Dubai is a city known for its extravagance, luxury, and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. From high-end jewellery to exotic spices, Dubai caters to all types of shoppers.

For a seamless Dubai visa application experience, choose Atlys as your trusted visa partner.

But what exactly should you buy in Dubai? We have listed 15 must-buy items from Dubai that will make perfect souvenirs or thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.

Famous Things to Buy in Dubai

List of famous things to buy in Dubai

• Dubai Gold

• Luxurious Watches

• Kunafa Chocolate

• Shisha (Hookah) Pipes

• Designer Handbags

• Carpets and Rugs

Dubai Gold

There is a reason why Gold is synonymous with Dubai. Dubai's gold is sold with exceptionally high purity levels, and buyers are assured of authenticity thanks to government regulations and frequent inspections.

• Where to buy: Gold Souk in Deira, The Dubai Mall Gold Souk.

• Price range: Depending on current gold rates, pieces can range from AED 500 to tens of thousands of dirhams, depending on weight and design. On Average: 

  • 24K Gold: AED 406 per gram.

  • 22K Gold: AED 376 per gram.

Authenticity identification: Look for the hallmark indicating the purity (e.g., 18k, 22k, 24k), and always request a certificate of authenticity.

Note: Before purchasing gold, check your home country’s customs regulations regarding specific duty-free allowances and requirements for declaring gold.

Luxurious Watches

Luxurious watches are a big part of Dubai’s stylish and high-end lifestyle. The city is home to top watch brands from around the world, making it a popular place for collectors and watch lovers.

• Where to buy: Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, brand boutiques in The Dubai Mall (Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe), Mall of the Emirates, and Momentum in DIFC.

• Price range: Entry-level luxury AED 10,000–40,000, mid to high-end AED 50,000–200,000+, rare pieces can exceed AED 1 million.

• Authenticity Identification: Genuine watches have serial numbers, flawless dial detailing, solid materials, and official documentation. Trusted sellers provide certification and warranty. 

Kunafa Chocolate

Kunafa chocolate is a popular dessert innovation in Dubai. Chocolate has quickly gained popularity for its unique flavour, and it is often enjoyed as a treat or gift for special occasions.

• Where to buy: Vivel Patisserie, Bateel, Hafiz Mustafa at The Dubai Mall, and artisanal sweet shops in Al Barsha and City Walk.

• Price range: AED 50–200 per box, depending on size and brand.

• Authenticity Identification: Quality kunafa chocolate features fine chocolate coatings, crisp kunafa layers, and minimal preservatives. Trusted stores use fresh ingredients and clear labelling.

Shisha (Hookah) Pipes 

Shisha, also known as hookah, is a traditional Middle Eastern water pipe used to smoke flavoured tobacco. It is a popular part of social gatherings across Dubai, with rich cultural roots and a wide variety of designs ranging from simple glass bases to ornate handcrafted pieces.

• Where to buy: Souk Al Bahar, Deira’s Spice and Gold Souks, stores in Al Satwa, and speciality lounges in The Dubai Mall.

• Price range: Basic glass shisha AED 100–300, premium or decorative pieces AED 500–2000+.

• Authenticity Identification: Original shisha pipes are made from durable materials like brass or stainless steel and feature hand-blown glass bases and detailed craftsmanship.

Designer Handbags

Designer handbags are a key part of Dubai’s luxury fashion scene, known for their style, craftsmanship, and status appeal.

• Where to buy: Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Galleria Mall, and boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès.

• Price range: Entry-level designer bags AED 3,000–7,000, premium and limited editions AED 10,000–50,000+, Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags can exceed AED 100,000.

• Authenticity Identification: Authentic bags include serial numbers, branded hardware, dust bags, and official certificates. Trusted stores provide receipts and guarantee genuine products.

Carpets and Rugs

Carpet weaving is an art intrinsic to the Middle East, and Dubai is an ideal place to purchase high-quality carpets from Iran, Turkey, or Afghanistan. Handwoven rugs are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours. 

• Where to buy: The Carpet Souk in Deira, Carpet Oasis (during DSF), and Oriental Carpet shops in malls.

• Price range: Depending on the material and knot density, carpets can range from AED 500 for small pieces to AED 20,000 or more.

• Authenticity identification: Handwoven rugs have irregularities on the back, and the knots are visible compared to machine-made ones.

Unique Things to Buy in Dubai

List of unique things to buy in Dubai:

• Arabian Perfumes

• Pashmina Shawls

• Oud and Bakhoor

• Arabic Lanterns

• Abaya and Kandora

• Camel Milk Chocolate

Arabian Perfumes

Perfumes are an essential part of Arabian culture. The art of perfumery in the Middle East dates back thousands of years, and traditional Arabian perfumes are famous for their rich, lingering aromas. They are often made with a blend of essential oils, exotic spices, and rare ingredients. 

