Dubai dazzles with its mix of tradition and ultra-modern luxury — where ancient souks meet futuristic skyscrapers.

From spices and gold to designer perfumes and handmade crafts, every purchase tells a story of elegance and culture.

Here’s what to buy in Dubai to take a little Arabian magic home.

1. Gold Jewelry

• Why pick this up: Known as the “City of Gold,” Dubai offers some of the best-quality gold in the world — and at tax-free prices. You’ll find everything from intricate Arabic designs to sleek modern pieces, all crafted with world-class precision.
• What to look for: 18K, 22K, or 24K gold stamped with purity markings. Don’t be afraid to bargain!
• Price bracket (2025): AED 500–10,000+.
• Where to find it: Gold Souk in Deira or Dubai Mall’s jewelry stores.

2. Perfume Oils (Oud & Attar)

• Why pick this up: Traditional Arabian perfumes are deep, smoky, and long-lasting. Oud, derived from agarwood, is particularly prized for its rich and luxurious scent — the essence of Dubai in a bottle.
• What to look for: Pure oud or blended attars with notes of rose, amber, or sandalwood.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 100–800.
• Where to find it: Perfume Souk in Deira or luxury stores like Ajmal and Swiss Arabian.

3. Dates and Date Chocolates

• Why pick this up: Sweet, rich, and nutritious, dates are a staple of Emirati hospitality. Premium varieties like Medjool and Ajwa are melt-in-the-mouth delicious, especially when coated in chocolate or stuffed with nuts.
• What to look for: Bateel is the go-to brand for luxury date gifts.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 50–200 per box.
• Where to find it: Bateel boutiques and airport duty-free shops.

4. Spices

• Why pick this up: The colorful mounds of saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric in Dubai’s Spice Souk are as fragrant as they are photogenic. Each spice captures a taste of Middle Eastern cooking traditions.
• What to look for: Iranian saffron, dried rosebuds, and authentic Arabic spice blends (baharat).
• Price bracket (2025): AED 20–100.
• Where to find it: Spice Souk in Deira or Karama Market.

5. Pashminas and Shawls

• Why pick this up: Elegant and lightweight, pashminas are a symbol of luxury and practicality. They make thoughtful gifts and are perfect for staying chic in Dubai’s cooler evenings.
• What to look for: 100% cashmere or silk blends — not synthetic imitations.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 150–800.
• Where to find it: Textile Souk in Bur Dubai or boutique stores.

6. Arabic Coffee and Dallah Pot

• Why pick this up: Coffee in the UAE isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual of hospitality and connection. The dallah (traditional coffee pot) is an elegant piece of heritage you can proudly display.
• What to look for: Brass or silver-plated dallahs with intricate designs and Arabic coffee beans (lightly roasted with cardamom).
• Price bracket (2025): AED 80–500.
• Where to find it: Souks or high-end kitchen stores.

7. Camel Milk Chocolate

• Why pick this up: Yes, camel milk chocolate is a thing — smooth, creamy, and surprisingly mild. It’s one of the most distinctive edible souvenirs you can find in the Middle East.
• What to look for: Brands like Al Nassma, known for their camel-shaped bars and elegant packaging.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 40–120.
• Where to find it: The Dubai Mall, airport shops, or gourmet markets.

8. Arabic Lanterns and Lamps

• Why pick this up: Nothing captures the atmosphere of the Middle East quite like the glow of a mosaic lantern. Each one is handcrafted and unique, transforming any room into a cozy, exotic space.
• What to look for: Brass or stained glass lanterns with geometric patterns.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 100–600.
• Where to find it: Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Dragon Mart.

9. Traditional Clothing (Abayas and Kanduras)

• Why pick this up: Elegant, comfortable, and stylish — traditional Emirati clothing is both cultural and modern when tailored beautifully. Abayas (for women) and kanduras (for men) make timeless keepsakes.
• What to look for: Embroidered or crystal-detailed abayas; lightweight linen kanduras.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 250–1,000.
• Where to find it: Al Ghubaiba or local tailor boutiques.

10. Sand Art Bottles

• Why pick this up: These handcrafted bottles contain layers of desert-colored sand forming miniature camel and dune scenes — a simple yet beautiful representation of Dubai’s landscape.
• What to look for: Hand-signed bottles created by local sand artists.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 30–150.
• Where to find it: Souvenir markets and Dubai Creek stalls.

11. Frankincense and Bakhoor (Incense)

• Why pick this up: The smoky scent of bakhoor and frankincense fills Emirati homes — a fragrant symbol of hospitality and tradition.
• What to look for: Small wooden boxes or decorative burners paired with oud chips or bakhoor tablets.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 50–300.
• Where to find it: Perfume souks and local markets.

12. Designer and Luxury Items

• Why pick this up: Dubai is a shopper’s paradise — from the world’s biggest mall to chic designer outlets, it’s where you can find high-end fashion often at better prices than Europe.
• What to look for: Handbags, watches, and limited-edition collections.
• Price bracket (2025): AED 500–10,000+.
• Where to find it: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, or Outlet Village.

🌅 Final Tip

For the perfect mix of luxury and culture, choose gold jewelry, oud perfume, and camel milk chocolate — three treasures that capture Dubai’s modern glamour and ancient soul.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top “what to buy” ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!