Top 12 Things To Buy At The Dubai Airport - Updated 2024

what to buy in dubai airport
Demos
Demos 
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One of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports is none other than Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. If you’ve done a significant amount of travel, there’s a chance that you’ve had at least a stopover flight here. This airport plays a major role in the local economy and employs about 90,000 people. It’s easy to see why it needs such a large number of staff given that it also features one of the most comprehensive duty-free sections. At the airport shops in Dubai, travelers can purchase branded cigarettes from the DDF sector, popular fragrances from the Gifts from Dubai store, and makeup kits from the MAC store. After you’re splurged, take your Dubai experience up a notch and treat yourself to a stay at the top hotels and Airbnbs in town. Continue reading to find out about the top things to buy at the Dubai Airport.

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1. Gold

Dubai gold market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joi used under CC BY 2.0

Gold is certainly one of the best things to buy at the Dubai Airport and is a unique and enticing experience for travelers. Known as the “City of Gold,” Dubai offers a wide selection of gold jewelry and bullion at the airport’s duty-free shops. With competitive prices and an array of designs to choose from, shoppers can find gold pieces that suit their taste and budget. The gold sold in Dubai is of high quality and purity, often accompanied by certificates to guarantee authenticity.

Moreover, the airport’s duty-free status ensures that travelers can enjoy tax-free shopping, making the prices even more appealing. Whether you’re looking for a precious gift or a personal memento, buying gold at Dubai Airport allows you to bring home a piece of luxury and elegance from one of the world’s renowned gold markets.

Duty Free Dubai

Website: Duty Free Dubai

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2. Electronics or gadgets

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wondering about what to buy duty-free from Dubai? The airport’s duty-free shops offer a wide range of cutting-edge electronics from top global brands, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headphones, and smartwatches. With tax-free prices and competitive deals, travelers can find the latest gadgets at attractive rates. The airport’s retail outlets also provide a warranty and guarantee on products, giving buyers peace of mind.

Whether you forgot to pack your charger, need an upgrade, or simply want to indulge in the latest tech trends, Dubai Airport’s electronic shops provide a convenient and reliable option for tech-savvy travelers to shop for premium gadgets without the hassle of additional taxes or duties.

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free

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3. Cigarettes (from USD 8.0)

Dubai Duty Free 6
Source: Photo by Flickr user Liz Lawley used under CC BY-SA 2.0

No good Dubai Airport shopping is worth its salt without a section dedicated to purchasing cigarettes. Fortunately, the Dubai Duty-Free fully comprehends the needs of international travelers and offers a bevy of cigarette purchasing options. Travelers departing from DXB - Gates A and B, arriving through Gates C, or browsing on the upper floor by Gates D will find stores selling a wide range of budget and premium cigarette brands. Expect to pay about 43 AED (12 USD) for a pack of 200 Gauloises Blondes Filter cigarettes, 84 AED (24 USD) for a pack of 200 Camel Filter cigarettes, and 99 AED (28 USD) for a pack of 200 Marlboro Filter Plus cigarettes.

DDF - Liquor & Tobacco

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: DDF - Liquor & Tobacco

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Private Airport Pick-Up from Dubai Airport

Duration: 15 minutes

40 reviews

Dubai Tour Guide

AZIRA OUSSAMA

Azira Oussama

Hello, I am Oussama, a licensed tour guide in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I organize tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi so you can experience modern and old life of this developed country and witness some of culture while exploring this great place.I also offer airport pick-up and drop-off from Dubai Airport. I am doing tours in English, French and Spanish.

Tours by Azira

Dubai Tour Guide

Sultan Karrani

Sultan Karrani

I am an Emirati national working in the hospitality and tour guide industry since 2013. I grew up and worked in most areas of the UAE and I am special at providing guests with real information about the culture of the UAE and the different stories of the places we visit. My goal in my work is to introduce the world to the treasures of Emirati culture and its many tourist sites.

