What to Buy in Dubai

I’m Scott J. Tanner—after roaming Old Dubai and the glossy malls for years, I’ve learned what makes a Dubai buy feel truly special.

If you’re wondering what to buy in Dubai, think of the city like a well-stocked pantry plus a luxury dressing room. You can leave with heritage gifts, signature scents, and practical finds that actually get used back home.

Quick Buy List

Short on time? This shopping map helps you pick the right Dubai souvenirs fast, with price vibes you can plan around.

What	Why It’s Worth It	Where It Shines	Typical Spend (AED)
Gold jewelry	Choice and craftsmanship, easy to compare pieces	Gold Souk, established jewelry stores	150–5,000+
Oud perfume	Long-lasting scent that feels “Dubai” in one spray	Perfume Souk, perfume houses, mall boutiques	60–800
Saffron & spices	High impact for cooking, tiny to pack	Spice Souk, specialty grocers	20–250
Dates & sweets	Gift-friendly, airport-proof, easy crowd-pleaser	Sweet shops, supermarkets, duty free	15–180
Pashmina-style wraps	Lightweight and versatile for travel	Textile Souk, boutiques	40–350
Arabic coffee set	Iconic tabletop piece that sparks questions	Old Dubai shops, home stores	80–600

Gold and Jewelry

The Gold Souk is where Dubai’s sparkle feels most real—lanes of shop windows like a living treasure shelf. Even if you don’t buy, seeing the craft up close is part of the experience.

When you’re picking gold jewelry, focus on what you’ll actually wear. A simple chain, a daily bangle, or small earrings often become the best “Dubai memory” because they don’t sit in a drawer. Look for clear hallmarking and neat finishing along edges.

• Everyday piece: a clean bracelet or thin necklace you can layer.
• Statement piece: a bold set for weddings and events, with texture that catches light.
• Gift idea: a small pendant that feels personal without guessing ring size.

Perfume, Oud, and Bakhoor

If Dubai had a soundtrack, oud would be the bassline—warm, deep, and impossible to ignore. In the Perfume Souk, you can try oils, sprays, and incense pieces that turn into a signature scent with just a few drops.

Start simple: pick one oud oil (tiny bottle, huge impact) and one spray for everyday wear. I like asking for a blend that feels clean at first and then melts into amber or rose later.

• Oud oil: best for wrists and collarbones; one dab goes a long way.
• Bakhoor: scented chips for home; the vibe feels instantly welcoming.
• Arabic musk: softer than oud, great if you want a gentle daily option.

Spices, Saffron, and Tea

The Spice Souk is pure color therapy—reds, golds, greens, all stacked like edible paint. I always leave with saffron and a couple of blends that make basic meals taste restaurant-level.

For saffron, a little goes far, so it’s a smart buy even on a tight bag limit. Pick threads that look deep red with minimal yellow, and store them in a small sealed jar. Your kitchen will smell amazing later—no drama, just flavor.

• Cardamom: for coffee and desserts; the aroma feels instantly warm.
• Zaatar: sprinkle on eggs or flatbread; simple and so addictive.
• Rose tea: a gentle souvenir that smells like a garden in a cup.

Dates, Chocolates, and Edible Gifts

Edible Dubai souvenirs are the easiest wins: they’re shareable, packable, and instantly understood. A box of premium dates or camel milk treats feels like bringing home a small bite of the Gulf.

Go for stuffed dates (think almonds, pistachios, orange peel) in sturdy boxes. For sweets, I like chocolates that lean into local flavors—saffron, cardamom, or a hint of rose. They taste fancy without being fussy, and they feel genuin as a gift.

Arabic Coffee Sets and Table Pieces

A dallah (Arabic coffee pot) and tiny cups are the kind of Dubai buy that turns into a conversation starter. It’s like bringing home a small stage prop from a city where hospitality is an art.

If you want practical, pick a coffee set that includes cups you’ll actually use, plus a simple tray. Decorative sets can be gorgeous too—just check the weight before you commit. The sweet spot is pretty and usable, not something that lives forever in a cabinet.

• Mini cup set: easiest to pack, great for serving espresso too.
• Tray: makes the set feel complete; simple looks modern.
• Dates bowl: a tiny upgrade that makes hosting feel intentional and warm.

Textiles, Scarves, and Local Style

Dubai’s fabric scene is underrated. Walk the Textile Souk and you’ll see rolls of cotton, silk, and embroidery that feel like a color library. Even if you don’t sew, a great scarf is an easy win.

For pashmina-style wraps, choose what matches your real life: neutral tones for daily wear, or one bold piece for travel photos and dinners. Touch matters—if it feels scratchy, you won’t reach for it later. Aim for soft, light, and easy to fold.

• Scarf: the most versatile Dubai souvenir with a low packing footprint.
• Fabric: buy a meter or two of something special and turn it into pillows or a table runner.
• Emirati-inspired accessories: subtle pieces that feel local but still you.

Home Decor and Craft Finds

Want something that lasts longer than a snack? Go for home decor with a clear purpose—lanterns, trays, and incense holders that fit into modern homes. The best pieces feel like a gentle Dubai touch, not a loud theme park prop, and they sit nicely next to everyday furniture.

I’m a fan of calligraphy-style art prints and small metalwork items. They’re light, easy to wrap, and they instantly change a corner of a room—like adding a new accent note to a familiar song. Look for neat edges and clean finishing on corners and handles.

Modern Buys in Malls

Dubai malls are a one-stop universe: beauty, fashion, electronics, and limited drops—all under one roof with easy returns and tidy packaging. If your style leans modern, this is where convenience meets choice.

What’s actually worth it? I’d prioritize perfume (wide selection), skincare sets (gift-ready boxes), and premium sneakers or accessories you already planned to buy. That way your “Dubai shopping” feels like a smart upgrade, not random stuff in a suitcase.

1. Fragrance: big brand selection, easy sampling, polished packaging.
2. Beauty sets: great value when bundled, easy gifting, compact.
3. Accessories: sunglasses, wallets, watches—choose timeless shapes with daily use.

Airport Buys and Duty Free

Leaving Dubai and suddenly remembering gifts? Classic. Duty free is perfect for last-minute perfumes, chocolates, and travel exclusives—everything sealed, tidy, and ready to hand over. It’s the calm, polished finale to your shopping list.

Two easy picks that rarely miss: boxed dates and a mini fragrance set. They’re light, they look good, and they spare you the “what do I buy?” spiral when boarding time is close. Keep the receipt handy, and you’re set.

Sources

• Visit Dubai: Gold Souk Official overview of the famous gold market and what to expect.
• Visit Dubai: Spice Souk Official guide to spices, herbs, and classic food gifts.
• Visit Dubai: Perfume Souk Official page covering traditional scents like oud and bakhoor.
• Visit Dubai: Textile Souk Official info on fabrics and shopping in historic Bur Dubai.
• Dubai Customs: Passenger Guide Government resource for travelers who want to double-check allowances for items they buy.
• Wikipedia: Dubai Gold Souk Quick background on the market’s location and history in Deira.