The UAE blends ancient souks and modern malls: gold, oud perfumes, spices, designer fashion, and local handicrafts. This practical guide shows where to shop, what to buy, bargaining etiquette, customs rules and packing tips—so your UAE shopping is memorable and hassle-free.
The UAE is famous for high-quality gold at competitive rates. The Gold Souk in Deira (Dubai) remains iconic, with hundreds of shops offering traditional and modern designs. Always ask for a price per gram, assay/karat certificate and invoice.
Arabian perfumes — attars, oud oils, bakhoor and incense — are signature souvenirs. Purchase from trusted stores and small perfumers. Oils are concentrated; a small bottle lasts months.
Premium dates (Medjool), camel milk chocolates, baklava and locally packed spices make excellent gifts. Choose sealed, branded packaging for easier customs clearance on return flights.
You can find embroidered textiles, pashmina shawls, traditional kandura accessories, and local crafts made by Emirati artisans. Look for genuine materials and clear stitching.
The UAE offers traditional souks for authenticity and bargaining, large malls for convenience and global brands, and specialty districts for perfumes and gold. Mix both styles for a full shopping experience.
Bargaining is expected in many traditional souks and market stalls. Be polite, start lower than the asking price (but reasonable), and bundle multiple items for a better discount. Fixed-price stores and malls do not usually negotiate.
Many stores in the UAE provide international shipping and can handle customs paperwork. For high-value items (gold, expensive watches) get formal invoices and ensure warranty/serial numbers are recorded. Always declare restricted items as per your home country rules.
Renowned regional perfumer with a wide range of oud and attars.
Luxury dates and gourmet gift boxes — excellent for edible souvenirs.
Hundreds of independent jewellers offering traditional and modern designs.
Small workshops in Al Fahidi and Al Seef selling handicrafts and textiles.
Haggling is common in traditional souks and small market stalls. Approach it politely: offer a reasonable lower price and be ready to walk away if it doesn't feel fair. Malls and branded stores usually have fixed pricing.
Yes — but retain invoices and certificates. Some countries may require declaration of high-value items on arrival. Check customs rules at home before purchase.
Perfume bottles bigger than 100ml must go in checked luggage; smaller sealed bottles are allowed in carry-on within liquid restrictions. Ask shops to pack perfumes securely for travel.
Many branded stores accept returns within a policy window (usually with original tags and receipts). Check the store's return policy before purchase, especially for electronics and high-value items.