Wadi Rum
This is a good place to look for local souvenirs. Most items are made by local women to whom most of the profits are returned. It’s possible to visit the…
Must-see shopping in Middle East
Manama
Pearl of Islands is the pick of this strip of 'antique' stores selling mostly ornate wood doors and quaint lanterns. That's not because the goods are any…
Doha
This enormous midrange shopping centre has a large food court that's good for those in the area looking for a cheap, quick bite. It also has a multiplex…
Tehran
Moses Baba, founder of this atmospheric old curiosity shop, is long gone, but his relatives (members of Tehran's small Jewish community) still run the…
Jerusalem
Personalised perfumes are't just for celebrities. After a thorough survey of your likes and dislikes as well as a short life history, Perfuniq's French…
Dubai
This 2000-sq-metre expanse of showroom is the exact opposite of a Scandi flatpack store and its sheer opulence makes it fun to visit. The furniture and…
Tel Aviv
A cooperative of 15 ceramic artists, Chomer Tov (meaning 'good material') is both a small gallery and a shop. A dynamic space, it features both functional…
Bur Dubai
Trade malls for stalls and look for bargains amid the piles of preloved stuff that’s spilled out of local closets at Dubai's cherished flea markets, which…
Doha
This particularly fragrant corner of Souq Waqif has little boundary between its two specialities. Vendors display large containers of herbs and spices…
Doha
This half-museum, half-shop boasts a remarkable collection of antiques, some for sale, others for viewing purposes only. It has old medals, pocket watches…
Beirut
Lebanon’s premier luxury department store, Aïshti is a draw for fashionistas across the Middle East. Come to browse international designers as well as…
Bahrain
This is the king among Muharraqi sweet merchants – just try to leave without buying something sickly sweet and sinfully delicious, like the Turkish…
Jebel Shams
Entrepreneurial carpet sellers have set up open-air shop at the bottom of Jebel Shams, capitalising on the fact that most people stop at Wadi Ghul to take…
Jerusalem
Yerevan-born Arman Darian might be the best-known ceramicist in Israel, having installed his designs in many public buildings. Skilfully decorated ceramic…
Doha
This shopping mall has the usual range of international retailers – Mango, DKNY, Clarks, Ted Baker, Adidas etc – as well as the FNAC department store,…
Downtown Dubai
With chic new quarters in the edgy Dubai Design District, this concept boutique pushes the boundaries when it comes to fashion and accessories. Look for …
Riyadh
Although there are plenty of shopping malls in Riyadh, the Al Nakheel Mall is already a firm favourite of locals and visitors. It's spacious, with a…
Abu Dhabi
This small art gallery hosts exhibitions by emerging local artists. A good opportunity for fine-art fans to pick up a piece of original work. The gallery…
Iran
An easily missed doorway leads into the internal courtyard of this historic, tile-roofed house where five craft shops sell woodcraft, copperwork, pottery…
Amman
This cooperative, west of Amman in the village of Iraq Al Amir, opposite the village caves of the same name, sells handmade pottery, fabrics, foodstuffs,…
Tehran
Founded by the painter Massoumeh Noushin Seyhoun in 1966, this is one of Tehran's longest running commercial art spaces showcasing contemporary Iranian…
Amman
A weekly open-air flea market run by the Jebel Amman Residents' Association selling a variety of handicrafts (though recently there's been a big influx of…
Doha
Housed in an attractive two-storey lantern-lit building that fronts onto Souq Waqif, this centre is filled with galleries and artists' studios. Artists…
Jeddah
For dates, nuts and nibbles at discount prices, head straight for the famous Khayyam Al Rabie Est. With its fairy lights and floor-to-ceiling rows of…
Jerusalem
Drawing inspiration from European and Middle Eastern design, Morocco-born artist Danny Azoulay creates ketubahs (Jewish wedding contracts) with lacy paper…
Downtown Dubai
A keen coffee radar is required to track down this boutique roastery, in a hidden alley amid the dusty warehouses of Al Quoz. The building houses not only…
Deira
This small store specialises in honey from Yemen. As well as tasting delicious, the honey is reputed to have a wide range of health benefits that differ…
Bur Dubai
Kamal Makhija and his army of tailors have had women looking good since 1971. They can create original designs, copy a beloved dress or even sew you an…
Bur Dubai
Nirvana for design-minded home decorators, this airy showroom unites funky, innovative and top-quality items from dozens of international manufacturers…
Eastern Province
Al Othaim Mall is built to look like a gigantic ship – there’s no way you can miss it. The four-storey shopping centre boasts 392 shops, ranging from high…
Jerusalem
Situated in a lovely old house near the Hurva Synagogue, this upmarket shop sells jewellery made with gold, diamonds and fragments of Jerusalem stone…
Manama
One of Manama's larger malls, Seef is popular with British expats as it is home to several familiar UK brands, including Marks & Spencer, Laura Ashley,…
Bur Dubai
A potpourri of exotic fragrances hits you as you enter this small shop stocked to the hilt with oils, teas, dates and sweet treats such as Turkish delight…
Tel Aviv
This art and design shop features a cleanly curated selection of modern wares, from prints and knick-knacks to jewellery and furniture – all crafted by…
Wadi Musa
This old timer of a store is now one among many in the outdoor shopping complex that arcs around the Petra Visitor Centre. It remains a good place to buy…
Manama
It can be a little hard to find, but this small collection of spice sellers is a wonderfully fragrant place for a stroll as you explore one of the quieter…
The Ancient City
Selling a collection of souvenirs and with an ever-friendly greeting for those with the energy to walk beyond the Treasury, this Bedouin shop also sells…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
These hand-painted ceramic tiles are an original and easy-to-pack memento of your trip. There are both traditional Islamic tile decorations and more…
Doha
The first health-food store in Qatar sells organic, gluten-free, nutritional and vegan products, plus health drinks (like kombucha and fresh juices) and…
Jerusalem
Traditional Jewish ritual items are given a fresh, contemporary overhaul at Benny Heifetz' studio, where he crafts silver Torah pointers, jaggedly…
