The United Arab Emirates combines futuristic cities with ancient desert traditions, offering world-class luxury, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From Dubai's soaring Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi's stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Gold jewelry from Gold Souk
Dubai's famous Gold Souk offers 18-22 karat gold at competitive prices. Intricate Arabic designs and customization available.
Price: $50-5000+
Where: Gold Souk, Deira, Dubai
Saffron and Za'atar spice blend
Premium Iranian saffron and local spice blends are sold by weight in traditional paper bags. Some of the world's best quality and most competitive prices.
Price: $5-50
Where: Spice Souk, Deira, Dubai
Oud and Arabic perfumes
Oud (agarwood) is the prized scent of the Arab world, used in perfume, incense, and chips. Bakhoor (incense blend) makes a unique gift.
Price: $20-500
Where: Ajmal Perfumes, Al Haramain, or perfume souks
Khanjar (traditional dagger)
Ornamental curved Omani-style daggers with silver handles are popular collector items. Decorative only, not sharp, ideal for display.
Price: $30-200
Where: Global Village, Heritage souks
Pashmina and Arabic shawls
Cashmere and silk shawls in traditional patterns and colors are widely available. Beautiful souvenirs that are both practical and decorative.
Price: $15-80
Where: Textile Souk, Bur Dubai; Blue Souk, Sharjah
Premium Medjool and Ajwa dates
The UAE produces world-class dates in dozens of varieties. Beautifully packaged gift boxes from Bateel or local markets make perfect souvenirs.
Price: $10-60
Where: Bateel boutiques, Carrefour, any supermarket
Camel-themed gifts and novelties
Camel milk chocolates, camel figurines, and camel leather goods are quintessential UAE souvenirs. Camel milk soap and beauty products are unique gifts.
Price: $5-40
Where: Airport duty-free, malls, souvenir shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Dubai Gold Souk
The world-famous Gold Souk houses over 300 jewelry retailers selling gold, diamonds, and precious stones. Prices are competitive and bargaining is expected.
Where: Sikkat Al Khail Street, Deira, Dubai
Hours: Sat-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri 4PM-10PM
Dubai Spice Souk
An atmospheric covered market filled with fragrant sacks of spices, dried fruits, and herbs. Saffron, frankincense, dried lemons, and oud wood are the top purchases.
Where: Old Baladiya Street, Deira, Dubai
Hours: Sat-Thu 9AM-10PM, Fri 4PM-10PM
Textile Souk (Bur Dubai)
A traditional market stretching along the creek waterfront selling silks, brocades, and fabrics from India, China, and beyond at very competitive prices.
Where: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Hours: Daily 9AM-10PM
Blue Souk (Central Market)
Sharjah's landmark covered market in a distinctive blue-tiled building offering carpets, antiques, silver jewelry, and handicrafts at lower prices than Dubai.
Where: Al Arouba Street, Sharjah
Hours: Daily 9AM-11PM
Al Ain Souk (Old Central Market)
One of the UAE's most traditional markets selling camel market goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts in an authentic setting. The camel market nearby is a must-see.
Where: Al Ain City Centre, Al Ain
Hours: Daily 8AM-10PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Dubai Mall
The world's largest shopping mall with over 1,200 stores, Dubai Aquarium, ice rink, and VR Park. Anchored by Bloomingdale's and Galeries Lafayette with every major luxury brand.
Best for: Luxury brands, family entertainment, dining
Mall of the Emirates
Home to Ski Dubai and Harvey Nichols with an excellent mix of high street and luxury brands. Strong fashion and lifestyle offering with good food court.
Best for: Fashion, ski attraction, dining
Deira City Centre
One of Dubai's original malls remains popular for its Carrefour hypermarket and mix of mainstream brands. Convenient location near old Dubai and airport.
Best for: Everyday shopping, supermarket, budget brands
Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai
The original Dubai shopping street lined with electronics shops, textile stores, and Indian retail outlets at competitive prices. Authentic old-Dubai atmosphere.
Best for: Electronics, fabrics, budget shopping
City Walk
A stylish outdoor shopping and dining destination with contemporary design, street art, and boutique brands. Popular for casual browsing and Instagram-worthy architecture.
Best for: Boutique brands, dining, photography
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Dubai Mall
The world's largest shopping mall with 1,200+ stores, Dubai Aquarium, ice rink, and the Dubai Fountain outside. An entire day could easily be spent here.
Hours: Sun-Wed 10AM-12AM, Thu-Sat 10AM-1AM
Mall of the Emirates
Premium mall hosting Harvey Nichols, Ski Dubai, and over 600 stores across fashion, homeware, and dining. Popular with both tourists and residents.
Hours: Daily 10AM-12AM
Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi's largest mall located on Yas Island near Ferrari World and Warner Bros World, with IKEA as anchor tenant and strong fashion offering.
Hours: Sun-Wed 10AM-10PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-12AM
Abu Dhabi Mall
Central Abu Dhabi's main shopping destination with 200+ stores, a hypermarket, and Foodlympics food court. Connected to InterContinental hotel.
Hours: Sat-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri 2PM-10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable and expected in traditional souks (Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk) but not in malls or fixed-price shops
Start at 40-50% of the asking price and work toward a middle ground - sellers expect negotiation
Walking away often results in the seller calling you back with a better price
Buy multiple items from the same vendor to negotiate better overall pricing
Friendly conversation and respectful attitude will get you further than aggressive bargaining
Pay in cash for better prices - many souk traders prefer cash over card
Compare prices at neighboring stalls before committing - competition keeps prices competitive
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 50 years may need export permits. No pork products can be exported. Commercial quantities of gold require declaration at customs.
Tax Refund: UAE has a VAT refund scheme for tourists. Look for 'Tax Free' logo at participating retailers. Minimum AED 250 purchase. Refund at airport kiosks.
Duty Free: UAE airport duty free is excellent. Allowances: 4 liters alcohol (non-Muslims), 400 cigarettes, AED 3,000 worth of gifts
Shipping: International shipping available at most large malls. DHL, FedEx, and Aramex offices throughout the UAE. Carpet shops offer worldwide shipping.