended use.

Pashminas & Shawls

An authentic pashmina or cashmere shawl is a wonderful and opulent gift that women will undoubtedly cherish. It’s essential to remember that real cashmere and pashmina, which are produced from Kashmiri Mountain goats’ fine fluff, can be very expensive. The name “wool diamond” refers to these unique textiles, which are made from goats bred in the Himalayas.

These shawls are a pleasant complement to the cool autumn weather, regardless of whether they are covered with multicolored, plain, or ethnic patterns. They are also known for their longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for your wardrobe.

• Average Price: 200-400 AED.
• Where to Buy: Dubai Textile Souk, Souk Al Kabeer (The Pashmina House), Global Village.
• Tips: Are you getting ready to travel to chilly air-conditioned places or desert landscapes? To add an extra layer of warmth and comfort on your trip, think about investing in a shawl.

Handcrafted Souvenirs

Carpets

Oriental carpets are truly remarkable works of art, with intricate patterns and exquisite designs. They come in a wide variety of types and shapes, including machine-knitted and hand-knitted. Hand-knitted carpets, in particular, are crafted by skilled artisans using luxurious materials and adorned with elaborate designs, making them highly valuable. In the bustling souks, you can find smaller carpets at relatively affordable prices, typically ranging from 350-500 AED per meter.

For those seeking a truly unique selection, the Carpet Oasis exhibition and sale is the place to be. This event showcases approximately 170 thousand one-of-a-kind carpets, making it the world’s most extensive collection. Held annually in January at the Dubai World Trade Center, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore and acquire these timeless works of art.

• Average Price: 350-500 AED/1 m.
• Where to Buy: Dubai Textile Souk, stores near Deira Tower, Baniyas Square, Souk Al Bahar, Souk Al Marfa’s East Zone, Village 4, Carpet Souk Abu Dhabi, Dubai World Trade Center.
• Tips: It’s important to carefully evaluate the knots per centimeter in the carpet, as a higher count indicates better quality. Also, pay close attention to the dyes used, and try to distinguish between natural and artificial sources. When looking at the underside, gently fold the carpet; handmade carpets usually have a dense pile and the backing is not easily visible.

Lamps and Lanterns

Oriental lamps and lanterns are always enchanting, adding a touch of allure to their surroundings. These ornate pieces often showcase intricate details, such as gold, crystal, and vibrant mosaics.

A truly special gift could be a lantern crafted from copper and tin, adorned with exquisite filigree work and small pieces of glass intricately woven into the design. Alternatively, you might consider an octagonal brass lantern for a unique touch.

For a souvenir that captures the essence of the East and conjures Arabian legends, an Aladdin lamp lavishly decorated with stones, which can also serve as a decorative figurine, would be an exceptional choice.

• Average Price: 30-300 AED.
• Where to Buy: Dragon Mart, Homes R Us, Karama Souk, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Seef.
• Tips: To safely transport delicate lamps and lanterns, it’s best to pack them in a sturdy cardboard box. For extra protection, wrap each item individually in a sheet of paper, like a hotel booklet. It’s important to prevent the fragile edges from touching each other or the walls of the box, so be sure to place a thick layer of soft fabric between them. If you don’t have enough fabric, you can consider buying “bubble wrap” from a store, or use crumpled newspapers or any available paper. The key is to fill any empty spaces within the box and make sure everything is packed tightly.

Incense Holders

Incense holders bring a hint of richness and welcome to any area while acting as tasteful mementos of Dubai’s hospitable culture. They not only fill your house with a calming scent, but they also make it seem pleasant to visitors. While you can find incense holders in malls all across Dubai, the Spice Souk in Old Deira is usually where you’ll find the most genuine and exquisite selection.

• Average Price: 50-100 AED.
• Where to Buy: Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, supermarkets.
• Tips: Arabic incense can be found for 6-10 AED per package (about 8 pieces).

Sand Arts

In the United Arab Emirates, it is believed that each of the seven emirates possesses distinctly different sand, characterized by specific colors and unique properties. This belief has led to the popularity of products such as sand picture frames containing seven sands, reflecting the diversity of the country.

Another well-known local souvenir is the art of “bottle sand art”, which offers a platform for creativity and captivates tourists. The process involves the artist coloring the grains of sand, separating them into several handfuls, and then crafting intricate designs within a glass vessel. The motifs typically feature palm trees, camels, and desert scenes.

