Key Takeaways
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Dubai is home to towering skyscrapers, adventure experiences and a huge shopping scene. Its malls bring together international brands, while the souks of Old Dubai sell gold jewellery, perfumes, spices, fabrics, sweets and things that are truly Arabian.
While some items are easy to pick up, others need more thought before you spend your money. This guide covers the best things to buy in Dubai, including prices, where to shop and what to check before you buy.
Famous Things to Buy in Dubai
Dubai has many things worth taking home, from traditional products to luxury items. Here are some of the most popular things to buy on your Dubai trip:
1. Gold Jewellery
Gold is one of the things most people associate with Dubai, and the Gold Souk in Deira is a world-renowned destination where you can compare unique designs, workmanship and prices.
You will find everything from chains and bangles to diamond-studded pieces. Dubai’s gold market is regulated, and jewellery shops display the purity and current gold rate, making it easier to compare pieces.
The final price depends on the gold rate, weight, purity and making charges, plus 5% UAE VAT. Eligible tourists can reclaim part of the VAT at the airport when leaving the UAE.
Where to buy:
- Gold Souk, Deira
- Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai
- Gold & Diamond Park
- Dubai Mall and other major jewellery retailers
Price: Varies by gold purity (18K-24K); retail rates typically fluctuate but roughly average AED 390 to 520+ (approx. INR 10,100 to 13,500+) per gram, excluding making charges. Rates change daily based on international markets, so check the official Dubai Jewellery Group retail price on the day you shop.
Note: India’s 40g/20g jewellery allowance applies only to passengers returning after over a year abroad. On a short trip, gold counts within your general 75,000 INR duty-free allowance.
2. Oud and Bakhoor
Dubai’s fragrance culture goes beyond bottled perfumes, with oud and bakhoor being two traditional choices.
Oud is a fragrant oil extracted from agarwood, while bakhoor is made from treated agarwood chips burned to fragrance homes and clothes. Both are great souvenirs to bring home from Dubai.
Oud is sold in pure and blended forms, with prices varying by quality and concentration. Bakhoor is available in different fragrance blends, from simple options to more premium varieties. You can find both in traditional souks and modern perfume stores.
Where to buy:
- Perfume Souk, Deira
- Spice Souk, Deira
- Arabian Oud stores in Dubai Mall, Deira City Centre and other malls
- Ajmal and other established perfume retailers
Price: Bakhoor starts around AED 20 (approx. INR 500); oud perfumes and oils can range from AED 50 to AED 1500+ (approx. INR 1300 to 39,000+)
Buying tip: Test the fragrance before buying, especially bakhoor, which can be quite strong. For premium varieties, ask what wood and fragrance materials are used and buy from a trusted seller.
3. Arabic Attars
A small bottle of attar can be a handy Dubai souvenir. You can find them in floral, woody, musky and oud-based scents, from traditional perfume shops in the souks to established Arabian fragrance brands.
Perfume shops may let you create or customise a blend by combining different oils. Sizes and fragrance strength vary, and you’ll find plenty of options for different budgets.
Where to buy:
- Perfume Souk, Deira
- Swiss Arabian stores
- Ajmal and other established Arabian perfume retailers
Price: Around AED 40-165 (approx. INR 1000-4300), with premium formulations costing more.
Buying tip: Test the attar on your skin and let the scent settle before choosing, as it can smell different after a few minutes. Also check the label if you specifically want an alcohol-free product.
4. Designer Fashion & Cosmetics
Lower taxes and a well-established luxury retail market make Dubai a popular place to shop for designer clothing, handbags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, makeup and skincare.
Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall, for example, has brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin, while its beauty stores include Dior, NARS, and Charlotte Tilbury.
Sales and shopping festivals can make a noticeable difference in prices. Dubai Outlet Mall is a good place to check out discounted branded fashion, shoes and accessories.
