Traveling home for the holidays is the perfect time to share a piece of Abu Dhabi’s culture with your loved ones. From elegant coffee sets to rich perfumes, gourmet sweets, and handmade crafts, Abu Dhabi offers a variety of unique and authentic gifts. Here’s your guide to the best souvenirs and gifts from Abu Dhabi.

1. Arabic Coffee & Accessories

Arabic Coffee Cups (Finjan)

Beautiful porcelain cups, often decorated with gold or Arabic calligraphy, make a stylish and meaningful souvenir.

Dallah (Arabic Coffee Pot)

A symbol of Emirati hospitality, the dallah comes in both traditional brass and modern designs—perfect for display or use.

Incense Burners (Mabkhara)

No Emirati home is complete without a mabkhara. Pair it with bakhoor or oud chips to complete the gift.

2. Traditional Perfume & Oud

Perfume is one of the most cherished gifts in Emirati culture. Rich oud and musk scents are timeless choices. Popular shops include:

• Hind Al Oud – a household name in the region for traditional oud blends.
• Amwaj – blends Arabian notes with contemporary fragrances.
• Abdul Samad Al Qurashi – luxury perfumes, oud, and attars with heritage roots.

3. Emirati Sweets & Chocolates

Nothing delights family and friends like Emirati sweets:

Dates

Symbolizing hospitality, dates are a staple gift. Choose premium stuffed dates or luxury date boxes.

Mirzam Chocolate

Handcrafted in the UAE, Mirzam chocolate draws inspiration from the spice route, offering gourmet flavors.

Camel Cookies

Tasty cookies made of camel milk are fun gifts for children and casual gatherings.

4. Gourmet Date Gift Baskets

For a modern twist, create gourmet baskets featuring date-based products:

• Date vinegar
• Date jam
• Date syrup
• Date cookies

These baskets combine flavor, tradition, and creativity, making them perfect for families or colleagues.

5. Traditional Clothing & Handicrafts

For a cultural keepsake, consider:

• Kandura (men’s robe) or Abaya & Shayla (women’s attire).
• Khos baskets – handwoven palm-frond baskets used traditionally for storage.
• Sadu bags – textiles with geometric Bedouin patterns, reflecting Emirati heritage.

6. Festivals & Markets: Meeting Local Artisans

One of the best opportunities to buy authentic Emirati gifts is during local festivals and heritage markets. Events like the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Qasr Al Hosn Festival, and community souks showcase local handicrafters and vendors. You can find:

• Handmade crafts such as Khos baskets and Sadu weaving.
• Locally produced perfumes, incense, and textiles.
• Seasonal treats, spices, and traditional sweets.

Shopping at festivals not only guarantees authenticity but also supports local artisans.

Final Thoughts

From elegant Arabic coffee pots to oud perfumes, gourmet sweets, traditional clothing, and handmade crafts, Abu Dhabi offers endless options for meaningful gifts. Don’t miss the chance to explore local festivals and markets, where authentic Emirati culture comes alive through artisans and vendors. These gifts go beyond material value—they share the story of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality, heritage, and warmth.