• Average Price: 30-50 AED.
• Where to Buy: traditional and modern souks, souvenir stores.
• Tips: To prevent breaking during transportation, the bottle must be carefully packed and the baggage should be filled with soft things.

Arabic Calligraphy Art

Various sizes of framed pictures, metal panels, stands, and small souvenirs like key rings or magnets, as well as decorative dishes, can all be discovered featuring Arabic script – a form of calligraphic art.

• Average Price: depends on the chosen artwork.
• Where to Buy: traditional and modern souks, souvenir stores.
• Tips: You won’t be allowed to bring your artwork into the cabin if it is larger than what is allowed for the carry-on luggage. Try to save space for the checked baggage.

Gold and Diamond Jewelry

Dubai is well-known for its vibrant jewelry industry, which features a large selection of outlets to explore. The Emirates’ third-place ranking in the world for diamond commerce is worth mentioning.

Famous locations in the city include Gold and Diamond Park, Joyalukkas outlets, and the gigantic Dubai Mall, which has more than 50 upscale salons. There’s room for bargaining and discounts of up to 30 percent on jewelry without precious stones, which start at 270 AED per gram.

If you’re looking for more affordable options, Dubai Gold Souk is worth a visit. You can find a diverse selection of jewelry, including unique handmade pieces and even gold in unconventional colors.

If you take the chance to haggle, many of the vendors can cut rates in half or more. However, there are rules in place to prevent unfair pricing, as indicated by a special information board at the entrance that sets minimum prices for gold sales.

• Average Price: from 270 AED/1 gm.
• Where to Buy: Dubai Gold Souk, Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai Mall, Joyalukkas outlets.
• Tips: Consider choosing products that don’t have gemstones and have a simple design. If the jewelry is less detailed, you’re probably paying mainly for the metal. Think about the costs of bringing the items into your country. Look into how much it will cost to declare your purchases at customs in advance. It’s possible that any benefits of buying gold souvenirs from Dubai could disappear.

Oudh and Bakhoor

Oud, also known as agarwood, is a rare and precious oil that is derived from the processing of agarwood that has been affected by a special fungus, not just any ordinary wood. The oil gets stronger the older the tree and the fungus; wood that is over a century old yields the highest-grade oil. Oud is the most expensive ingredient in perfumes worldwide, with prices starting at $30,000 a liter, owing to its intricate production process and high demand. Because of this, natural oud-based perfumes are far more expensive; a 50 ml bottle will set you back at least 400–500 AED.

Pure agarwood oil is available in small bottles of 3 and 6 ml, with prices starting at 400 AED and increasing based on scent and quality.

What does oud smell like? An hour and a half after application, oud’s scent changes, leaving behind an opulent aroma reminiscent of premium leather, wood, and ambergris.

Agarwood shavings that have been properly pressed and steeped in fragrant oils like sandalwood, patchouli, rose, and jasmine are available at Bakhoor. The long-lasting odour of bakhoor, when used to scent spaces, seeps into clothes, walls, and furniture. When burned in a “mabkhar”, a special container designed for this purpose, the aroma of bakhoor endures. These containers, available in electronic and charcoal versions, come in various materials including clay and gold, catering to different tastes and budgets.

• Average Price: Oud – from 400 AED, Bakhoor – 70-100 AED/100 gm.
• Where to Buy: Dubai Perfume Souk, Spice Souk, Al Seef Heritage Souk.
• Tips: Oud’s distinctive scent makes it a unique choice, and it may not be well-received as a souvenir for someone unfamiliar with its fragrance. When selecting a gift for a colleague or another little-known person, opting for a bakhoor would be a more suitable choice.

Fragrances

In Dubai, the assortment of perfumes can be categorized into three main segments: mass market, middle class, and luxury.

The mass market features brands like Al Rehab and Al Haramain, offering simple roller bottles priced from 10 AED for 6 ml. This presents an excellent opportunity to experience oriental scents and determine their compatibility with your skin and personal preferences.

Moving into the mid-price range, prominent brands include Ajmal, Lattafa, Afnan, Swiss Arabian, Nabeel, Rasasi, and Armaf. Prices in this segment range from 100-150 AED to 500-600 AED, with concentrated oil perfumes available for 50-90 AED per 12 ml. If oriental aromas are not your preference, the middle segment offers a variety of options, featuring European-inspired scents that are more complex and long-lasting.

