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,…
Must-see shopping in Arabian Peninsula
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…
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…
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…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Cookies with a local twist using flavours such as cardamon, pistachio, dates, saffron and Arabic coffee as ingredients. Buy a pack of six to take the…
United Arab Emirates
This big supermarket (with attached pharmacy, ATMs and a couple of fast-food outlets) is where you can pick up picnic supplies before heading out to bike,…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Foodie nirvana, elevating the humble date to gourmet levels. Select a range of different varieties from the Medjool to the khidri or go straight for a…
Marina Breakwater
Carpets, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, exquisite vases, marble inlay furniture and calligraphy are among the artworks from around the Islamic world…
Abu Dhabi
A delightful browsing experience with old furniture and textiles hobnobbing with new paintings, ceramics and sculpture by local Gulf artists. It's a royal…
Yas Island
Foodies with a sweet tooth will probably want to bring home some of these cookies which use traditional Middle Eastern flavours such as date, saffron,…
Centre of Original Iranian Carpets
Abu Dhabi
Spread over three floors, this carpet gallery has more than 4000 carpets to choose from, making it one of the largest collections of carpets in the Middle…
Downtown Dubai
These 100% cotton kurtas (tunics) from Pakistan are stunning, with beautiful designs and colours, some featuring flowers, others exotic patterns. Expect…
Manama
Lovers of Turkish sweets will adore Malatya Pazari, purveyors of natural dried fruits, nuts, halwa (a dense Middle Eastern sweet made from flour, butter…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
The UAE's homegrown book chain is a good place to pick up the local bestseller From Rags to Riches: a story of Abu Dhabi. There's a small section…
Muscat
For guaranteed 'Made in Oman' crafts, try the Omani Heritage Gallery, a nonprofit organisation set up to encourage cottage industries through the sale of…
Kuwait City
Located downtown, Salhiya mall specialises in ultra-luxury brands like Cartier, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel. M1 level has some good…
Khasab
This shop inside Lulu Hypermarket is one of only a couple in Musandam to sell souvenirs and crafts of any kind. Camel sticks, traditional axes and Omani…
Bur Dubai
In business since 1976 and highly reliable, this outfit specialises in exquisitely tailored men's suits and has lots of fabrics to choose from. Turn…
Riyadh
With more designer outlets than you can shake a Gold Amex card at, Kingdom Tower has even dedicated the entire 2nd floor ('Ladies' Kingdom') to women only…
Sur
The elaborate bottles alone are temptation enough to enter this shop, and being daubed in exotic musk and ambergris is one of Arabia’s great experiences…
Marina Breakwater
From neon-coloured painted camel statues and wooden boxes engraved with Arabic calligraphy to salt and pepper shakers printed with Emirati figures,…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Luxury UAE fragrance range based on Emirati culture and heritage. Oud (incense made from agarwood), saffron, bergamot, frankincense and rose are the key…
Manama
Arguably Bahrain's best-known designer, Kubra Al Qaseer pioneered the colourful modern interpretations of the humble jellabiya (long, loose-fitting outer…
Yas Island
Head here for a huge range of pretty, embroidered jalabiyas (traditional kaftans native to the Gulf) that make for wonderfully comfortable lazy weekend…
Arumailah Gifts & Masterpieces
Doha
A wonderful place to rummage around in Souq Waqif, this Ali Baba-style grotto sells swords, daggers, belts and bags, plus painted bowls, carved boxes and…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Gourmet date products for you to take a little taste of the Gulf home. Choose from chocolate-covered dates or the little morsels stuffed with candied peel.
Yas Island
Heading out on a desert adventure? Stock up on all your camping and off-roading equipment needs here. Also rents mountain bikes (from Dhs150 per day).
Marina Breakwater
Luxury fragrances, oils, home scents and skin care using the heady scents of oud (incense made from agarwood), rose, jasmine and saffron.
Manama
High-end designer retailers dominate this upmarket mall beneath the World Trade Centre: think De Beers, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana.
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
The Middle East's big name in roasted nuts. Head here for quality pistachios, almonds and cashews as well as mixed nut and fruit mixes.
Muscat
For a regional gift with a difference, the chocolate dates from Bateel are world class, presented in high-quality packaging.
Downtown Dubai
One of Dubai's raciest stores stocks push-up bras, high-heeled feathery slippers, slinky night gowns, seductive beauty products (we like the 'Booty Parlor…
Dubai
This concept store in trendy BoxPark stocks quirky gifts, gadgets, jewellery, clothes and accessories. Owner Hussein Abdul Rasheed curates an always…
Downtown Dubai
Translated as 'market of the sailor', Souk Al Bahar is a small arabesque-style mall next to the Dubai Mall that sells mostly tourist-geared items. It's…
Downtown Dubai
The cobble-stoned Courtyard Building has been reset as a hub of concept boutiques. Check out designer homewares at Georges of Dubai, ethnic handmade…
Dubai
This Emirati-owned urban boutique-cum-cafe with shiny concrete floors and ducts wrapped in gold foil is a routine stop for fashionistas in search of up-to…
Dubai
Aside from the usual kitsch souvenirs, Lata's also has some quality Middle Eastern items, such as Moroccan lamps, Omani khanjars (traditional curved…
Dubai
With roots in Beirut as a luxury-label purveyor, this slightly more casual branch of the fashion emporium has fashionistas in a headlock over trendy…
Marina Breakwater
Born in Lebanon in the '60s, Maison Samira Maatouk is a big name in Arabic coffee. At this kiosk in Marina Mall, it sells its signature roasts.
