Jewellery lovers can buy a one-of-a-kind piece from local diamond and precious gems ateliers at the Dubai Gold Souk. A short abra ride from the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai, this souk features rows of shops with glitzy window displays. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke engagement ring, a one-of-a-kind gold necklace or bracelets with UAE-inspired charms, you’ll find it all here.

Remember that the price of gold is set in Dubai, so you can only haggle on the making or craftsmanship charges.

Not many visitors know that Dubai is home to an irresistible chocolate factory. Mirzam, located in Al Quoz, delights with smooth, rich chocolate crafted using only three ingredients – cocoa beans, unrefined cane sugar and cocoa butter. The chocolate is then flavoured with spices, available as single-origin classics, or transformed into special collections that are ideal for gifting. 

Visitors can see all the ‘bean to bar’ magic onsite with the factory showcasing every step, from roasting the ethically-sourced beans to hand-wrapping each bar. The flavours are as unique as Dubai – think white chocolate with saffron spice, milk chocolate with sweet luqaimat, and dark chocolate with coffee and cardamom.

If you’re look is more casual cool than luxury, consider picking up an assortment of elegant accessories on your holiday. The Antique Museum at Al Quoz is a veritable treasure trove and a secret shopping spot for the city’s eclectic creatives.

Don’t be put off by its warehouse vibes – go bargain hunting past rows of wooden chests and colourful lanterns to find delicate handmade jewellery and silk scarves adorned with Arabesque calligraphy designs. And, if you can’t resist the intricately-designed furniture pieces either, you’ll be pleased to know that they offer international shipping options.

Purchase a bottle of fine fragrance at the beginning of your Dubai adventure, and wear it every day of your trip to create memories scented with the Middle East’s most famous notes. Evoke the mysticism of Arabian Nights with the Amber Aoud perfume from Roja Parfums. This sweet and spicy fragrance combines notes of Arabian oud with saffron, sandalwood, rose, lime and bergamot.

Those ready for something heavier can indulge in an oud oil blended with Turkish rose and jasmine from Swiss Arabian, one of the city’s leading perfume houses. Designed to be dabbed on your wrists and edges of your outfit, the potent oil leaves a heady trail of perfume behind the wearer. Available across Dubai including Souk Al Bahar.

Combining the finest traditions of chocolate-making with creamy, nutritious camel milk, Al Nassma premium camel milk chocolates are decadent and luxurious. Their praline gift boxes, containing an assortment of flavours including dates, 70% cocoa and Arabian spices, are must-haves. Check out their boutique at The Dubai Mall.

If you don't have too much of a sweet tooth, bring back a gift of handmade soap and treat yourself to the healing powers of camel milk. These all-natural soaps from The Camel Soap Factory are made in Dubai using 25% camel milk, which is known to repair and soften skin. Take your pick from fragrances such as lemongrass, sweet orange and cinnamon or lavender. Available at the Camel Soap Factory at Arabika, Ibn Battuta Mall.

Curved daggers, known as khanjars, are an intrinsic part of Dubai’s Bedouin heritage and look great mounted on walls. Find made-in-UAE versions at Al Jaber Gallery that faithfully represent the traditional design and are crafted in silver with real gold plating – not dissimilar to what tribal leaders would historically carry. An intricate frame keeps it protected and display-ready.

Al Jaber Gallery has several locations across the city, including at Mall of the Emirates.  If you're interested in the history of these traditional weapons, pay a visit to the Bayt Al Khanyar museum at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.