15 Gifts To Bring Home From Dubai

Well-made, local products not only remind people about the trip they have had, but also make great gifts to bring home to share with friends and relatives. If you visit Dubai, check out the following list of 15 original and representative local specialties from the region.

1. Aladdin lamps

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

The legend and mystery of Aladdin find their home in these brass lamps inlaid with stones or intricate carving. Smaller versions of these can be tucked away into suitcases and make exotic gifts for those back home.

2. Khanjar

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

The Khanjar is an important element in the traditional attire of old Emirati men. These silver and gold embossed daggers are curved and worn over a man’s dishdasha (traditional ankle-length garment). They were originally made from the horns of a rhino but today are largely made of wood. The more ornate ones come with marble, silver or even sandalwood handles.

3. Lanterns

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

Lanterns in traditional Emirati homes are inlaid with glass and mirrors and form a great centerpiece and bring a room to life. There is a great deal of workmanship that goes into the creation of these lanterns and therefore they make great gifts. A treasured gift would be a lantern made of copper and tin with a lot of filigree work on it.

4. Abayas

Lars Plougmann / Via Flickr: criminalintent

These are essentially loose black robes that are worn over one’s regular clothing by Muslim women. This can be worn with the niqab or the veil that covers the face and hair except the eyes. In some Arab countries, the abaya has evolved to include some fashionable elements of color and embellishments allowing the garment to do its job of keeping a woman modest while giving her something to enhance her outward appearance.

5. Traditional Arab shoes

Jon Connell / Via Flickr: ciamabue

Arab styled shoes are reminiscent of the kind the fictional character Aladdin wore. They are often a slim fit and taper at the toes. For men, the shoe has a curly tip. You will find traditional shoes in a riot of colors.

6. Attar

Naomi King / Via Flickr: naomi_king

Attars are oils made by distilling flower petals in water under mild heat and pressure. Oils and spices can also be added and the resulting mixture is mixed into mild sandalwood oil. This is allowed to rest until the sandalwood oil has completely absorbed the perfume of the distilled essential oil. The intense fragrances of essential oils are available as a set of the most appealing fragrances, including the popular white musk and rose.

7. Arabic style carpets

palindrome6996 / Via Flickr: 62904109@N00

Arabic style carpets are an international phenomenon. It is one of the most prized gifts that can come from this side of the world. Carpets come in several sizes, with the most popular being the one that is placed in the center of a room.

8. Incense holders

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

An important part of any Arab culture, incense holders from Dubai make rich and elegant gifts. They are a part of the region’s culture and hospitality. Incense holders usually contain frankincense or myrrh which impart a rich, sweet fragrance.

9. Kava pots and coffee sets

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

Kava is acid neutralized pure coffee and a cup of this steaming beverage is an amazing experience. In Dubai it is best drunk as the locals prefer it – strong and black. This coffee is so much a part of Arab culture that it is given its due honor by being served in exquisite pots and cups. The kava coffee pot is usually lined with gold or silver and the more expensive ones are inlaid with intricate carving and semiprecious stones.

10. Perfume holders or stands

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

Dubai’s perfumers are world renown. You can even create a brand new fine fragrance to match a loved one’s tastes. Classic perfume stands are designed from crystal and glass to hold some of the best fragrances that can be found in Dubai.

11. Lucky stones

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

Lucky stones based on the month of birth are usually inlaid in gold, silver and platinum rings or pendants to bring good fortune to the wearer. The best part about these gifts is that they can be given to both men and women.

12. Hookahs

Svetlana Grechkina / Via Flickr: womeos

Almost every Arab home in Dubai and in the Arab world has a hookah. Some of these are only decorative and others serve as a refreshing indulgence for a group of people that are visiting. In fact, highly ornate and expensive hookahs are often given pride of place in a person’s home.

13. Jewel chests

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

Beautiful carved and inlaid jewel chests made of ivory or sandalwood and enhanced with silver, brass and precious and semi-precious stones make a great gift for someone who treasures their trinkets. Dubai with its Gold Souks would set the perfect base for you to shop for such a unique gift. Jewelry chests in this part of the world are made from several materials – besides precious metals you will also find jewelry boxes that have been fashioned out of animal bone.

14. Muskets

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

The rich cultural history of the Dubai region can be gifted as an intricately carved handgun. These Muskets have silver and brass-reinforced barrels and stocks inlaid with ivory. If you are looking for something like this to take home then look for the Arab Matchlock Musket.

15. Quran stands

Grace Stephen / Via mycitygiftshopping.org

No Muslim household in Dubai is without a traditional Quran stand to keep the text away from the ground. There are so many Quran stands available and each one is designed in unique ways to suit the decor of the home the piece goes to.