Dubai is a stunning mix of luxury, culture, and exclusivity, making it one of the best shopping spots in the world. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re a seasoned visitor, certain treasures capture the spirit of Dubai’s rich heritage and modern flair. From sparkling gold jewelry to the enchanting scents of Arabic perfumes, Dubai offers unique shopping finds like no other. In this blog, I’ll take you through the top 10 things to buy in Dubai in 2025, share why these items are so special, and reveal the best places to grab them. Ready for a shopping adventure? Let’s get started!
Here are the top 10 unique things to buy in Dubai
| No. | Unique Things to Buy in Dubai |
| 1. | Gold Jewelry |
| 2. | Pashmina Shawls |
| 3. | Arabic Perfumes |
| 4. | Oud (Agarwood) |
| 5. | Spices |
| 6. | Luxury Watches |
| 7. | Arabic Carpets and Rugs |
| 8. | Camel Milk Chocolate |
| 9. | Traditional Arabic Clothing |
| 10. | Dubai-themed Souvenirs |
These unique items offer a mix of luxury, culture, and local flavor, giving you a chance to take home something special from Dubai.
- Gold Jewelry
Dubai is often called the “City of Gold,” and it lives up to its name. Known for its extensive gold markets, Dubai offers a stunning variety of gold jewelry, ranging from traditional pieces to modern designs. The city is home to some of the world’s largest gold markets, where prices are often more affordable compared to Western countries. Therefore, it is one of the most valuable things to buy in Dubai.
Why is It Unique?
Dubai’s gold is renowned for its purity and craftsmanship. Unlike in many parts of the world, gold prices in Dubai are based on global rates, and the market is free of tax and duty, allowing shoppers to buy high-quality gold at lower prices.
Where to Buy:
- Dubai Gold Souk in Deira is a must-visit, offering hundreds of stores with a wide selection of gold jewelry.
- Gold and Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road is another great place for luxury gold purchases.
Price Range: AED 150–250 per gram, depending on the design and purity.
- Pashmina Shawls
Pashmina shawls are another must-buy in Dubai, especially if you’re looking for something elegant to take home. These luxurious shawls are made from the fine wool of Himalayan goats. This cashmere wool is not just one of the things to buy in Dubai, but also a symbol of elegance renowned for its softness and warmth.
Why is It Unique?
Although pashmina shawls can be found worldwide, Dubai’s markets offer the best quality, sourced directly from Kashmir, India. The fine craftsmanship and intricate embroidery on many shawls reflect the region’s rich heritage.
Where to Buy:
- Karama Market offers a wide variety of affordable pashmina shawls.
- Pashmina House in the Al Fahidi area is known for high-quality, authentic shawls.
Price Range: AED 150–1000, depending on quality and embroidery.
- Arabic Perfumes
Arabic perfumes are highly valued for their rich, long-lasting scent. Unlike Western perfumes that use alcohol as a base, Arabic perfumes are made from pure oils extracted from flowers, herbs, and spices with natural ingredients like oud, amber, rose, and musk. These perfumes are typically stronger and more concentrated, lasting much longer than traditional perfumes. Also, these fragrances are sold in beautiful, ornate bottles making it one of the luxurious things to buy in Dubai–perfect to gift your loved ones.
Why is It Unique?
The fragrance blends are often customized, allowing buyers to create their own signature scent. Arabic perfumes are also free from alcohol, which is important in Muslim-majority countries like the UAE.
Where to Buy:
- Deira Perfume Souk is a must-visit for all perfume lovers.
- Dubai Mall’s luxury perfume shops offer high-end options.
Price Range: AED 100–800 for a bottle, depending on the fragrance and brand.
- Oud (Agarwood)
Oud, or agarwood, is one of the most desired and expensive fragrances in the world. It’s derived from the resin of the agarwood tree, which is found in Southeast Asia. This aromatic wood is often burned as incense or used to create luxurious perfumes. Thus, it is one of the special things to buy in Dubai.
Why is It Unique?
Oud is deeply embedded in Middle Eastern culture and is considered a symbol of luxury. Its rich, earthy scent is unlike any other, making it a must-have for fragrance enthusiasts.
Where to Buy:
- Spice Souk in Deira offers an authentic selection of oud products.
- Many high-end perfume shops in Dubai Mall also feature premium oud offerings.
Price Range: AED 200 to AED 5000, depending on purity and form (incense, oils, or perfume).
- Spices
Dubai’s Spice Souk in Deira is an aromatic and colorful market, where you can find a wide variety of spices, such as saffron, cumin, cardamom, and turmeric. These spices are used extensively in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine and are fresher and more powerful than those found in Western supermarkets. Also, these make for fantastic souvenirs that add flavor to your kitchen or serve as fragrant gifts adding to the list of things to buy in Dubai.
Why is It Unique?
The variety and quality of spices in Dubai are second to none. Dubai acts as a global trading hub for spices, giving the city access to the best suppliers and products.
