Dubai is a dazzling emirate on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its ultramodern skyline, luxury shopping, and world-record-breaking landmarks. From the iconic Burj Khalifa piercing the clouds to pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai seamlessly blends Bedouin heritage with 21st-century ambition. It is one of the world's most visited cities, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year with its unrivalled mix of culture, adventure, and opulence.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Gold Jewellery
Dubai's Gold Souk offers 18, 21, and 24-carat gold jewellery at prices significantly cheaper than Western markets. Intricate Arabic designs are particularly beautiful.
Price: $50-5000+
Where: Gold Souk, Deira
Saffron and Frankincense
Premium Iranian saffron and Arabian frankincense (oud) resin are excellent value in the Spice Souk. Both are far cheaper than in Western shops.
Price: $5-50
Where: Spice Souk, Deira
Arabic Perfume (Oud)
Oud (agarwood) perfume is the signature scent of the Gulf. Artisanal blends range from accessible retail options to bespoke perfumes costing thousands.
Price: $20-500+
Where: Arabian Oud stores, Spice Souk, Al Seef
Pashmina and Arabic Keffiyeh
Hand-woven pashmina scarves and traditional Arabic keffiyeh headscarves in various colours make lightweight, authentic souvenirs.
Price: $10-80
Where: Textile Souk Bur Dubai, Dubai Mall
Hand-painted Arabic Plates
Decorative blue-and-white Arabesque ceramics painted with geometric and floral patterns inspired by Islamic art.
Price: $15-60
Where: Al Fahidi shops, Global Village
Medjool Dates
Premium Emirati and Gulf dates stuffed with nuts, dipped in chocolate, or sold loose by the kilogram. An excellent edible souvenir.
Price: $8-40
Where: Bateel (premium), local supermarkets, souk stalls
Dallah Coffee Pot
The traditional brass or silver long-spouted Arabic coffee pot is an iconic symbol of Gulf hospitality and makes a striking decorative piece.
Price: $20-200
Where: Al Fahidi antique shops, souvenir stores
Designer Brands
Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates house flagship stores of virtually every major luxury brand at prices that may differ from home markets due to VAT differences.
Price: $100-10000+
Where: Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue, Mall of the Emirates
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Gold Souk
One of the world's largest gold markets with over 300 retailers. Hundreds of kilograms of gold jewellery on display at any one time.
Where: Sikkat Al Khail Road, Deira
Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Fri closed 1-4 PM)
Spice Souk
Traditional open-air spice market overflowing with frankincense, saffron, cardamom, dried rosebuds, and hundreds of exotic spices.
Where: Al Abra Street, Deira
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Textile Souk
A covered souk dedicated to fabrics including silks, cotton, velvet, and lace. Popular for bespoke tailoring and fabric shopping.
Where: Bur Dubai Waterfront
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Perfume Souk
A cluster of perfume retailers in Deira selling Arabian oud oils, attar, and international brands at competitive prices.
Where: Al Muraqqabat, Deira
Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Ripe Market
A popular weekend farmers market with organic produce, artisan food, handmade crafts, and vintage items.
Where: Various seasonal locations
Hours: Friday mornings (seasonal, Oct-Apr)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue
The Fashion Avenue extension of Dubai Mall houses over 150 luxury brands in a climate-controlled boulevard-style setting
Best for: Luxury fashion, jewellery, and watches
Souk Al Bahar
An Arabic-themed souk in the heart of Downtown Dubai with boutique shops and restaurants facing the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa
Best for: Souvenirs, casual dining, and atmosphere
The Walk at JBR
A 1.7 km outdoor promenade along Jumeirah Beach Residence with retail, restaurants, and beach access
Best for: Casual shopping, dining, and beachside browsing
Al Seef
A new waterfront development blending traditional and modern architecture along Dubai Creek with boutique shops and galleries
Best for: Artisan products, local designers, and photography
DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre has a cluster of upscale boutiques and galleries around Gate Village
Best for: Art galleries, high-end boutiques, and luxury dining
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Dubai Mall
The world's largest mall by total area with 1,200+ stores, an ice rink, aquarium, cinema complex, and the Dubai Fountain outside. Connected to the metro.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat until 1:00 AM)
Mall of the Emirates
Second-largest mall in Dubai featuring Ski Dubai indoor ski slope, 630+ stores, and Harvey Nichols department store. Connected to the metro.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Ibn Battuta Mall
A theme mall with six courts designed after the journeys of explorer Ibn Battuta — each section reflects a different region he visited.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
City Walk
An open-air lifestyle destination in Jumeirah 1 with international brands, restaurants, cinemas, and a children's play area.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Nakheel Mall
Shopping mall on Palm Jumeirah with a rooftop restaurant zone offering Gulf views. Connected to the Palm Monorail.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected in traditional souks — Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk
Start at 50-60% of the initial asking price and work up gradually
Being willing to walk away often results in the seller calling you back with a better price
Check the current international gold price before shopping in the Gold Souk — prices should be close to market rate
Never bargain in modern malls or branded stores where prices are fixed
Making a larger purchase (multiple items) gives you more leverage to negotiate
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 50 years old may require export permits. Contact Dubai Customs for guidance on specific items.
Tax Refund: UAE VAT (5%) refund available for tourists on purchases over AED 250 per retailer. Claim at airports using Planet or Tax Free shopping terminals.
Duty Free: Dubai Duty Free at DXB Airport is world-famous for electronics, liquor, perfume, and chocolate at competitive prices.
Shipping: International shipping available at Dubai Post offices and through DHL, FedEx, and Aramex across the city.