Where to buy:
- Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates Dubai
- Dubai Outlet Mall
Price: Designer handbags and shoes start around AED 1500 (approx. INR 39,000); premium makeup and skincare products often start around AED 150 (approx. INR 4000)
Buying tip: At checkout, ask for a tax-free transaction if you’re eligible. The purchase must be from a participating retailer and meet the AED 250 (approx. INR 6500) minimum spend. Keep your goods and tax-free transaction details ready for validation at the airport before checking in your luggage.
5. Electronics
Phones, laptops, cameras, headphones and other gadgets are popular purchases in Dubai, particularly when you find a model at a good price or a promotion.
Major brands such as Apple, Samsung, Sony and Canon are widely sold across the city, along with products for gaming, audio, photography and smart devices.
Prices vary a lot by model, storage and specifications, so there is no fixed Dubai-versus-India saving. Check the exact model number and regional version before buying.
A UAE or Middle East version can have different specifications or warranty terms from the Indian version. Also check the charger and plug supplied with the product.
Where to buy:
- Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- Sharaf DG
- Jumbo Electronics
- Al Ain Centre (Computer Plaza), Bur Dubai
Price: From around AED 350 to 5000+ (approx. INR 9000 to 1,30,000+), depending on the product and brand. You can find cheaper options, while high-end models can cost much more.
Buying tip: Check the model, warranty and final price before paying. Electronic purchases are subject to India’s 2026 baggage rules; passengers aged 18 or above can bring one new laptop or notepad duty-free.
6. Pashmina Shawls
A Pashmina shawl can be a thoughtful gift if you want something light, warm and easy to pack. Pashmina is closely associated with Kashmir, with the fine wool coming from Changthangi goats in Ladakh.
Although it is traditionally made in India, you can also find Pashmina shawls in Dubai in different colours, patterns and embroidered styles.
Their soft feel and warmth make them a lovely accessory, but genuine Pashmina can be expensive. Some shawls sold as Pashmina may contain synthetic fibres or other blends, so check the fabric before buying.
Where to buy:
- Textile Souk, Bur Dubai
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai
Price: Around AED 150 to AED 2,500+ (approx. INR 3900 to 65,000+), depending on the material, weave and embroidery.
Buying tip: For an expensive shawl, ask about the fibre and place of origin, and look for a GI label or certificate where applicable.
7. Persian Rugs & Carpets
A Persian rug can be a memorable purchase from Dubai, especially if you are looking for a handmade piece for your home.
Hand-knotted rugs have individual knots tied by hand, and the design is visible on the back. Wool and silk are common materials, and size, knot count, and workmanship affect the price.
You’ll find rugs in different sizes and styles, from smaller pieces with simple patterns to finely detailed carpets with intricate designs. Some specialist dealers also make custom rugs, so you can choose the size, colours and material to suit your home.
Where to buy:
- Deira carpet shops
- Specialised carpet showrooms in Al Quoz and along Sheikh Zayed Road
Price: Authentic Persian rugs can start around AED 800 (approx. INR 21,000). Fine silk and antique pieces can cost much more.
8. Arabian Dates
Arabian dates are one of the most traditional, budget-friendly things you can buy in Dubai. They are closely tied to Emirati hospitality and are traditionally served with Arabic coffee.
Dubai is a great place to buy them, with local markets and shops selling varieties such as Khalas, Khudri, Sukkari and Medjool. They also differ in size, texture and sweetness.
You can buy plain dates, nut-filled dates and chocolate-coated varieties. Larger packs are good for sharing, while smaller boxes are easy to pack as gifts.
Where to buy:
- Deira Waterfront Market
- Spice Souk, Deira
- Bateel outlets
- Carrefour and other major supermarkets
Price: Around AED 20 to 200+ per kg (approx. INR 520 to 5200+), depending on the variety, quality and packaging.
9. Camel Milk Chocolates
If you are a chocolate lover, try camel milk chocolates in Dubai. They have a creamy texture with a slight natural saltiness, giving them a different taste from regular milk chocolate.
