About Dubai
Dubai is one of seven emirates in the UAE. It’s on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. Dubai has a modern skyline, a luxurious lifestyle, and ambitious development projects. It was once a small fishing village but is now a global hub for finance, commerce, tourism, and innovation. Let’s discuss some cheap things to buy in Dubai.
Spices and Saffron from the Spice Souk
Dubai’s Spice Souk is an aromatic paradise situated in the heart of the city’s old trading center. Strolling through this bustling marketplace feels like embarking on a journey through a vibrant spectrum of spices, herbs, and teas from all over the world. One of the most impressive purchases is saffron, which is known for its exceptional quality and surprisingly affordable prices compared to other places. Furthermore, you can discover an extensive range of spices like sumac, za’atar, and cinnamon. These spices are not only cost-effective but also provide you with a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine that you can bring back home.
Whether you like cooking or are looking for a gift for a chef, these spices are an excellent option.
Brands
Shop for your favorite spices since you will get authentic spices at any of the places.
Location
Spice Souk
Gold Jewelry
While gold might not seem like a budget-friendly option, Dubai’s Gold Souk offers some of the most competitive prices globally. This is due to low taxes and import duties. The key here is to pay attention to the market rate for gold (which is displayed in many shops) and to haggle to get closer to the gold price by weight, aside from the craftsmanship costs. Even a small, delicate piece of jewelry can serve as an affordable and everlasting memento of your Dubai adventure.
Brands
Choose any store.
Location
Dubai Gold Souk, Joyalukkas outlets, Gold and Diamond Park, jewelry stores, etc.
Pashminas and Textiles
Dubai’s markets are filled with a vibrant selection of textiles, offering everything from luxurious silks to lightweight cotton. Pashminas, available in various colors and qualities, stand out as both practical and beautiful gifts and souvenirs. When shopping for pashminas, look for those made from genuine cashmere for a touch of affordable luxury. The textile souks in Dubai also offer beautiful fabrics sold by the yard, which you can use to make clothing, curtains, or other crafts, reflecting the rich patterns and colors of the Middle East.
With so many fake products on the market today, purchasing only original items and paying the appropriate amount is essential.
Brands
No such brands, yet choose genuine shawls.
Location
Textile Souk, Pashmina House, and Karama Market.
Perfumes and Oud
Arabian perfumes and oud (agarwood) play an important role in the local culture and are well-known for their unique fragrances. In Dubai, you can find these exquisite scents in various forms such as oils, incense, and sprays. The prices vary from affordable to luxurious. If you visit a local perfume souk, you can have a personalized scent created just for you at a fraction of the cost of branded perfumes. Oud has a distinct scent that is hard to find elsewhere, making it a great gift or souvenir.
Chocolates and Dates
Dry fruits and Dates
Dried fruits are the favorite snack of the residents of Dubai. Due to the excellent quality of the dates farmed in this region, they have become a tourist favorite. They may be eaten raw, baked into pastries, served with coffee, brewed into non-alcoholic drinks, and presented as Ramadan presents. Moreover, a few of the famous dates are Kholas, Sokari, and Madjool
Brands
Bateel Dates, Al Barakah Dates, Date Crown
Location
Supermarkets for packed dates; Dates souk at Deira Food Market for fresh dates
Chocolates
Camel Milk Chocolates, a local delicacy you’ll surely enjoy, are one of the tastiest items to purchase from Dubai. These chocolates were originally exclusively available in Dubai but are now being shipped to Europe and Asia. You can get the original camel chocolates only at Al Nassma. Moreover, their camel milk chocolate includes macadamia, whole milk, and spicy (Arabia) chocolates.
Brand/Company
Al Nassma
Location
Al Nassma kiosks at Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, The Palms, Atlantis, and Duty-free shops,
Closing Remarks on cheap things to buy in Dubai
Dubai may be famed for its luxury, but it also offers countless opportunities to find affordable treasures. From the aromatic lanes of the Spice Souk to the glittering windows of the Gold Souk, and from the soft textures of the Textile Souk to the rich scents of the Perfume Souk, there’s something for every budget.
So, next time you’re in Dubai, delve into these markets and shops to discover the city’s more accessible delights. Whether you’re seeking a small token or a meaningful gift, you’ll find that Dubai’s charm lies not just in its grandeur but also in its ability to offer something special for everyone.
FAQs
What to buy in Dubai?
The famous things to buy in Dubai are Camel Milk Chocolate, Arabic Attar, Pashmina shawls, Gold and diamond jewelry, Oudh and Bakhoor, Dubai Dates, and Dubai spices.
Which is the best place to buy gold and jewelry in Dubai?
The best place to buy gold and diamond jewelry in Dubai is The Dubai Gold Souk, also known as Deira Gold Souk.
Where can I buy handmade carpets and textiles in Dubai?
Several shops across Dubai offer handmade carpets and textiles in Dubai. You can inquire about what they offer and choose the ones that align with your taste and preferences.
What are the cheap things to purchase in Dubai?
Cheap things to purchase in Dubai are Gold, Camel Milk Chocolate, Bakhoor, etc.
Which electronics items are cheap in Dubai?
Phones, laptops, and cameras are cheap electronic items in Dubai.
How to Reach the Dubai Shopping Places?
The best way to reach shopping places is the metro, taxi, tram and bus.
Is bargaining acceptable when shopping in Dubai?
There is nothing inappropriate about bargaining; shopkeepers are always prepared for it, maybe for perfume, leather products, clothing, and gadgets.
Are there any customs or restrictions on what I can buy in Dubai?
Personal items of passengers are granted entrance and are free from customs duties if the following requirements are met: The total value of gifts, fragrances, and personal baggage does not exceed AED 3000. The number of bags and presents must be in limited quantity and not for commercial purposes.
Can I get a tax refund on my purchases in Dubai?
Visitors and tourists may get a VAT refund on purchases bought during their stay in the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, payment recovery is only possible using a fully integrated computerized system that links shopkeepers enrolled in the “Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme” with all entry and departure checkpoints in the UAE.
How do I get my purchases back home if I’m traveling internationally?
To return your purchases to your home, retain your receipts and thoroughly record your purchases on paper. Further, state clearly that the products you are transporting are for personal use, and you can swiftly take back your purchases to your nation.
What currency should I use in Dubai for buying things?
You must use Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), or Emirati Dirham.