Tours by Sultan

Dubai Tour Guide

Claudia Antunes

Claudia Antunes

Hello ! or Marhaba as we say here! I'm deeply passionate about the history and vibrant culture of Dubai's old city, and I'm thrilled to share this enchanting journey with you. Step back in time with me as we wander through the winding streets, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic experience, my walking tours offer a unique blend of tradition and discovery. Join me as we explore the beating heart of Old Dubai together, one step at a time."

Dubai Tour Guide

Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Sandra Guia Dubai Calvo

I'm an enthusiastic tour guide passionate about Dubai. With me, you will not only get a guided tour, but an unforgettable experience full of fascinating stories and deep knowledge of local history. Whether we are walking the streets of the old Dubai or enjoying the stunning beauty of the skyscraper , I guarantee you a unique and enriching experience. My goal is to make your experience memorable, educational, and most of all, fun. So get ready to immerse yourself in the cultural richness and beauty of our destination with me as your guide!

4. Olives (from USD 100.0)

what to buy in dubai airport | olives

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bring your family together, like our Fritto Misto brings together prawns, calamari, zucchini in golden batter goodness! . . Meals taste better when shared together, especially at Ocean Basket!

Posted by Ocean Basket UAE on Monday, October 18, 2021

The Dubai Airport has plenty of excellent eateries, which are primarily reputable international brands. If you need your fill of olives and good Mediterranean cuisine, then head over to Ocean Basket. This popular South African restaurant chain is renowned for its Greek cuisine, fish platters, and affordable pricing. Your order of olives or feta will set you back a mere 14 AED (4 USD), or you can have your olives in a tasty Mediterranean Salsa for the same price.

Ocean Basket

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Ocean Basket

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Dubai Airport Pick-Up to Ras Al-Khaimah

Duration: 1.5 hour

5 reviews

5. Liquor (from USD 147.0)

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Similarly to cigarettes, one will find liquor in several stores in the Dubai Duty-Free sector, which is conveniently located in arrival and departure gates. But if you’re serious about your liquor and want to purchase the finest alcoholic beverages, then Le Clos is your go-to Dubai Airport shop. Expect to pay more than usual, but the premium price is worth it considering that you’ll be getting a quality product, expert advice, and making your purchase in a contemporary and stylish establishment. A bottle of Glen Moray 1988 Rare Vintage Whisky will set you back 825 AED (225 USD), a Charles Heidsieck Rose 1985 Champagne will set you back 1,150 AED (314 USD), and a Moet & Chandon MCIII Cuvee Champagne goes for 1,800 AED (490 USD).

Le Clos

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Le Clos

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Private Stretch Limousine Experience in Dubai

Duration: 1hrsDuration

4 reviews

6. Camel parade ornament (from USD 34.49)

IMG_8385.jpg
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kuruman used under CC BY 2.0

"Camels are an important part of Emirati culture that dates back to its roots. In the past, camels were said to be God's...

Posted by KurioCharmz on Sunday, 28 January 2018

The shopping experience in Dubai Airport isn’t limited to purchasing branded goods, cigarettes, liquor, and food. In fact, one can enjoy and purchase creative works at Gifts from Dubai, which stocks a range of attractive camel ornaments made from various materials. Expect to pay 92 AED (25 USD) for a gold-plated camel, 232 AED (63 USD) for a colorful hand-painted camel, and 330 AED (90 USD) for a handcrafted fur camel. These ornaments make great souvenirs, too.

Gifts from Dubai

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Gifts from Dubai

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Dubai International Airport (DXB) Lounge Service - Klook

7. Arabic sweets

Dubai
Source: Photo by Flickr user cattan2011 used under CC BY 2.0

It would be a shame to pass through the Dubai Airport, and not try out the amazing Arabic sweets from the region. You can purchase a wide range of sweets from the Dubai Duty-Free section, which includes any store that stocks chocolates, dry fruits, and nuts. Expect to pay 81 AED (22 USD) for a 450-gram tin of Dellisse Assorted Baklawa, 88 AED (24 USD) for a 500-gram box of Nadiya Al Mealim Arabic sweets, and 92 AED (25 USD) for a 480-gram box of Dellisse Pearls.