In Dubai, Al Nassma is a well-known camel milk chocolate brand, selling bars, pralines and camel-shaped chocolates.
Where to buy:
- Al Nassma, Souk Al Bahar
- Dubai Mall
- Spinneys and other supermarkets
- Dubai Duty Free
Price: Around AED 30-40 (approx. INR 800-1000) for a 70g bar. Gift boxes and larger chocolates cost more.
Buying tip: Buy camel milk chocolates at Dubai Duty Free before your flight to avoid carrying them around in the heat.
10. Dubai Spices and Saffron
Saffron is one of the most popular spices to pick up in Dubai, along with cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, sumac and za’atar.
The Spice Souk in Deira has spices and blends used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking, so you can find something familiar as well as new flavours to try at home.
Saffron is sold in small quantities, while other spices are often available loose by weight or in packets. The vendors at Spice Souk may help you choose between different products and quantities.
Where to buy:
- Spice Souk, Deira
- Carrefour
- Spinneys
- Lulu Hypermarket
Price: Saffron costs around AED 10 to 50+ (approx. INR 260 to 1300+) per gram, while other spices vary by type, quality and quantity
Buying tip: For saffron, choose whole threads rather than powder and check the origin and grade on the pack. Whole saffron is easier to inspect, while powdered saffron is more prone to adulteration.
11. Arabian Coffee and Dallah Sets
Arabic coffee, or gahwa, is closely linked to Emirati hospitality and is traditionally served from a dallah into small handleless cups called finjan.
The coffee is lightly roasted and often flavoured with cardamom, with spices such as saffron or cloves used in some recipes.
A Dallah set makes a nice souvenir if you want to bring home something that feels distinctly Arabian. And buy Arabic coffee separately to use with the set.
Sets range from a simple coffee pot and cups to more decorative pieces with serving trays, while the pots themselves come in materials such as stainless steel and porcelain.
Where to buy:
- Spice Souk, Deira
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Carrefour and other major supermarkets
- Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall
Price: Arabic coffee costs around AED 15 to 60+ (approx. INR 400 to 1500+) per 250g; Dallah sets cost around AED 50 to 900+ (approx. INR 1300 to 23,500+), depending on the material, number of pieces and design. Simple pots and sets cost less, while designer sets can be much more.
Buying tip: Check whether the dallah is meant for brewing or serving before you buy.
12. Traditional Arab Shoes
The na’al, a traditional open-toe sandal, is a familiar part of Emirati dress and is worn for its simple design and breathability in Dubai’s hot climate.
Traditional pairs are often made from leather, with designs ranging from plain everyday sandals to more decorative styles.
Some modern UAE brands, such as Tamashee, have also reworked the traditional form into contemporary footwear.
These sandals can make a useful souvenir; they are easy to pack and can be worn beyond the trip. In the souks, you may find more traditional designs, while specialist stores have more finished leather pairs and modern versions.
Where to buy:
- Naif Souk, Deira
- Al Seef Heritage Souq, Bur Dubai
- Level Shoes, Dubai Mall
- Traditional footwear shops in Old Dubai
Price: Around AED 150 to 900+ (approx. INR 3,900 to 23,500+), depending on the leather, design and brand.
13. Baklava
Baklava is a popular sweet to buy in Dubai, especially if you enjoy pistachios, walnuts or cashews. It is made with thin layers of filo pastry, nuts and sweet syrup, giving it a crisp texture with a rich, nutty filling.
Dubai’s sweet shops sell both Turkish-style baklava and other versions with different fillings and flavours. You can buy it as individual pieces or in mixed boxes with different shapes and fillings.
Pistachio varieties are a common choice, while some shops also sell chocolate versions and other sweet-filled pastries. Gift boxes make it easy to pack and share with family or friends.
Where to buy:
- Al Samadi Sweets, Deira
- Hafiz Mustafa 1864, Dubai Mall
- Nabeel Nafisah, Deira
Price: Around AED 35 to 360+ (approx. INR 900 to 9400+), depending on the quantity, type and packaging.
