Are you wondering about or are overwhelmed by what you should take back home from Dubai? Fret not. We have your back. Whether its fridge magnets, high0end Arabic artifacts, jewellery or clothing, these 5 places in Dubai sell souvenirs which perfectly depict the country’s tradition and culture. Happy shopping!
1. Al Jaber Gallery
Remember walking past a shop decked with brass artifacts, ceramic cutlery, pretty pashminas, Arabic perfumes and other things Emirati? Established in 1960, Al Jaber Gallery is one of the popular souvenir shops in Dubai. From its inception, the Gallery has been offering traditional Arabian Handicrafts like Dhow, Khanjar, and Dalla to the antique lovers of UAE and the world. The souvenirs depict true Emirati tradition, often with camels or Arabic wordings inscribed in their designs. Apart from traditional Emirati souvenirs, the shop also has an interesting go-down of books, notebooks, and cards.
Where: Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Contact: +971 800 382246255, +971 4 409 9000, +971 4 366 8888
2. Spice Souk
If you have bulk purchase on your mind, this is the right place! Although spice souk is known for its varied and high-quality collection of spices, the market also stocks other interesting things for tourists. Whether it is clothes, home decor, or fridge magnets, spice souk has it all. And the best part- you can bargain! Yes, you read that right. Take a break from malls and head here if you are in for somestreet-style bargaining. This is the ideal place if you want to buy more and pay less.
Where: Spice Souk, 26 34 Street
3. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you are looking for high-end souvenirs, Souk Madinat’s Arabic market is the perfect bet. Once you enter the market, you are welcomed by narrow passages, looking straight out of the 70s. The winding passageways and the scents of oud perfume lead you to an array of shops stocked with treasures and wonders from the region. The shops sell all things Arabic- hand-crafted hookahs, decorative pieces, clothes, furniture, and a whole lot of other things that depict the region’s culture and tradition.
Plus, the resort is loaded with a whole lot of restaurants and clubs that are definitely worth a try. And if you stay in the resort, don’t forget to go on the Abra ride– a fairytale experience of what a traditional souk would look like.
Where: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road
Contact: +971 4 366 8888
4. The Camel Company
You can’t come to Dubai and not carry along the ship of the desert. As the name indicates, The Camel Company specializes in stuffed toy camels. The company sells souvenirs in the form of mugs, t-shirts, stuffed toys, stationery, postcards and novelty items inspired by the country’s tradition and culture. If you are looking at buying something for kids, this is a great place to head. The Camel Company can be spotted around several malls like The Dubai Mall and Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
5. Dubai Museum
No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the museum. Once you soak in the heritage and culture of the country, the museum leads you to a souvenir store. The gift shop is the last stop before a spiral ramp takes you up to the museum’s southern exit. The shop treats to a rich display of findings from historical eras like the Umayyad site at Jumeirah. Shopping for souvenirs after getting a grasp of the country’s rich history will for sure be an educative experience. So, make the best use of it!
Where: Al Fahidi Street, Opposite Grand Mosque
Contact: 04 225 3312