Souvenirs from Dubai
Dubai is a city known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, souks, desert safaris, unique attractions and vibrant lifestyle. When you visit, you'll want to take home a piece of it. Souvenirs are a great way to remember your trip and share it with others back home. From traditional crafts to modern finds, Dubai has many options when it comes to gifts & souvenirs. In this guide, we will explore some popular souvenirs you can buy in Dubai. Whether you're looking for something small or a special gift, there is something for everyone. Let's see what Dubai has to offer!
Gold Jewellery
Buying gold in Dubai is a popular choice for many travellers. The city is known for its high-quality gold at competitive prices. The best place to shop for gold is the Gold Souk in Deira. It is one of the Emirates' oldest traditional markets and you will find numerous shops selling gold jewellery, coins, gold bars and more. You can choose from different types of gold, like 22-carat or 24-carat, depending on the purity. Prices vary depending on the weight and design, but they are generally lower than in many other countries. It's also common to bargain with the sellers to get a better deal. Make sure to check for a hallmark on the gold, which shows its authenticity.
If you are unable to go to the Souk, you can even buy gold at Dubai Duty Free in the airport. The duty-free shops offer a range of gold items and the prices are often competitive. And just like the Gold Souk, the gold is of high quality. However, the variety and designs may be limited compared to the Gold Souk or other gold markets in the city. One advantage of buying at the airport is that it's tax-free, and you can make your purchase just before leaving Dubai.
Gold shopping at the airport is very popular with travellers on a layover in Dubai.
Perfume (Oud and Attar)
Perfumes, especially ouds and attars, are an important part of Middle Eastern culture and make for a luxurious souvenir from Dubai.
Oud, also known as 'liquid gold', is a deep, woody fragrance made from agarwood resin. It has a rich, long-lasting scent that is highly valued in Arabian perfumery. Attars are natural, alcohol-free perfumes made from flower, wood or spice extracts. They come in a variety of scents, including rose, jasmine, sandalwood, amber, musk and frankincense. Unlike regular perfumes, attars are highly concentrated and only a small drop is needed. Attars and ouds are best applied on pulse points like the wrists, behind the ears and the sides of the neck, as body heat helps release their scent slowly.
The best places to buy authentic oud and attars in Dubai are Ajmal Perfumes, Swiss Arabian and Hind Al Oud. The Perfume Souk in Deira is also a great place to explore different scents and even create custom blends. When buying, look for pure, natural ingredients and avoid synthetic versions that don’t last as long.
Spices
Dubai is a great place to buy authentic Arabian spices, as the city has been a major trading hub for centuries. Some of the most popular spices include saffron, sumac, za’atar, cardamom, cinnamon and turmeric. Saffron, in particular, is one of the most sought-after spices.
The best place to buy fresh, high-quality spices is the Spice Souk in Deira, where you can see, smell and even taste before purchasing. Many supermarkets and speciality stores, like Spinneys, Carrefour and Bateel, also sell good-quality spices. If buying from a souk, check for vibrant colour, strong aroma and pure texture — for example, real saffron has deep red threads, while sumac should have a bright burgundy colour. Always buy from trusted sellers to avoid low-quality or mixed spices.
Arabic Coffee
Arabian coffee, also known as Qahwa, is an important part of Emirati culture. It has a rich, slightly bitter taste with hints of cardamom, saffron and cloves, giving it a unique flavour. It is usually served in small cups without sugar and enjoyed with dates. This traditional coffee is a great souvenir because it lets you bring a taste of Dubai’s hospitality home.
You can buy authentic Arabic coffee in Dubai’s supermarkets, souks and specialty stores like Coffee Museum and Bateel. When buying, look for high-quality 100% Arabica beans or ready-made Qahwa blends with spices. If you want the full experience, you can also pick up a traditional dallah (coffee pot) and small finjan cups. It’s a perfect gift for coffee lovers or anyone who enjoys trying new flavours.
Dates
Dubai and the UAE are known for their high-quality dates. Dates are an important part of the region's culture and diet and are often bought as souvenirs by visitors due to their cultural significance and delicious taste.
While Dubai itself is not a major producer of dates, it plays a important role in the sale and export of dates. The Al Ain and Liwa regions of the UAE have large date farms, where many varieties of dates are grown, including Ajwa, Medjool and Khalas.
You can find varities of dates in local supermarkets, markets and specialty stores like Bateel, which offers premium varieties and date-related products. Another brand that you could look at is Samha. One of their bestsellers is handpicked Arabian dates and whole pistachios covered in pure camel milk chocolate from Dubai. A delicious souvernir for yourself or for someone who has a sweet tooth.
