{"id":12623,"date":"2025-12-17T12:23:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T06:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dimaak.com\/blog\/?p=12623"},"modified":"2026-02-25T15:24:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T09:54:32","slug":"things-to-buy-in-abu-dhabi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dimaak.com\/blog\/things-to-buy-in-abu-dhabi\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Things to Buy in Abu Dhabi :Shopping Guide & Souks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Beyond Abu Dhabi\u2019s grand mosques, beaches, and entertainment hub, this city is a shopper\u2019s paradise! There\u2019s literally no shortage of <\/span>things to buy in Abu Dhabi<\/span>. The entire country promotes tourism and works towards giving the best to its visitors!<\/span><\/p>\n

Every unique thing, from oud perfumes to wooden chips used to give aromatic smoke to chocolate-covered dates, is an experience of its own that you cannot miss.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re looking to take home a piece of the UAE\u2019s heritage, here\u2019s your ultimate guide to the <\/span>famous things to buy in Abu Dhabi<\/span> and also where to buy them from!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Famous Things to Buy in Abu Dhabi<\/h2>\n

Just like any other tourist destination, you\u2019ll get souvenirs like keychains, jewellery, and more. But also, you can find gifts and souvenirs that are unique to Abu Dhabi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dates<\/h3>\n

A lot of people associate dates with the UAE and vice versa, and for a good reason. Dates are a true Middle Eastern treasure, grown mainly in countries like Algeria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and, of course, <\/span>the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n

These are an important part of Emirati culture and delicacy, as they are naturally grown in the area and also possess a lot of health benefits.\u00a0 They are packed with fibre, nutrients, and energy.<\/p>\n

Types of dates include Ajwa, Majdool, Sukari, Rhutab, and more. Their quality depends on their sweetness, size, origin, and the type of palm tree they grow on. And if you prefer something extra special, you\u2019ll also find camel milk-coated, milk chocolate-covered, or nut-filled varieties that make perfect gifts.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning to buy dates as souvenirs, look for VIP gift boxes that are beautifully packed and perfect to take home.<\/p>\n

According to the locals, the best place to shop for dates is in the Abu Dhabi dates market situated close to Mina Market. Inside, you\u2019ll find an area called Mina Port, where rows of shops sell dates in bulk at wholesale prices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recommended shops: Lewa Dates & Gold Dates, <\/span>Mina Port<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: Dates are harvested during the summer months, so you\u2019ll find the freshest ones in <\/span>August and September. Always check the packaging date before buying!<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Gold<\/h3>\n

Another world-famous thing to buy in the UAE is <\/span>gold. In fact, many travelers make it a point to shop for gold in Dubai or Abu Dhabi before flying home. The country\u2019s reputation for purity, fair pricing, and designs makes it a true paradise for gold lovers.<\/p>\n

The Advantages of Buying Gold in the UAE<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Reduced tax\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. No GST<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Competitive prices<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Minimal impurities<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Reliability and authenticity of certified sellers<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Massive collection of designs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    As of 5th November 2025, the <\/span>24K gold rate in India is \u20b912,148 per gram.<\/p>\n

    While in the UAE, it\u2019s AED 479 (\u2248 \u20b911,573 per gram), a 4.97% difference!<\/p>\n

    That\u2019s quite a saving for gold buyers!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Things to do Before Buying Gold in the UAE<\/h4>\n
      \n
    1. Shop at trusted places like the Gold Souq in the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.<\/li>\n
    2. Avoid agents or hawkers who offer to take you to shops selling \u201ccheap gold\u201d.<\/li>\n
    3. Visit 4-6 shops to understand the gold rates of that day, other charges, and designs.<\/li>\n
    4. Ask for certification to confirm purity and authenticity.<\/li>\n
    5. Get an invoice for the gold and submit it at the VAT refund desk at the airport to get around 4.5% of returns.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Before you carry the Gold Back Home<\/h4>\n

      Indian airport customs has a limit on how much gold passengers can carry:<\/span><\/p>\n