For those seeking luxury fragrances, niche perfumes in the UAE include Yas Perfumes, Hind Al Oud, Ne’emah, and TFK The Fragrance Kitchen. Prices for these opulent Dubai souvenirs start at 550 AED, with some reaching as high as 3500 AED.

• Average Price: 100-600 AED.
• Where to Buy: Dubai Perfume Souk, Al Seef Heritage Souk, Dubai Duty-Free, Dubai Mall Souk, malls (Ne’emah и Ajmal stores).
• Tips: It’s important to note that oil perfumes should only be applied to your skin and not on your clothing.

Hookahs

For people living in the United Arab Emirates, a hookah is more than just a smoking device — it’s a chance to relax and immerse in a moment of reflection. Arabic hookahs are made to boast of luxury because of this; they have elaborate patterns, multicolored hoses and vases, exquisite golden decorations, and other opulent ornaments.

• Average Price: 1000-3000 AED.
• Where to Buy: Smokers’ Centre Dubai Mall, Carrefour Hypermarket, Mall of The Emirates, Bin Khumery Smoking Goods, Hookah Market.
• Tips: When acquiring a hookah for its intended use, it’s essential to carefully inspect all connections, components, and the base itself to ensure their integrity and functionality.

Traditional Arab Shoes

These Aladdin-style shoes are available in a variety of colors to suit a range of tastes, and they usually have a narrow fit and taper at the toe. They are adorned with complex threadwork, beading, jewels, and fabric balls. Whether you choose from these classic shoe styles — slip-on or fully covered — relies on personal taste.

• Average Price:
• Where to Buy: Meena Bazaar, Souk Al Bahar, Textile Souk, Grand Souk – Bur Dubai.
• Tips: Do not be afraid to try on a pair of shoes when making your selection, even if it states that the size is yours.

Traditional Abayas

For clothing, women can choose to wear an abaya, which is traditional clothing. This wonderful decent dress reaches the ankles and covers the arms up to the wrists. Abayas come in a range of fashionable styles, exhibiting various hues and complete with beaded overlays, gilded ornaments, and elaborate embroidery. Abayas can be made from a variety of fabrics, from silk, velvet, or satin to more luxurious choices like cotton and viscose, which are breathable.

• Average Price: 100-200 AED.
• Where to Buy: Abaya Mall, Meena Bazaar, Dubai Mall Souk, Souk Al Bahar, Soul Al Wasl, Textile Souk, Grand Souk – Bur Dubai, Global Village, City Walk, malls.
• Tips: When planning to visit religious sites during your vacation, it is essential to have an abaya with you.

Dubai-themed merchandise

Small souvenirs ranging in price from 5 to 20 AED include keychains, bracelets, mugs, and magnets with pictures of camels, deserts, the Burj Khalifa, and other sights. Among the best-selling items are glass miniatures that show famous locations such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Burj Khalifa, and the Burj Al Arab.

As mementos, you can also buy T-shirts, bags, and caps with phrases like “I love Dubai” and other designs related to the city, for 40 to 70 AED.

What Else

Dubai is known for its shopping centers, where you can find a wide variety of clothing and shoes from popular brands at prices that are typically 40% lower than in Europe.

During sales, the discounts can go up to 70%. The city center’s shopping streets and numerous malls offer products from well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Pierre Cardin, Zara, Waikiki, and Victoria’s Secret, with the Dubai Mall shopping complex offering the largest variety.

The Dubai Mall is a great place to find mid-priced shoes from European brands, while the Wafi Shopping Mall is the go-to for exclusive designer shoe stores.

Dubai is also known as a “fur country” with fur coats available at major shopping centers such as Deira Tower, Baniyas Building, Dubai Tower, Landmark Plaza Hotel, Al Futtaim Tower, Sheikh Latif Building, and shops in Nasser Square.

These coats come in various types, including mink, sable, beaver, broadtail, and Blackglama, sourced from Greece, Italy, and even China. During sales, it’s possible to find a fur coat for 1,000-1,500 AED.

Premium decorative cosmetics from local businesses include powder, cleanses, natural oils (such as grape seed), natural henna for hair, and kajal, an eyeliner contour pencil.

