Home to incredible art, culture, and nature, Abu Dhabi is a place where you will be welcomed with cheerful sunshine, the mesmerizing scent of oud, and the azure sea. This is one of the most family-friendly destinations with views of soaring skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and much more. But have you ever experienced mind-blowing shopping in Abu Dhabi?? It consists of various traditional markets or souks where you can shop for the best souvenirs. From Arabic Attars and Afghan shawls to beautiful lanterns and aromatic spices here, you can get all you want. These fascinating things reflect the rich culture and tradition giving an overwhelming shopping experience.
Shopping in Abu Dhabi: For Authentic and Traditional Experiences
Shopping in Abu Dhabi is an amazing experience allowing you to explore the rich culture. It is considered one of the richest cities on the planet and has a range of souvenir items that you can take home. From spices and Arabic coffeepots to Persian carpets and lanterns, here you can get several varieties of things for a perfect shopping experience. It’s a complete paradise for all the shopaholics where you can get something for everyone. Hence, below we have curated a list of all the famous souvenirs that you can purchase from this beautiful city.
- Sougha Art
- Spices
- Persian Carpets and Rugs
- Arabic Attars
- Arabic Coffeepots and coffee
- Afghan Shawls
- Lanterns
- Aladdin Lamps
1. Sougha Art
For preserving the local artisan traditions and skills, Sougha an initiative was launched in 2009. They are preserving the traditional Emirati art of weaving by training the local ladies living in rural areas on the traditional patterns used by Bedouins on their carpets, tents, and clothing. Various shops in Abu Dhabi have a wide collection of modern crafts like Ipad covers, beach bags, handbags, notebooks, and other accessories produced by Sougha. It is a perfect way to add an Arabesque touch to the décor in your house.
Where to Buy: One can buy these authentic souvenirs from Sougha’s shop in Central Market souk, Liwa St - Zone 1 - E2 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates.
2. Spices
Arabic food is always incomplete without spices. There is a broad variety of spices used in Middle Eastern cuisine creating an unusual flavor. The Most famous spice here is known as “baharat” in Arabic which also means mixed spices and is a combination of common spices like cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, cloves, etc. You can easily get this in the local souks and the shopping markets in Abu Dhabi and is the most famous spice to be used in the authentic Arabian meal.
Where to Buy: Get the best spices in Abu Dhabi from Al Mina Souk, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
3. Persian Carpets
Persian carpets and rugs are known for their wonderful Persian-style designs and are the best thing to adorn your home. Also, it’s the best gift that you can give to your family and friends. These are beautiful, authentic, and of amazing quality. These carpets and rugs are created with strong fabric that is ideal for usage at home. Hence, if you ever come to this city, buying a traditional rug or carpet is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi for a wonderful holiday experience.
Where to Buy: Carpet Souk 437 Al Meena St - Zayed Port - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates is the place where one can buy the best Persian carpets.
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4. Arabic Attars
Arabic attars are perfumes or essential oil that last longer and are derived from plants. These are alcohol-free and are used both by men and women. Also, an Arabic Attar is an ideal gift for your family and friends. One of the best parts is that there are a variety of perfumes and distinctive bottles that you can purchase here according to your taste. There are various shopping places in Abu Dhabi where you can create your own scent as well. These perfume shops are quite popular among tourists and local people.
Where to Buy: Eternal by Ajmal Perfume store in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is the place one can buy aromatic Arabic attars.
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5. Arabic Coffeepots
The traditional Arabic coffee pots also known as Dallah are quite famous in Abu Dhabi. These beautiful coffee pots are used here to serve flavorful Arabian coffee in the traditional style. The old Bedouins used the ritual of coffee preparation, serving, and drinking as a sign of hospitality, wealth, and generosity. Also, known as one of the attractions in UAE, these coffee pots can be found in all the local souks and markets. So, buying this coffeepot is the best thing that you can do for a memorable experience.
Where to Buy: The Iranian souk G99F+399 - Zayed Port - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates is the place where one can buy the famous Arabian Coffeepots.
6. Afghan Shawls
Known as one of the most luxurious clothing items, Afghan shawls are a blanket usually knitted or crocheted. These colorful shawls are used as decoration on the back of couches or chairs or as bedspreads. The authentic, ethical and beautiful Afghan shawls are knitted with amazing designs that you have never seen before. Apart from the different shopping malls in UAE, you can get these shawls in the local souks or markets of Abu Dhabi.
Where to Buy: Soul scarfs and Shawls, 27 Yamoud St - Al Hisn - W4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates is the place where one can shop for beautiful Afghan shawls.
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7. Lanterns
The colorful lanterns found in Abu Dhabi are a great centerpiece and bring a room to life. Made of copper, tin, and a lot of filigree work, these can be an amazing gift for your loved ones. There are several Abu Dhabi shopping places where you can get these precious souvenirs. Its unique design allows great shadow play that you can place on a table or hang up. This is good handwork with bright lights and cut-out patterns reflecting the old tradition and is generally used in the festive seasons.
Where to Buy: Gift Land, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Near Hamdan Centre - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates is the place where one can buy these beautiful lanterns.
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8. Aladdin Lamps
This beautiful Aladdin lamp is generally a kerosene lamp that spreads light from several generations. These lamps are also used as a decorative piece apart from brightening the home. It comes in various colors and sizes and is famous in the popular story of Aladdin. You can get these lamps from the local souks and markets of the city. So, if you are confused about what to buy in Abu Dhabi then this antique lamp will be the best thing you can shop for.
Where to Buy: One can buy Aladdin lamps from Al Salhiya Lighting Center, Zayed The First St - Zone 1 - E3-02 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hence, your trip to UAE wouldn’t be complete without bringing a piece of Abu Dhabi with you. You should take these priceless artifacts home as they can only be obtained in Abu Dhabi. This richest city has so much to offer with bustling marketplaces and attractive shops. The traditional Arabic markets called souks here sell traditional and authentic Arabic products. From handicrafts and garments to herbs and spices, this is the place where you can get something for everyone. Avail yourself of the best UAE tour packages for a worth-remembering holiday. Here you can have an extensive shopping experience with the must-buy items and the best places to shop.
Shopping in Abu Dhabi - FAQs
There are several amazing things that we can buy while traveling in Abu Dhabi. Below we have curated the list of those things:
- Sougha Art
- Spices
- Persian Carpets and Rugs
- Arabic Attars
- Arabic Coffeepots and coffee
One can buy beautiful and authentic Persian carpets from Carpet Souk 437 Al Meena St - Zayed Port - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates. Also, it is the best gift one can give to your family and friends.
Sougha art is an initiative for preserving the local artisan's traditions and was launched in the year 2009. Generally, they are preserving the traditional Emirati art of weaving by training the local ladies living in the rural areas.
Abu Dhabi is famous for its cutting-edge attractions, sweeping clean beaches, bazaars with unique atmospheres, and much more. This is the best place if you are planning a holiday with your family and friends.
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to March. At this time the temperature here is milder than it is in summer and it is far less humid. Also, it is the best time to perform all the outdoor activities.
The best place to buy Arabic coffeepots in Abu Dhabi is the Iranian souk G99F+399 - Zayed Port - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates. These are the beautiful coffee pots used to serve the flavorful Arabian coffee.
The beautiful Aladdin lamp is famous because of the famous story of Aladdin. These lamps are also used here as a decorative piece and also to brighten the home. It comes in various colors and sizes.
The Afghan shawls can be purchased from the shop Soul scarfs and Shawls, 27 Yamoud St - Al Hisn - W4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates. These colorful shawls are used as decoration on the back of couches or chairs.
