The thriving capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers a wide variety of gifts for every taste and occasion. Whether you seek perfumes, traditional handicrafts, designer silk attire, artisan chocolates, intricate gold jewellery, or dates – the gift shops in Abu Dhabi have you covered.
Let’s explore some terrific gift ideas for every occasion and the best gift shops in Abu Dhabi.
Best Gift Shops in Abu Dhabi
Let’s navigate the city to fetch you some of the best gift shops where you can get good quality gifts at competitive prices. Malls, souks, and supermarkets are some of the best all-inclusive options for finding almost everything.
House of Artisans
The place exhibits the skillful art and handicraft of the people. It holds several art exhibitions as well as a Qahwa (Arabic coffee) ceremony. At the entrance, there is a shop where visitors can purchase items and art pieces that they like.
Address: Palace (next to Al Hosn), W3, Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
AlSouq (Old Souk)
Another great place to get handicrafts and other conventional gifts from is Old Souk in Al Danah. It is a traditional market in Abu Dhabi where you can find readymade pots, Arabic lanterns, modest clothing and more.
Address: Old Souk, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Souk Al Mina
You can find plenty of local brands selling aromatic products like incense and scented candles and modest clothes, such as Abaya. Hubel Ceramics offers handmade ceramics, such as plates, bowls, and vases.
Mina Market also offers handicrafts and dry fruits for gifting, and you will not be disappointed.
Address: Zayed Port, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Liwa Dates
Thinking of gifting dates? Liwa Dates have beautifully packaged date boxes, assorted date boxes and date juice. They have a good variety of dates to choose from. They source their dates from Liwa Oasis, thus the name. Besides the dates, Liwa Dates is famous for its range of camel milk chocolates.
Address: Muroor Street, Al Nahyan, opp Bus Station, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The Souk Qaryat Al Beri
This souk is basically an Arabic-style conventional mall that will fetch you some good jilbab and abaya. You can also get luxury dates from Bateel in The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri.
Address: Near Shangri-La Hotel, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Marina Mall
Find your desired piece of jewellery from Al Fardan Jewellery, or get handicrafts from Arty Gifts, Art and Crafts or Antiqua Gifts. Hind Al Oud and Jamr Al Oud are some perfumes and oud oil options. Or get a trendy gadget for your loved one from the electronic stores or Carrefour.
Address: Marina Mall Ring Road, Al Kasir, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Petal Box
Flowers and cakes are also a great gift to give someone. Especially if it is a female on the receiving end, as most women like flowers. Give them a bouquet of flowers and watch their face lighten up with joy. That joy will make it all worth it.
Address: Opposite Burjeel Hospital, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Carrefour
Carrefour hypermarkets in Abu Dhabi offer a diverse range of gift options, including chocolates, Arabic Qahwa sets, perfumes and ouds. They provide convenience and competitive pricing on various products suitable for gifts.
The gourmet food section in Carrefour will fetch you camel milk chocolates.
Address: All major malls in Abu Dhabi.
Lulu Hypermarket
Supermarkets are another great all-inclusive option for finding things at competitive prices. They sell assorted date boxes, kids’ clothing, kids’ toys, electronics and gadgets.
Address: Almost every major mall in Abu Dhabi has it.
| Note: If you are confused about Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket, a comparison guide discusses their differences in pricing, services and other features. The guide will give you a rough idea of what to expect from each. |
Souvenirs to get From Abu Dhabi
If you are visiting the city, here are some gift ideas from Abu Dhabi for your loved ones.
1. Traditional Arabic Clothing
Think of gifting traditional Arabic attire, such as a Kandura (for men), Kaftan or Abaya (for women). These garments signify the UAE’s culture and are available in various designs and fabrics.
2. Camel Milk Chocolates
Chocolates are a great gift to give someone, regardless of the occasion. Camel milk chocolates are unique to the region, blending great ingredients and flavours. They have a distinct taste and serve as a great souvenir.
3. Gold Jewellery
Consider purchasing traditional gold jewellery from Abu Dhabi, home to some of the most luxurious gold and jewellery shops. Look for the following:
- Murtasha, an Emirati gold choker that has a large, intricate design and delicate golden net-like pattern cascading to the chest.
- Tassah, a regal gold headpiece that is traditionally worn by the Arab brides.
- Schnaf, a unique Emirati pendant necklace known for its distinct design and cultural significance.
4. Arabic Coffee Set
Traditional Arabic coffee sets that are used to serve Qahwa (Arabic coffee), including a Dallah (coffee pot) and Finjaan (small cups), are amongst the popular souvenirs. They reflect Arab hospitality and Emirati cultural practices surrounding coffee.
5. Perfumes and Oud
Abu Dhabi is known for its exquisite perfumes and oud (agarwood) oils. Oud is an alcohol-free oil-based fragrance highly valued in Middle Eastern culture. Look for locally crafted perfumes, pure oud oils and other oud products.
6. Dates
Meals in the UAE are incomplete without dates. So, if you are visiting the city, gifting dates as a souvenir is a terrific idea. There is a good variety of dates to choose from, Medjool, Ajwa, Barhi, Sukkri and many more. Assorted date boxes are a great gift to take from Abu Dhabi
| Top Fact: You’d be surprised to know that the UAE has over 200 different types of dates and about 44 million palm trees to source them. |
You can also pick up small souvenir items such as keychains, magnets, or decorative plates featuring iconic landmarks of Abu Dhabi, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the Corniche.
FAQs
Perfumes, chocolates, dates, jewellery and traditional handicrafts are good gifts to give someone as a souvenir from Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the shops at the airport are duty-free, so the price of everything is minus the taxes.
Some popular souvenirs from Abu Dhabi include cultural Arabic clothing, an Arabic Qahwa set, perfumes and oud oils, chocolates, gold jewellery, dates, and camel milk chocolates.
We’ve listed down some all-inclusive and dedicated gift shops in Abu Dhabi where you can get the gifts you desire for your loved ones. You can also check out our guides on Eid gift ideas and mother’s day gift ideas.
