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The ultimate Abu Dhabi souvenir guide

Wondering what the best Abu Dhabi souvenirs are to take home? From Gahwa (Arabic coffee) sets and camel milk chocolates, traditional oud perfumes to gold jewellery, take a piece of Abu Dhabi back with you.

Souqs, shopping malls and souvenir stores around the city have a range of items for everyone. Whether you're looking to fill a suitcase with authentic souvenirs, find unique gifts, or treat yourself to something special, here's the ultimate Abu Dhabi souvenir guide.

Why buy souvenirs in Abu Dhabi?

Buying souvenirs in Abu Dhabi is a great way to memorialise your holiday and take a bit of the city back with you. Whether you fell in love dates or the stunning architecture of the city's cultural or historical attractions, buying a souvenir in Abu Dhabi will always remind you of that great holiday in the UAE.

Souvenirs for luxury lovers

Oud and traditional Arabic perfumes

Oud, often referred to as "liquid gold," is a precious resin derived from the agarwood tree, renowned for its deep, woody, and complex aroma. You can also explore a range of traditional oil-based "attars" and alcohol-free perfumes, which have long-lasting fragrances. Look for the ornate bottles, which reflect the region's artistry and passion for perfumery, making them a truly luxurious and memorable souvenir.

Where to buy: Dedicated perfume souks or high-end fragrance boutiques in malls offer you authentic products and expert advice.

Pearls or gold jewellery

The perfect gift for yourself or a special someone back home! While natural pearls, once the backbone of the UAE's economy, are now incredibly rare, the tradition of fine pearl craftsmanship continues with stunning cultured pearl designs. For gold, the city is a shopper's paradise, renowned for competitive prices and a vast array of designs, from intricate traditional pieces to sleek modern styles. 

Where to buy: Visit the dedicated Gold Souk in Abu Dhabi for a wide selection and an opportunity to bargain. Reputable jewellery stores in malls also offer certified gold and pearl pieces.

Souvenirs for foodies

Dates

Dates are deeply intertwined with Emirati hospitality and history. You'll find a wide variety; look for beautifully packaged gourmet dates, often stuffed with almonds, pistachios, or coated in camel milk chocolate, making for an elegant and delicious gift.

Where to buy: Reputable brands like Bateel offer luxurious selections, but souqs (local markets) like Abu Dhabi Dates Market and supermarkets also offer a range of high-quality options.

Camel milk chocolates

For a truly unique and surprisingly delicious edible souvenir, get camel milk chocolates. This regional speciality offers a distinct flavour profile – slightly saltier and often considered healthier than traditional cow's milk chocolate. Available in various forms, from plain bars to those infused with dates, nuts, or local spices, camel milk chocolates are an authentic treat to take back home. 

Where to buy: Supermarkets, duty-free shops, and souvenir stores across Abu Dhabi.

Traditional Arabic sweets

For a deliciously shareable souvenir, take home a selection of traditional Arabic sweets from Abu Dhabi. The well-loved and classic dessert is Baklava, with its layers of crisp filo pastry, chopped nuts, and honey, and is often garnished with pistachios. Maamoul is a delicate shortbread pastry intricately shaped and filled with dates or nuts. While Luqaimat and Kunafa are best enjoyed immediately, many speciality sweet shops offer beautifully packaged varieties of most desserts that are ideal to take back with you.

Where to buy: Speciality sweet shops, bakeries, and high-end grocery stores.

Souvenirs for culture seekers

Dallah and Gahwa sets

Ideal for the coffee connoisseur, Arabic coffee is a great item to add to your shopping list. Symbolising generosity and hospitality, the traditional Dallah (Arabic coffee pot) and accompanying small cups are quintessential Emirati souvenirs. These beautiful, often intricately designed brass, copper, or silver pots are used to brew and serve "Gahwa" (Arabic coffee), a blend typically spiced with cardamom. 

Where to buy - Souks, specialised home goods stores, and souvenir shops. Supermarkets also sell a range of Arabic coffee.

Handcrafted textiles (Al Sadu)

Al Sadu is a traditional Bedouin craft, recognised by UNESCO, that involves intricate geometric patterns woven from sheep's wool, camel hair, or goat hair. You can find beautiful cushions, rugs, bags, and decorative wall hangings that showcase this ancient technique. Buying Al Sadu items also supports local artisans and helps preserve an important cultural practice.

Where to buy: Visit cultural centres, heritage villages, specialised craft shops, and designated sections in larger souks to ensure genuine Al Sadu products.

Souvenirs for family and friends

Abu Dhabi-inspired T-shirts

Nothing says you had the best time in Abu Dhabi like a T-shirt for your friend or family member. Get an Abu Dhabi t-shirt with the city sprawled on the front, or one that highlights the iconic skyline or something with cultural or historical significance.

Where to buy: At local souks, souvenir stores or fashion aisles in some supermarkets.

Keychains and magnets

Keychains and magnets are easy gift items to get for your entire friend group or family. Mix and match from a wide range of fridge magnets and keychains so they can pick their favourite.

Where to buy: At local souks, souvenir stores and even at Zayed International Airport.

Where to buy souvenirs?

Souqs

For a local experience of shopping, head to one of Abu Dhabi's souqs to get your hands on the best deals and products. Souk Al Zafarana, The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, The Souk at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain Central Market are great places to explore Emirati culture while getting your shopping done.

Malls

In most malls, souvenir shops offer a broad range of items from traditional Emirati items to T-shirts, fridge magnets and other souvenirs. Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall and The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi are incredible places to look for souvenirs while you're shopping in the city.

Airport

The Abu Dhabi airport souvenir shop, 'The Souq' is a popular place to grab last-minute traditional gifts and souvenirs before your flight.

Online options

If you're looking to save time and buy Abu Dhabi souvenirs online, you can check out The Louvre's online gift store or EMAG’s Gift Shop, located in Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi.


Shoppings tips

When buying souvenirs and gifts, make sure to set a budget and for whom you're buying gifts. This helps you not to overspend or head back with an overweight suitcase. While it is okay to bargain in some souqs, remember to be respectful of local artisans and their products and avoid haggling. Always remember to check the quality of your product before purchasing to ensure you get the best buy.

Explore more of Abu Dhabi

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Frequently asked questions about what to buy and souvenirs in Abu Dhabi.

Popular items to buy from Abu Dhabi’s shopping malls and souks are:

  • Souvenirs
  • Persian rugs or carpets
  • Camel milk products like soaps and chocolates
  • Dates
  • Traditional Arabian coffee, perfumes and incense

Make sure to buy these keepsakes from the UAE before you head home:

  • Souvenirs
  • Dates
  • Electronics
  • Genuine Gold and Diamond Jewellery
  • Traditional Arabian coffee
  • Arabian perfumes
  • Arabian incense (oud)

When shopping in Abu Dhabi, you can easily buy clothes, jewellery, perfumes, electronics, carpets and more, that are of good quality and reasonably priced from the malls and markets. In smaller stores, you can even bargain your way to a more suitable price point.