Abu Dhabi mixes long craft traditions, coastal foodways, and modern design. Shopping here can supply small, well-made keepsakes that show the city’s flavors and skills without taking up too much luggage space.

This guide covers items you can find across the city — not a single street or store — and focuses on things made locally or tied to Emirati culture. You’ll also get practical tips for judging quality and packing for travel.

1. Dates

• Why it’s worth buying: Dates are a staple of local hospitality and come in many named varieties. They’re packed for travel and make a simple, shareable gift.
• Where to look: traditional markets and food stalls.
• Price range: $5–$25
• How to spot a good one: Choose plump, glossy fruits with a clean smell and minimal crystallized sugar.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep the sealed box in your carry-on to avoid crushing in checked baggage.

2. Saffron and spice blends

• Why it’s worth buying: High-quality saffron and regional spice mixes add flavor used across Emirati cooking. Small tins store well and last long.
• Where to look: small independent shops specializing in spices.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Look for deep-red saffron threads and strong, fresh aromas in sealed packages.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place tins inside a sock or padded pouch to avoid crushing.

3. Arabic coffee (ground or beans)

• Why it’s worth buying: Arabic coffee is central to local rituals and has a distinct, cardamom-forward profile. It’s compact and easy to store.
• Where to look: local food halls and specialty counters.
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Fresh roast date on the packet and a bright scent with cardamom or light roast notes.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep beans in their sealed bag and record roast date; pack in cabin if you worry about aroma leaks.

4. Oud perfume oil (attar)

• Why it’s worth buying: Oud is tightly linked to Gulf fragrances and often offered as concentrated oil. A little goes a long way.
• Where to look: boutique independent perfume sellers.
• Price range: $20–$200
• How to spot a good one: Pure oil should list natural ingredients and not smell overly chemical on a scent strip.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles with clothing and carry them in your hand luggage.

5. Bakhoor (incense chips)

• Why it’s worth buying: Bakhoor is used in homes for special occasions and reflects regional scent traditions. It stores long and travels well.
• Where to look: covered markets selling home fragrances.
• Price range: $10–$50
• How to spot a good one: Choose darker, resinous chips with a layered scent rather than sharp incense smells.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep bakhoor sealed in its original tin and place in a zip bag.

6. Pashmina or embroidered scarf

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight scarves combine useful warmth with regional patterns or careful embroidery. They’re wearable right away.
• Where to look: artisan co-ops and workshop stalls.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Check the weave density and seam finishes; even fringes indicate better quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll scarves tightly to save space and reduce creasing.

7. Miniature brass dallah (coffee pot) or metalwork

• Why it’s worth buying: Small brass pieces reflect traditional metalworking and make distinctive display items. They recall local coffee culture.
• Where to look: art galleries and craft showcases.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Look for solid weight and tidy soldering without sharp burrs.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pad the item in clothing and place inside a hard-sided carry-on.

8. Handmade ceramics (cups, small plates)

• Why it’s worth buying: Local potters use patterns inspired by regional geometry and practical shapes. Small pieces are useful at home.
• Where to look: artisan co-ops and pottery stalls.
• Price range: $12–$70
• How to spot a good one: Even glaze, uniform rims, and no hairline cracks show attention to quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and place in the middle of your suitcase.

9. Woven palm bags and baskets

• Why it’s worth buying: Palm weaving is a traditional craft and these items are lightweight and practical. They fold or flatten for travel.
• Where to look: craft galleries and market stalls with handmade goods.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: Tight, even weaving and tidy sewn edges indicate careful work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Flatten woven bags and tuck them into outer pockets or between clothes.

10. Silver filigree or small jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Simple silver pieces often reflect regional motifs and can be found in small, wearable designs. They’re easy to gift.
• Where to look: local food halls that host artisan pop-ups or small stalls.
• Price range: $25–$250
• How to spot a good one: Look for a sterling mark and secure clasps or solid connections.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use a small jewelry pouch and keep valuable pieces in carry-on.

11. Local sea salt flakes

• Why it’s worth buying: Coarse sea salt from nearby waters carries a mild mineral character for cooking. It’s light and durable.
• Where to look: traditional markets and spice sections.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Choose salt packaged in airtight tins or resealable bags for freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal extra in a zip-top bag to prevent spills.

12. Prints, calligraphy, or small art reproductions

• Why it’s worth buying: Paper goods capture local design motifs and are inexpensive to transport. They work well framed or in a portfolio.
• Where to look: art galleries and museum shop displays.
• Price range: $3–$25
• How to spot a good one: Crisp printing, artist credit, and a printed provenance note suggest legitimacy.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints flat in a portfolio sleeve or place between two flat boards.

Quick buying tips for Abu Dhabi

• Carry small amounts of cash; many souk stalls still prefer cash payments to cards.
• Politely haggle only in traditional market stalls; accept fixed prices in modern shops.
• Wrap fragile ceramics in clothing and ask sellers for extra padding if available.
• Many vendors offer shipping for heavy items; confirm costs and export paperwork first.
• Check for maker marks, workshop addresses, or small-batch stamps to confirm “made locally.”
• Seal liquids and open foods tightly; declare liquids and follow airline restrictions at security.

Where to shop in Abu Dhabi

Shopping is spread across the city between historic spots, beachfront promenades, and cultural institutions. Markets and museum shops are the best places to find traditional crafts, food items, and curated design goods.

• Central Market (traditional souk area) for spices, textiles, and fragrance stalls.
• Al Mina fish market and nearby waterfront for sea salt and coastal food products.
• Heritage Village for craft demonstrations, palm weaving, and some handmade goods.
• Qasr Al Hosn district for small galleries, prints, and cultural souvenirs.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi museum shop for well-made prints, books, and design objects.
• Weekend food festivals and seasonal markets for packaged sweets and specialty foods.
• Corniche promenade stalls for nautical-themed items and light woven goods.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap gold-plated trinkets sold without metal testing; they often wear quickly.
• Branded knockoffs or fake luxury items that lack hallmarks or authenticity papers.
• “Made locally” stickers with no maker name or origin details; ask for provenance.
• Unlabeled food packages lacking ingredient lists or production dates; avoid for safety.
• Fragile ceramics wrapped poorly in flimsy plastic; they’re likely to break in transit.
• Perfume oils sold without clear ingredients or refill options, which can be synthetic.

If you only buy three things

Dates: They represent local food culture and are easy to share.
Oud perfume oil: A small bottle captures a scent strongly tied to region.
Miniature brass dallah: It’s compact, symbolic, and shows local metalwork skill.

FAQ

What is Abu Dhabi known for making?
Abu Dhabi is known for traditional fragrances like oud, hospitality foods such as dates, and regional handicrafts. The city also supports modern design through museum shops and gallery-made objects.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Abu Dhabi?
Dates, spice blends, and small tins of Arabic coffee or sea salt are reliable edible choices. Buy sealed, well-labeled packages and check expiry dates before leaving.

Are souvenirs expensive in Abu Dhabi?
Prices vary: markets offer modestly priced goods while galleries and museum shops can be pricier. Expect to pay more for documented, handmade pieces or branded design items.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Abu Dhabi?
Paper goods, spices, and small tins of dates or salt are the easiest to pack. They’re lightweight, flat, and usually fit into carry-on luggage.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Ask the seller for the maker’s name, workshop address, or a small-batch stamp; genuine pieces often carry that information. If a product lacks provenance, seek a second opinion before buying.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

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!

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