Best things to buy in Dubai

When visiting Dubai, one must think about shopping and luxury. Millions of tourists travel through this fantastic city for tourism and, of course, retail therapy. Now you must wonder what is a must-have? There is no simple answer to this as Dubai offers so much shopping! The mega malls are filled with high-end boutiques to satisfy any fashionista’s dream as the land of luxury. Here are my picks on items to buy in Dubai:

1. Jewelry

Dubai is known as the city of gold and, of course, has its pearls. The best place to find such gems is the gold souq located in the old part of Dubai or Diamond Park. At the gold souq, you will find a variety of jewelry at a much better price than in the malls. Most shops will offer VAT refunds for purchases over 250 dirhams.

2. Perfumes

If there is one thing you must know about Arabs is that they love their fragrances. A typical scent most loved by middle easterners is called oud; it is made from wood bark and has a strong smell. You will typically find this oud scent in Arabic perfumes. Throughout the city, you will see countless stands selling various fragrances. Plus, these exotic fragrances are usually packaged in fancy bottles. You will also find oil-based fragrances that tend to last much longer than alcohol-based ones.

3. Dates

Here in the Emirates, there are more than 100 varieties of dates. Did you know 1/5 of the world’s harvest of dates is grown here in the United Arab Emirates? For many centuries these juicy fruits were prepared in various ways. Whether fresh, dried, or glazed – here in the Emirates, you can find them covered in chocolate, stuffed with nuts, or poured with honey. These fruits are also high in fiber, which can help with your digestive health. Dates also have various antioxidants that help reduce the risk of several diseases.

4. Spices

Dubai has a souq dedicated just to spices. Here in the souq, you will find almost every single herb imaginable. If cooking is one of your passions, you must know fresh ingredients are a must. The smell of spices in the souq will awaken your senses to create tasteful culinary dishes. The aroma of these spices is not like your typical store-bought ones; whole spices tend to last much longer than ground ones and make your food taste better. One must-have saffron would make an excellent addition to your home spice collection.

5. Camel milk chocolate

Camel milk chocolates are rare and are only produced by one company, Al Nassma. This chocolate is a delicacy and famous for its taste. This delicacy is also said to have therapeutic properties for those with diabetes and cancer, as mentioned in the Khaleej Times.

6. Arabic textiles & lamps

Take home a piece of the middle east with you. From clothing to rugs, middle eastern art is an exquisite artifact to display your travels. Arabic lamps as well, there are many different designs inlaid with stones and intricate carvings. The ones made with copper are the preferred ones you will find in a traditional Arabic house; cheaper versions can also be found sold made of aluminum.

7. Incense

Aside from perfume, incenses are also a must buy. The most popular incenses to purchase here in the middle east are frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood. These incenses are used in many religious ceremonies and are said to clear negativity from one’s environment. The aromatic fragrance is quite rich and refreshing.

All of these lovely items mentioned can be easily bought in one stop at the souq. Book a walking souq tour today!