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Dubai, a jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stands out as a premier tourist destination in the Middle East, boasting numerous bustling markets and expansive shopping centers. Let's explore some distinctive souvenirs you should consider picking up during your Dubai travels!
If there were an award for the world's best shopping destinations, Dubai would undoubtedly be a top contender. In this city, you can find virtually anything your heart desires, from electronics to household goods, from jewelry to everyday apparel – Dubai caters to all your needs.
Dubai's markets are always bustling with shoppers (Photo: Internet).
Amidst the countless shops in this bustling city, how do you find the perfect spot to purchase memorable souvenirs? Let's explore some suggestions!
1. Aladdin's Lamp – A gift for fairy tale enthusiasts when traveling to Dubai
Surely, everyone has dreamed of owning a lamp like this! (Photo: Internet).
Of course, no genie comes out of this item! Inspired by the story of Aladdin, these lamps are intricately crafted and are among the most iconic souvenirs of Dubai. If you're looking for a truly interesting gift for your loved ones, Aladdin's lamp is the perfect choice.
Various lamps with different colors and designs are displayed for sale in Dubai (Photo: Internet).
The best place to find this unique product is in Dubai's famous markets: Karma Souk and Al-Karama.
2. Camel milk chocolate – A treat for sweet enthusiasts
No one can resist this delicious local delicacy. Camel milk chocolate is one of the most unique specialties of Dubai. Initially consumed only locally, it is now exported to Europe and many other Asian countries.
Pieces of camel milk chocolate – a Dubai specialty (Photo: Internet).
At the Al Nassma counter in Dubai Mall's shopping area, you can find various types of camel milk chocolate with different recipes, such as using whole milk, adding macadamia nuts, or seasoning with Arabian spices.
3. Lanterns – Magical lights of the Arabs
These charming products bringing magical lights are among the most chosen gifts by many tourists when visiting Dubai. The craftsmanship hidden in each lantern will awe anyone who beholds it.
The beautiful variety of lanterns in shapes and colors in Dubai (Photo: Internet).
Especially, you can purchase lanterns adorned with numerous small pieces of glass, making them ideal gifts for friends and family that will surely bring them joy.
You can find these lovely gifts at Dragon Mart on Al Awir Road or the fabric market in Bur Dubai.
4. Dates – A delicious delicacy typical of the Middle East
As an integral part of Middle Eastern culture, dates are sold as special souvenirs in Dubai and are highly favored by tourists.
Dates have a beautiful reddish-brown color (Photo: Internet).
They are nutritionally rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and many other essential nutrients to provide you with energy for long days of work and play.
With over 20 different varieties such as Sokari, Kholas, and Madjool, dates offer a diverse and rich culinary experience with a wide range of delicious flavors for travelers to choose from. You can buy fresh dates at the Deira food market, or if you prefer packaged products for long-term use, head to Dubai's supermarkets.
5. Arabian Perfume Oils
Perfume oils are produced by distilling flower petals in water under pressure and moderate heat. The rich and mysterious aroma of this oil creates a pleasant sensation that you can experience every time you pass by any Arab woman.
Many types of perfume oils with various fragrances are sold in Dubai (Photo: Internet).
Sometimes, additional ingredients are added to create a variety of fragrances for this product. Especially, they are completely alcohol-free.
You can find top-quality perfume oil bottles at reputable stores such as Hind Al Oud and Amouage in Deira market, or at counters in shopping malls and supermarkets in Dubai.
6. Persian Carpets
If you want to save on shopping expenses but still get a beautiful gift with true Arabian essence, Persian carpets are the ideal choice.
These carpets feature characteristic traditional Middle Eastern patterns (Photo: Internet).
These are among the most beautiful decorative items for your home or room, with exquisite designs and meticulously crafted details. It can be said that Persian carpets are the most famous icon in Dubai.
You can find many affordable carpet models at markets such as Madinat Jumeirah, Souq al Bahar, or Dubai Mall.
7. Lucky Stones
These stunningly colorful gemstones are often embedded on rings and necklace pendants made of gold, silver, or platinum, each designed according to the birth month of the wearer. Traditional beliefs in the Arab region hold that they will bring luck and the best things to the owner.