Pashmina Shawls
Although not native to Dubai, Pashmina shawls are quite popular and widely sold in the city's markets and malls. Authentic pashmina is made from the fine wool of Changthangi goats from the Himalayan regions (especially Ladakh). Many shops in Dubai sell a mix of real pashmina and blended wool or viscose versions, so it's important to check for authenticity.
If you’re looking for a high-quality pashmina shawl, visit reputable stores like Kashmir Shawl Boutique, Pashmina House or stores in Dubai Mall and Souk Madinat Jumeirah. To check for authenticity, a real pashmina should feel soft, lightweight and warm, and it should easily pass through a ring due to its fine weave. Always ask about the fabric composition before buying, as many cheaper versions are mixed with silk or synthetic materials.
Camel Milk Chocolate
Camel milk chocolate is a unique and delicious souvenir from Dubai. Made using creamy camel milk, it has a slightly salty, rich taste that sets it apart from regular chocolate. Camel milk is known for being high in vitamins, low in fat and easier to digest than cow’s milk, making it a healthier alternative. The chocolate comes in different flavours, including plain, dates, nuts and spiced varieties. It’s a great gift for chocolate lovers who want to try something different.
The best brand for camel milk chocolate is Al Nassma, which is the first and most well-known company producing it.
You can find it in Dubai Duty-Free, high-end supermarkets and speciality stores. When buying, check the ingredients to ensure it contains real camel milk and not just camel milk powder. These chocolates are beautifully packaged, making them a perfect souvenir to bring home.
Sand Art
Sand art bottles are a beautiful and unique souvenir from Dubai. These handcrafted pieces feature coloured sand carefully layered inside glass bottles to create stunning desert landscapes, camels, palm trees and even personalised names. Each design is made with precision, capturing the essence of Dubai’s golden dunes. Some bottles also come with a small tealight candle on top, making them a decorative and functional keepsake. These make for a great gift, as they are small, lightweight and showcase traditional Arabian craftsmanship.
You can find sand art bottles in souks, markets and tourist shops, especially in places like the Global Village, Dubai Souk and Heritage Village. You can also find them in the Dubai Airport Duty-Free section.
Camel-themed Memorabilia
Camels are a symbol of the Arabian desert and not surprisingly you’ll find them on a variety of items, including magnets, keychains, tote bags, T-shirts and ceramic mugs. Small camel figurines made from materials like wood, metal, or glass are also a great choice for decorating a shelf or desk. These souvenirs are fun, affordable and a great way to remember your trip.
You can find camel-themed gifts in most souvenir shops, Dubai Mall and traditional markets like the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Deira Souk. If you missed shopping for them in the city, you can also pick them up from the Airport Duty-Free.
Aladdin Lamps
Aladdin lamps are a magical and nostalgic souvenir from Dubai, inspired by the famous Arabian tale. These beautifully crafted lamps come in various sizes, designs and materials, including brass, copper and silver-plated versions. Many feature intricate engravings, colourful gemstones or Arabic patterns, making them an elegant piece of décor.
While they don’t actually grant wishes, they do add a touch of Middle Eastern charm to any home.
You can find these lamps in almost all souvenir shops, the Gold Souk and traditional markets like Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Spice Souk.
Tea Sets
Decorative teapots and tea sets are a beautiful and practical souvenir from Dubai. Traditional Moroccan-style teapots are popular choices, often made from brass, silver or ceramic with intricate engravings and colourful patterns. Some sets come with matching cups and trays.
You can find high-quality teapots and tea sets in souks, home décor stores and malls like Dubai Mall and Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Kunafa Dubai Chocolate
Kunafa Dubai Chocolate blends the rich, crunchy texture of shredded phyllo dough (kunafa) with silky chocolate, creating a truly indulgent dessert. Often layered with a creamy filling and coated in high-quality chocolate, it offers the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy and creamy in every bite. The kunafa element adds a distinct Middle Eastern flair, making it a standout treat among standard chocolates.
Dubai-themed Magnets and Keyrings
And finally, rounding up our list are Dubai-themed magnets and keyrings - some of the most affordable and fun souvenirs to bring back home. They come in a variety of designs, featuring famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and desert scenes with camels. Some magnets are 3D, metal-plated or even glittery, while keyrings often include miniature replicas of Dubai icons.
These little souvenirs are lightweight, easy to pack and a great way to remember your trip. You can find them in all souvenir shops, airport stores and markets like the Spice Souk and Dubai Mall.
Dubai has a fantastic mix of traditional, luxury and fun souvenirs, making it easy to find something special for yourself or as a gift. From rich Arabian coffee and exotic spices to elegant perfumes, handcrafted tea sets and quirky camel-themed memorabilia, there’s a souvenir for every taste and budget.
If you love collecting keepsakes from your travels, you might also enjoy checking out 'Souvenirs from Barcelona' and 'Souvenirs from Portugal' for more unique gift ideas from around the world.
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