What to bring from Dubai: gifts with the scent of the OrientThe tourist centre of the UAE is not accidentally considered one of the best shopping destinations in the world. Luxurious shopping centres, traditional bazaars, unique goods and high quality products make you think about what to bring from Dubai as a souvenir or as a gift for your loved ones. In a city that combines tradition and modern trends, everyone will find something special.
What to bring back from Dubai: the best ideas for gifts and memories
The capital offers such a wide range of goods that shopping becomes an integral part of any visit. The wide range of local products, jewellery, fragrances and textiles offers plenty of opportunities for those wondering what to buy for themselves and their loved ones.

The capital offers such a wide range of goods that shopping becomes an integral part of any visit. The wide range of local products, jewellery, fragrances and textiles opens up a wealth of possibilities for those who are wondering what to buy for themselves and their loved ones. Proper choice of souvenirs allows you to take home a piece of Arabian flavour, prolong the memories of an amazing trip and delight your relatives with unique gifts of the East.
Dubai chocolate: a sweet souvenir with an accent
Chocolate has long been a symbol of an original gift. Especially popular are sweets flavoured with camel milk, dates and aromatic spices. When planning what to bring as a gift from Dubai, you should include Al Nassma or Mirzam chocolates in your list – they offer premium variants with local flavour. The products are characterised by high quality, original packaging and a unique flavour that will be remembered for a long time.
Gold jewellery: a luxury and an investment
What to buy when shopping in Dubai? Many tourists first of all head to the Gold Market. A huge selection of jewellery, high quality metal and relatively affordable prices make gold an excellent souvenir option and a good bargain. When choosing jewellery, it is worth remembering that bargaining is a common practice at bazaars.
Arabic sweets: a traditional flavour of the East
Arabic sweets: a traditional taste of the EastAuthentic sweets are another idea if you are wondering what to bring back from Dubai. Bakhlava, sesame kozinaks, lukum and chocolate-covered dates are distinguished by their rich flavour and original presentation. The best sweets can be bought both in modern shopping centres and in the city’s traditional markets, where the assortment often exceeds expectations.
Spices: the flavour of the Orient in your luggage
Real oriental spices are easy to find at Spice Souk, one of the oldest and most colourful markets. Here you should buy fresh, high quality saffron, coffee spices, spice blends for meat and fish, as well as rare spices that are hard to find outside the region.

Traders are eager to offer a taste of the goods before buying and are willing to discuss the cost – haggling is the norm. Aromatic spices make a great gift or memory of a trip.
Cosmetics and perfumes from Dubai: souvenirs for the beauty of the East
Cosmetics and perfumes from Dubai: souvenirs for the beauty of the EastWhen planning a shopping trip, it is worth paying attention to natural cosmetics. Oriental oils, camel milk creams, argan oil and body care products are popular with both tourists and locals. It is also worth visiting exclusive perfumery shops, which offer unique fragrances based on oud wood and oriental spices.Bakhours: the scent of home
Bahours are traditional incense based on natural wood resins and oils. They are popular in the homes of Arab families and become an original option if you are wondering what to bring from Dubai as a gift. The smoke of bakhoor is used to aromatise space and create comfort, especially on festive occasions.
Dates: a symbol of hospitality
Dates are not just a food, but a symbol of wealth and hospitality. Elite varieties, filled with nuts and covered with chocolate, make a wonderful gift. When choosing dates, it is worth considering the variety – for example, royal medjools are valued for their special fleshiness and rich flavour. Shopping in the markets allows you to find the best deals on quality and price.
Carpets: art on the floor
A real oriental rug is a work of art. Carpets made of wool, silk or blended materials amaze with the quality of weaving and richness of ornaments. Such products are sold both in modern shopping centres and at specialised bazaars in the city.
Coffee: tradition in every cup
Cardamom coffee is another answer to the question of what to bring back from Dubai for yourself or friends. Its light flavour, tart aroma and special ritualistic preparation turn an ordinary coffee drink into a real ritual. In souvenir shops you can buy both the coffee itself and traditional coffee pots – dallahs.
What you can’t take out of the UAE: important restrictions
When planning your purchases and deciding what to bring from Dubai, you should familiarise yourself in advance with the export prohibitions established by the legislation of the United Arab Emirates. The main restrictions apply to the following categories:
- cultural property – antiques, old carpets, artefacts and works of art without special permission;
- ivory, rare animal skins and items made of prohibited materials;
- jewellery – large quantities of gold without official certification;
- weapons of any type, including souvenir and collector’s items;
- medicines containing controlled substances without appropriate prescriptions.
Studying customs regulations in advance allows you to avoid fines, delays at the border and maintain a positive travelling experience.
What to Bring from Dubai: Findings
Knowing what to bring back from Dubai can help you turn shopping into an exciting adventure and bring home some truly worthwhile items. From luxury gold to fragrant spices and exquisite dates, every purchase carries a piece of the amazing city where antiquity and modernity live in harmony.