Where to Buy:
- Spice Souk (Deira) is the best place to explore and purchase fresh spices.
Price Range: AED 10 to AED 25 per pack, depending on the spice.
- Luxury Watches
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most renowned luxury watch brands. If you’re looking to buy a high-end watch, you’ll find a vast selection in Dubai, ranging from classic Rolex models to limited-edition Patek Philippe timepieces. Hence, it is one of the precious things to buy in Dubai.
Why is It Unique?
Dubai’s tax-free shopping makes luxury watches more affordable compared to other cities. Additionally, the city’s status as a global shopping hub means you can find exclusive models that are often unavailable elsewhere.
Where to Buy:
- Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are prime spots for luxury watch boutiques.
Price Range: AED 2,000–50,000+, depending on the brand and model.
- Arabic Carpets and Rugs
Arabic carpets and rugs are a perfect combination of artistry and craftsmanship. Made from fine wool or silk, these carpets are intricately handwoven and feature detailed designs, often inspired by traditional Persian patterns. Therefore, This makes it one of the traditional things to buy in Dubai.
Why is It Unique?
Dubai offers carpets that are crafted by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations. The carpets come in various sizes, patterns, and colors, making them highly customizable.
Where to Buy:
- Karama Souk is known for affordable options.
- National Iranian Carpets offers luxury Persian carpets.
Price Range: AED 200 and can go up to AED 10,000+, depending on size and material.
- Camel Milk Chocolate
Camel milk chocolate is one of Dubai’s most unique food items. Made from the milk of camels, this chocolate is creamier and richer than regular milk chocolate, and it is also easier to digest due to camel milk’s lower fat content. It’s a delicacy you won’t easily find elsewhere making it one of the most delicious things to buy in Dubai.
Why is It Unique?
Camel milk is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this chocolate both a healthy and luxurious treat.
Where to Buy:
- Al Nassma stores and various luxury supermarkets offer camel milk chocolate.
Price Range: AED 60–250 per box, depending on packaging and flavor.
- Traditional Arabic Clothing
Traditional Arabic clothing, such as kaftan, the abaya for women, and the dishdasha for men, is a popular purchase for those seeking to experience Dubai’s cultural heritage. These garments are made from high-quality fabrics and often feature intricate embroidery.
Why is It Unique?
Arabic clothing is not only functional but also reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a great way to take a piece of the culture home with you. Hence, this adds traditional Arabic clothing to the list of unique things to buy in Dubai.
Where to Buy:
- Karama Market and Deira are popular places for traditional Arabic clothing.
Price Range: AED 200–1000+, depending on design and material.
- Dubai-themed Souvenirs
Finally, no trip to Dubai is complete without buying a souvenir to remember it by. From miniature Burj Khalifa models to traditional camel figurines, Arabic calligraphy, and even Dubai skyline artwork make for a unique, memorable reminder of your trip, there’s no shortage of Dubai-themed souvenirs to bring home.
Why is It Unique?
These mementos capture the essence of Dubai’s modern architecture and cultural heritage in a way that is unique to the city.
Where to Buy:
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Global Village are excellent places to shop for souvenirs.
Price Range: AED 20–200, depending on the item.
End Note
Whether you’re in Dubai for its iconic landmarks, luxurious experiences, or simply the shopping, these unique items offer a glimpse into the culture and luxury that make Dubai truly one of a kind. From sparkling gold jewelry to the rich scent of oud, these are the top 10 things to buy in Dubai in 2025.
Not only will you be taking home a piece of the UAE’s culture, but you’ll also benefit from the city’s competitive prices and tax-free shopping. So, next time you’re in Dubai, make sure to explore these incredible treasures!
FAQs
What are the best chocolates to buy in Dubai?
Camel milk chocolates are a unique and popular treat to buy in Dubai, offering a rich and creamy taste unlike any other. You can find these delightful chocolates at stores like Al Nassma, making them a perfect gift or souvenir from the Gulf region.
Where can I buy authentic gold jewelry in Dubai?
The Gold Souk in Deira is the ultimate destination for purchasing authentic gold jewelry in Dubai. Known for its competitive prices and high-quality craftsmanship, it’s a must-visit for luxury shoppers.
What are the must-buy spices in Dubai?
One of the best things to buy in Dubai is spices! Dubai is renowned for its exotic spices like saffron, cardamom, and sumac, which you can find at the Spice Souk. These spices not only enhance your cooking but also make for a flavorful and aromatic gift.
Are luxury brands cheaper in Dubai?
Many luxury brands are often more affordable in Dubai due to tax-free shopping and regular sales. Shopping in Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates is a great way to find discounts on high-end items.
Can I buy traditional Emirati clothing in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers a variety of traditional Emirati clothing such as abayas, kanduras, and sheilas. You can shop for these authentic outfits at local boutiques or markets like Souk Al Bahar.