Shimmering gemstones in various colors are displayed in glass cabinets (Photo: Internet).
What's interesting is that you can request stores to create custom lucky stone products according to your preferences, and there are many diverse design options for travelers to choose from. Almost everyone who visits Dubai brings back a lucky stone product as a gift. Especially, this type of jewelry is often seen at Dubai's grand festivals.
Some places where you can buy lucky stones in Dubai include Pearlicious store at Covent Garden, or Gold & Diamond Park on Sheik Zayed Road.
8. Pashmina Scarves
For those who appreciate luxury and don't mind spending, this is definitely the right choice. Pashmina scarves are among the most expensive items you can come across when shopping in Dubai, but they are worth every penny.
Pashmina scarves can be used as fashionable shawls (Photo: Internet).
If you want to own these 'fancy' scarves at a reasonable price, you can buy ones made of silk or viscose. Especially, scarves with characteristic UAE design patterns will be an impressive gift for your friends and family.
Famous places to buy Pashmina scarves in Dubai include Pashmina House, Textile Souk, and Karama market.
9. Gold and Diamond Jewelry
Visiting the 'City of Gold' without buying gold would be a missed opportunity!
Gold jewelry pieces are quite 'grand' in Dubai (Photo: Internet).
It might sound unusual, but gold and diamonds are indeed gifts you shouldn't overlook when traveling to Dubai to give to your loved ones back home. The reason is not only because of their high-end and luxurious appearance but also because gold jewelry here is much cheaper than anywhere else in the world.
Famous spots selling these luxurious items in Dubai include the Gold Souk, Gold and Diamond Park shopping area, and stores of Joyalukkas.
10. Arabian Coffee – An excellent gift for coffee lovers
If you're a loyal enthusiast of this bitter beverage and want to collect a variety of rare coffee types at home, then Dubai is definitely the ideal destination.
Arabs have their own unique coffee brewing methods (Photo: Internet).
Arabian coffee is renowned for its strong and distinctive flavor, and the markets in Dubai are the best places to buy them. The street food culture experience in Dubai wouldn't be complete without a cup of Arabian coffee brewed using the unique methods of the Middle Easterners, creating an unforgettable taste.
You can enjoy the perfect taste of coffee at the Dubai Coffee Museum, Dubai markets, and major supermarkets here.
11. Electronics
Did you know that in Dubai, you can buy your favorite electronic gadgets at cheaper prices than elsewhere? So, don't forget to browse through the booths displaying impressive products to find some tech items to take home.
An electronics store in Dubai (Photo: Internet).
Even if you travel to Dubai during the festival season, you can still find discounted items! Popular places to buy electronics are Al-Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai area, or Sharaf DG stores.
12. Middle Eastern Spices
The best way to bring the flavor of Dubai back home is to purchase traditional spices that are closely associated with the culinary culture of this region.
Various types of spices are sold in the markets of Dubai (Photo: Internet).
The colorful and flavorful spice powders available at local markets are affordable and potent. You can use them to season curries or many other dishes to enhance the taste of your meal.
In Dubai, there's even a Spice Market (Spice Souk), or you can find these products at supermarkets.
13. Traditional Arab Footwear
Just one look at these shoes, and you'll immediately think of Aladdin and his adventures through the Middle Eastern lands. Traditional Arab footwear typically features slender designs that snugly fit the feet and taper at the tip.
Traditional Arab shoes come in a variety of colors and patterns (Photo: Internet).
They're hand-decorated with eye-catching patterns and colors, allowing travelers to choose according to their preferences. Additionally, they're adorned with small details like beads, pearls, or fabric balls to create countless different styles. These shoes come in two types: slip-ons or lace-ups that snugly hug the foot.
You can purchase Arab shoes at the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai.
These are the famous souvenir gifts in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. If you get the chance to travel here, make sure to buy them for your loved ones and friends!
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Posted by: Tran Huong Duyen
Keywords: What souvenirs to buy when traveling to Dubai to leave a strong Middle Eastern impression?
