Muscat
Amouage sells the most expensive (and exquisite) perfume in the world, produced from frankincense, musk and other exotic ingredients in premises. You’ll…
Must-see shopping in Middle East
Amman
The nature store at the Wild Jordan Center sells products made in Jordan’s nature reserves, including silver jewellery, organic herbs, teas and jams from…
Kuwait City
A concept store selling carefully curated gifts ranging from Nordic cooking books and inventive kitchenware to tech accessories and locally made birthday…
Hajar Mountains
Active beehives form the centrepiece of this open-sided shop. As the worker bees collect their precious cargo, their keepers demonstrate the magic…
Amman
Want to look like a hip urban Jordanian? Head to this cool-as-you-like T-shirt shop on Rainbow St for an amazing array of screen-printed tees by local…
Muscat
With a range of classy shops selling the best examples of Omani-produced items, this luxury shopping arcade includes silver khanjars (traditional curved…
Yas Island
The beautiful handmade carpets on sale here are the backbone of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mohammed Bin Zayed's NGO, which aims to support and enhance the…
Amman
The Balian family came to Amman from Jerusalem in the early 1920s, and have been selling their traditional hand-painted tiles ever since. The decor is…
East Jerusalem
The longest-established Armenian-style ceramics studio in Jerusalem, this family business is run by Neshan Balian, grandson of a master potter from Turkey…
Amman
There's more to pampering yourself in Jordan than just Dead Sea mud. Up an alley at the bottom of Rainbow St, you'll find this lovely old villa and garden…
Amman
Get your cool-for-cats T-shirts and hoodies here and keep up to date with the Amman street-design vibe, with hints of graffiti, hip-hop culture, anime…
Jerusalem
Sleek, minimalist designs characterise the metalwork of versatile artist Yaakov Greenvurcel. His gleaming challah trays and dreidels are among the Judaica…
Riyadh
The excellent Jarir Bookstore has the best range of English-language books in every genre, from classic literature to modern popular novels, but most…
Nizwa
One of a number of shops in the craft section of the souq, this shop occupies a refurbished old building next to the fort. It has a fine range of…
Sur
With its traditional perfume shops, gold souq and Arab clothing stores, the Ladies' Souq is a fascinating part of town to wander around. There are many…
Manama
The most prestigious name in premium Middle Eastern oud, musk, agarwood oils and perfumes, this Saudi brand has been around since 1852, dispensing…
Amman
If we call this souvenir shop long-established, we mean it: the original family business goes back to 1870s Palestine. It's jammed to the rafters with…
Aqaba
The Noor Al Hussein Foundation is a national vocational training organisation, with one of its arms making handicrafts with local cooperatives. The fruits…
Yazd
The alleyways of this covered bazaar extend back to the 9th century and make for a diverting hour or so's meander. Many stores sell various grades of…
Iran
This tiny shop sells the local traditional goat-haired jackets worn by men. Black and white, knee-length and without arms, these jackets provide a…
Esfahan
A dazzling array of exquisite jewellery is for sale in this bazaar dedicated to gold and gems. The broad arcade and opulent shop windows make it worth a…
Amman
One of Amman's leading contemporary art galleries, Jacaranda holds regular exhibitions of excellent regional artists and is particularly strong in its…
Esfahan
This friendly father-and-son team specialise in nomadic carpets from all over Iran. High-quality pieces are available and postage can be arranged.
Muscat
Selling prized Omani silver, this shop's exclusive contemporary jewellery and gift items are handcrafted in a workshop in Muscat.
Dubai
This top-notch tailor has made bespoke suits for distinguished clients such as Roger Federer and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, along with men's and women…
Dubai
This city-centre shopping, dining and entertainment district has the feel of a European town centre with its faux Georgian-style buildings, water features…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
This small mall's 21st-century take on the classic souq gets a thumbs-up for its appealing Middle Eastern architecture and waterfront location. The shops…
Dubai
This market features not only fruit and veg from local growers but also local honey, nuts, spices and eggs, plus arts and crafts, food stations and…
Dubai
Plain and simple they are not, the clothes and accessories at S*uce (pronounced ‘sauce’), a pioneer in Dubai’s growing lifestyle-fashion scene. Join…
Dubai
Home to Ski Dubai, a community theatre, a 24-screen multiplex cinema and – let's not forget – 630 shops, Mall of the Emirates is one of Dubai's most…
Deira
Though other malls are bigger and flashier, Deira City Centre remains a stalwart for its logical layout and wide selection of shops, from big-name chains…
Jeddah
Jeddah's souq, immediately south of King Fahd Rd, is well worth seeking out. It's subdivided into sections, some populated by different immigrant groups,…
Dubai
Label-lovers on a budget flock to this indoor outlet mall whose architecture was inspired by a Tuscan hillside village. Midrange to fancy brands from…
Dubai
Inspired by the London original, this 1.3km-long outdoor lifestyle mall was built from upcycled shipping containers and has injected a welcome dose of…
Qatar
This indoor mall contains a wide range of international brands and department stores including Ikea, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams, as well as a Vox…
Amman
On a street dotted with bars and shisha cafes, this flower and small gifts shop is a colourful and welcome addition. If you’re celebrating a special…
Doha
This popular seasonal open-air market in Education City welcomes the best of Qatar’s home-grown food and produce-related businesses to market their spoils…
Deira
In sparkling new-ish digs on the waterfront behind Dubai Hospital, Deira's fish market (part of the Waterfront Market development) may have lost some of…
Dubai
Hands-down the best spot for kid-friendly camel souvenirs: stuffed camels in all sizes and colours, camels on T-shirts, coffee cups, notebooks, greeting…