Dubai is a tech enthusiast’s dream city for the newest devices and technology. There are a lot of big and small stores in Deira’s electronic district that sell a variety of tech goods.

The Mall of the Emirates, which includes outlets for reputable companies like Apple, Samsung, and Sony, is a highly recommended spot for buying electronics. The Bur Dubai Electronics Market is another great location to explore, offering competitive prices.

Banned Items

• Narcotics.
• Firearms.
• Hazardous materials.
• Palm seeds.
• Items of historical and cultural significance (proof of purchase required for antique souvenirs).
• Decks of playing cards.
• Adult-themed and explicit materials.

It’s crucial to make sure that spices and dried incense are well-packaged to avoid any misunderstandings with illegal substances.

To ensure there are no concerns about the legality of their purchases, tourists should declare their cash and jewelry (amounting to more than 60,000 AED) when they arrive in the country and hold onto receipts for major purchases.

Where to Buy Souvenirs

Malls

You will find corners with traditional souvenirs in every mall in Dubai:

• The Dubai Mall.
• Dubai Festival City Mall.
• Dubai Marina Mall.
• Mall of the Emirates.
• Dubai Hills Mall.
• Nakheel Mall.
• Dubai Outlet Mall.
• Damac Mall.
• Dubai Festival Plaza.
• City Centre Deira.
• City Centre Mirdif.
• Wafi City Mall.
• Ibn Battuta Mall.
• Mercato Shopping Mall.
• BurJuman Mall.
• Dragon Mart.
• Century Mall.
• Times Square Center.
• Al Ghurair Centre.
• Al Barsha Mall.
• Arabian Centre.

For a comprehensive review of the Dubai Mall experience, be sure to check out our in-depth guide.

Supermarkets

Explore such supermarkets like:

• Spinneys.
• Almaya.
• Carrefour.
• others.

Traditional Souks

• Gold Souk.
• Spice Souk.
• Dubai Textile Souk.
• Dubai Perfume Souk.
• Bur Dubai Souk.
• Meena Bazaar.

Modern Dubai Souks

• Al Seef Heritage Souk.
• Global Village.
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
• Souk Al Bahar.
• Dubai Mall Souk.
• Flea Market.

Desire to experience the tastes and atmosphere of an Arabic souk? Check out our guide to both modern and traditional souks.

Sales

Here’s a roundup of some of the standout sales events to mark in your calendar this year:

1. The Dubai Shopping Festival‘s 29th Winter Shopping Festival took place from December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, and included lots of discounts, prize draws, and family-friendly entertainment like shows and fireworks.
2. There will be sales on the Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter collections in March and from July 29 to September 3, 2024.
3. The “3 Day Super Sale” event in May and October 2024 will offer discounts of up to 90% on global brands.
4. Dubai Summer Surprises event from June 29 to September will have exclusive promotions and activities.
5. The End-of-Year Sale from December 5th to the 25th will be full of holiday spirit and great deals. Don’t miss out!

Tips for Savvy Souvenir Shopping in Dubai

In conclusion, we provide practical tips for navigating the souks and securing the best deals:

• Think about combining sightseeing with a visit to souks or malls. Sit back and unwind at the food court, “hike” around the area, and don’t be afraid to haggle.
• Remember that not everything is on display in Dubai, so if you see anything you like, always inquire about the availability of alternative sizes and colors.
• Consider using this chance to visit several malls, explore different markets, and compare costs before making a purchase rather than spending all of your money in one location.
• When you’re haggling, it’s important to be polite and respectful. Only negotiate if you’re genuinely interested in buying the item, and you might get better deals if you pay in cash.
• If you’re going to the souk, make sure to have cash ready for bargaining and think about getting smaller bills before you go.
• When packing fragile items, it’s a good idea to strategically place dense and heavy items and use soft materials as fillers. For things like glass magnets or figurines, make sure they’re well-protected and kept separate from each other.
• For delicate items made of porcelain or glass, it’s best to pack them in a sturdy container. You can use socks, gloves, or sweaters for wrapping, and consider using shoes or a glasses case for extra protection.
• Be careful when purchasing electronics and ensure that the necessary stamps are present on the documents.
• Since November 2018, tourists can claim a refund on Value Added Tax (VAT) when leaving the country by using Planet machines at the airport, provided they have the receipts and the corresponding goods.