Joanna James
Dubai is one of the most famous shopping hubs in the world! The endless options would leave even the most relentless shopaholic overwhelmed. However, when in Dubai, you should make the most of your visit. And if you have a budget, stick to it, or buy as many of these as you can.
Sometimes nicknamed the "City of Gold", it won't be a bad idea to invest in some bling while in Dubai. The reality is few places can rival Dubai when it comes to purchasing gold and gold jewellery. The designs of necklaces and bracelets are exquisite, and the costs are comparatively low due to tax concessions. Furthermore, valuables like diamond jewellery and platinum are inexpensive than anywhere else in the world. With a little expert bargaining, you can bring the cost even a notch lower than what it already is! The average cost per gram is AED 110.
Some of the best places for shopping include the Dubai Gold Souk, Joyalukkas outlets, and Gold and Diamond Park.
Persian carpets and rugs are unparalleled in their grandeur and execution and can get expensive. But perhaps the worst part is they can get bulky and difficult to travel with. Hand-made carpets are pricier than the machine-rugs, but once you get to see how fabulous they are, it will be a worthy spend if you have the means. Some shops in Dubai provide you with the possibility of adjustments if alterations are desired. The rugs and carpets will come in various sizes, and prices differ accordingly. The grade, textile and amount of labour required will impact its rates. Average prices start from AED 400. Some of the best places to shop include National Iranian Carpets, Persian Carpet House, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Souk al Bahar, Mirdiff City Centre and Bur Dubai Souk.
Dried fruits like dates and apricots are typical snacks in Dubai. The dates are of exceptional quality here, which makes them a tourist favourite. Dates are eaten raw, made into desserts, eaten with coffee, made into beverages, and are a popular gift-giving option during Ramadan. Sticky and sweet, dry or fresh, you will find the best varieties of dates in Dubai. They are perfect to use as a sugar replacement and packed with heart-healthy fibre, iron, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants.
The average price per kilo of dates is between AED 35 - AED 250. Shop at Date Souk at Deira Food Market, shopping malls like Dubai Marina Mall, and supermarkets.
Lovers of coffee will most certainly appreciate the bitter but stimulating flavour that Arabian coffee has! Due to its robust flavour and bitterness, the coffee is had with a sweet treat like dates to balance the taste. It makes for a great souvenir along with a coffee pot known as "dallah", which are crafted in Arabic styles and traditionally made from copper. Some of the pricier ones are lined with gold or silver. The average price per kilo is AED 125, and coffee pots start from AED 20.
Only one company in Dubai, Al Nassma, manufactures this delicacy. This is the perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth. Known for their rich and unique taste, they come in several flavours such as whole milk, 70% dark chocolate, spiced, date, and macadamia nut. Find them at the airport, and shopping malls like Dubai Mall and the Palm Atlantis. When looking for accommodation along the Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, hotels such as the likes of Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel Dubai can be a good option to look out for!
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