• Where to buy: Ajmal Perfumes, Swiss Arabian outlets, and the Perfume Souk in Deira.

• Price range:  AED 100 to AED 3000 or more.

• Authenticity identification: Ensure the perfume is packaged with an authenticity label and bought from well-known shops or perfumeries.

Tip: Always sample first to find your preferred fragrance. Try different varieties and grades.

Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina shawls are among Dubai’s most sought-after textiles. You’ll find authentic pashmina wool originates from the Changthangi goat, which is found in the Himalayas. 

• Where to buy: Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, Pashmina House, and Karama Market.

• Price range: AED 500 to AED 1500.

• Authenticity identification: A true pashmina shawl is extremely soft and has a distinctive, lightweight feel. If a pashmina can pass through a ring easily, it is likely authentic.

Oud and Bakhoor

Oud is a rich, woody perfume oil derived from agarwood, while bakhoor refers to scented wood chips burned to release aromatic smoke. 

• Where to buy: Perfume Souk in Deira, Arabian Oud, Ajmal Perfumes, Yas Perfumes, and luxury counters in The Dubai Mall.

• Price range: Pure oud oil AED 500–5000+, bakhoor AED 50–500 depending on blend and brand.

• Authenticity Identification: Genuine oud has a deep, lingering scent and comes from aged agarwood, while high-quality bakhoor is rich in natural oils and packaged by trusted perfumers.

Arabic Lanterns

Arabic lanterns, or "fanous," are iconic elements in Middle Eastern décor. The lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and materials and are designed to cast intricate light when lit. 

• Where to buy: Dragon Mart, The Souk at The Dubai Mall, and home décor shops.

• Price range: AED 50 to AED 500 

• Authenticity Identification: Authentic Arabic lanterns are usually made of metal and glass and have intricate engravings or cutwork.

Abaya and Kandora

The Abaya (for women) and Kandora (for men) are traditional garments in the UAE. The abaya is a long, flowing black gown symbolising modesty and elegance, often embellished with fine embroidery or crystals. 

• Where to buy: Souk Al Bahar, Satwa district, and various boutiques in The Dubai Mall.

• Price range: AED 100 to AED 3000.

• Authenticity Identification: Authentic abayas are made of high-quality fabrics like crepe or chiffon, with hand-sewn embroidery or Swarovski crystals.

Camel Milk Chocolate

Camel milk chocolate is a distinctly Arabian creation, made using milk from camels native to the UAE. This chocolate is smooth and creamy, with a subtle saltiness. Al Nassma is the most popular brand offering this unique confection.

• Where to buy: Al Nassma kiosks at The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Duty-Free shops.

• Price range: AED 25 for a small bar to AED 150 for luxury gift sets.

• Authenticity identification: Al Nassma is the primary brand offering camel milk chocolate, so look for their distinctive camel logo.

Cheap Things to Buy in Dubai

Dates and Dry Fruits

Dates are a symbol of Middle Eastern culture and hospitality. Dubai offers dates, from the common Ajwa and Medjool to exotic chocolate-covered versions. 

• Where to buy: Bateel stores, Spice Souk, and supermarkets like Carrefour.

• Price range: Regular dates cost AED 30-60 per kg, while premium stuffed or chocolate-covered dates cost AED 100-300 per kg.

• Authenticity identification: Look for a glossy texture, and make sure there is no sugar crystallisation on the surface, which indicates freshness.

Dubai Spices

Dubai’s spices are as colourful as its culture, offering everything from saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon to sumac and za’atar. 

• Where to buy: Spice Souk in Deira, supermarkets like Carrefour, and organic stores like Organic Foods & Café.

• Price range: Saffron is usually AED 30-50 per gram, while other spices can start as low as AED 10 for small packets.

• Authenticity identification: Saffron threads should be bright red, and authentic spices should have a potent aroma.

Arabic Coffee and Coffee Pots

Arabic coffee, also known as "gahwa," is traditionally brewed with cardamom and saffron, making it aromatic and distinct. The dallah, a traditional Arabic coffee pot, is iconic and symbolises Arabian hospitality.

• Where to buy: Coffee Souk in Deira, Bateel shops, supermarkets like Carrefour, and The Dubai Mall.

• Price range: Coffee AED 50-200,  A brass or silver dallah AED 150 to AED 1000.

• Authenticity Identification: Genuine dallahs are made from brass or silver and often include intricate Arabic engravings.

These 15 items are among the most popular and authentic things to buy in Dubai. They reflect the city’s blend of tradition, luxury, and modern culture. Whether you're shopping for personal use or souvenirs, these products are widely available across Dubai in malls, souks, and speciality stores. Be sure to check authenticity markers and compare prices before purchasing.

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