Buying tip: Ask for a sealed, sturdy box if you are taking baklava home, and check the best-before date before buying.
14. Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
Rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds are widely sold in Dubai, along with semi-precious stones such as tourmaline, topaz and onyx. You can buy them as loose stones or choose a finished ring, pendant or other piece of jewellery.
Colour, clarity, carat weight, treatment and origin all affect what you pay, and a natural unheated stone can be much rarer than a treated one.
Dubai is also a major trading centre for coloured gemstones, with the DMCC supporting the sourcing and trade of stones such as emeralds and rubies.
Where to buy:
- Gold Souk, Deira
- Gold & Diamond Park
- Dubai Mall
Price: Around AED 100 to 50,000+ (approx. INR 2,600 to 13,00,000+), depending on the stone, carat weight, quality, and treatment
Buying tip: For an expensive stone, ask for a recognised gemological report showing whether it is natural or laboratory-grown and whether any treatments were detected.
15. Arabic Lanterns
Arabic lanterns, or fanoos, make a simple decorative souvenir from Dubai. Traditional designs often use metal frames with coloured or clear glass, and the cutwork creates patterned light when a candle or bulb is placed inside.
Fanoos lanterns are also closely associated with Ramadan and are still used as decorative pieces in homes and festive spaces. You can find small tabletop lanterns as well as larger hanging and floor designs.
Some have simple metalwork, while others have brass finishes, coloured glass panels and more detailed patterns. They are available as candle holders or with LED light options, so you can choose what works best for your home.
Where to buy:
- Al Fahidi Souk, Bur Dubai
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Deira traditional markets
- Home decor stores such as Home Box
Price: Around AED 25 to 300+ (approx. INR 650 to 7,800+), depending on the size, material, glasswork and design.
Buying tip: Check how the lantern is meant to be used and ask the seller to wrap glass pieces securely. If possible, carry it in your hand luggage to protect it from damage.
Conclusion
Dubai is a great place for shopping. Gold jewellery, fragrances, dates, chocolates and spices make easy gifts, while electronics, designer products, gemstones, rugs and Pashmina shawls are worth considering as they are expensive purchases. Traditional items such as Arabic coffee sets, shoes, lanterns and baklava also make nice reminders of the trip.
Prices can differ a lot between shops and products, so take some time to compare before buying. Check the quality and authenticity of expensive items, and keep customs rules in mind when carrying high-value purchases back to India.
With so many options, it helps to decide what you actually want to buy before you start shopping. For help planning your Dubai holiday, with sightseeing and shopping, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs About Things to Buy in Dubai
1. What souvenirs should first-time visitors buy in Dubai?
Oud and bakhoor, attars, dates, camel milk chocolates, spices, Arabic coffee, baklava, traditional shoes and Arabic lanterns are some good options. You can also pick up Pashmina shawls, Persian rugs and dallah sets if you are looking for something more special.
2. Where can you find affordable gifts for women in Dubai?
Attars, cosmetics, traditional shoes and Arabic lanterns are some affordable choices. Pashmina shawls are another option, although genuine ones can be expensive. You can find these at the Perfume Souk, Dubai Mall, Deira markets and Dubai Outlet Mall.
3. What are the best traditional things to buy in Dubai?
Oud and bakhoor, Arabic attars, dates, spices, Arabic coffee and dallah sets, traditional Arab shoes and Arabic lanterns are some of the most traditional purchases you can make. Baklava and other Middle Eastern sweets are also good choices.
4. Are electronics cheaper to buy in Dubai than in India?
Not necessarily. Prices vary by model, specifications, storage and promotions. Compare the exact product in both markets before buying.
5. What should you check before buying gold, electronics or luxury items in Dubai?
For gold, check the purity, current gold rate and making charges. For electronics, confirm the model, regional version and warranty. For expensive luxury items, check the product details and authenticity, and keep the purchase documents.