Dubai Duty-Free

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Dubai Duty-Free

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8. Perfumes

Emirates Business class travel _ DSC01434
Source: Photo by Flickr user Patrik Nemes used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Perfumes make the perfect gift for that special someone. It’s a good thing that you don’t have to go to the shopping malls to purchase such gifts. Gifts from Dubai stocks a wide range of popular branded fragrances such as Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Lacoste, and Salvatore Ferragamo to name a few. You can take your time and try out several sample fragrances, and decide what to purchase before heading off. Expect to pay 271 AED (76 USD) for an Emporio Armani She 50ml Perfume, 455 AED (127 USD) for a Carolina Herrera Good Girl Red Edition Collector 80ml Perfume, and 987 AED (275 USD) for a Bvlgari Le Gemme Collection Selima 100ml Perfume.

Gifts from Dubai

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Gifts from Dubai

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9. Chocolates

Dubai duty free
Source: Photo by Flickr user teldridge+keldridge used under CC BY 2.0

If you have a sweet tooth and have a thing for chocolate, then you’ll be in heaven at the Dubai Duty-Free section. There’s candy of all kinds, and you’ll have a choice of Arabic and Western chocolate brands to purchase. Moreover, you’ll have a choice of candy bars and packets if you’re traveling solo, and gift boxes if you want to bring something home for the special people in your life. Expect to pay about 49.50 AED (13.50 USD) for a 400-gram bar of Toblerone white chocolate, 66 AED (18 USD) for a 1-kilogram packet of M&M’s Peanut Party chocolates, and 169 AED (46 USD) for a 200-gram wooden gift box of Al Nassma chocolate.

Dubai Duty-Free

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Dubai Duty-Free

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10. Dry fruits

Spices
Source: Photo by Flickr user Denise Chan used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Sdpnye puranmal's DRY FRUIT BARFI dri dubai!!!

Posted by Alia Alia on Friday, 21 March 2014

Dry fruits make for a healthy and light snack, especially when traveling. Furthermore, they’re tasty and work well when combined with nuts and dates, which also make for good snacks for active individuals and travelers. The Dubai Duty-Free section stocks all these snacks at reasonable prices and a one-kilogram box of Puranmal Dry Fruit Barfi will set you back about 118 AED (32 USD).

Dubai Duty-Free

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: Dubai Duty-Free

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11. Cigars

Havana - Cuba - 3519
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jorge Royan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you enjoy a good American, Cuban, or Honduran cigar, especially on your travels, then you’ll find these at the Dubai Duty-Free section. Shopping in Dubai Airport without these simply isn’t complete. Every good cigarette store in the airport also stocks a wide range of quality cigars sourced from around the world. Expect to pay about 65 AED (18 USD) for a pack of 50 King Edward Special Tip Cigarillos, 765 AED (213 USD) for a pack of 25 Camacho Corojo Figurado cigars, and 1,538 AED (428 USD) for a pack of 25 Cohiba Coronas Especiales cigars.

DDF - Liquor & Tobacco

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: DDF - Liquor & Tobacco

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12. Makeup kits

WP_20150827_16_02_33_Raw__highres
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shahid Ahmed Siddiqi used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

With so many things to do alone in Dubai, these activities can take its toll on your physical appearance. Make sure you look your best by carrying a makeup kit or two with you wherever you go. Whether you’re arriving or leaving Dubai Airport, there’s a MAC store for your shopping convenience, which stocks the world-renowned cosmetic company’s wide range of products. You can purchase eye, face, and lip brushes, lip gloss, lipstick, and makeup kits. Expect to pay 74 AED (20 USD) for Slay Ride Lipstick, and 165 AED (45 USD) for a Shiny Pretty Things Eye Party Smoky makeup kit. Make your layover worthwhile, and add these beautifying products to your list of things to buy in Dubai Airport!

MAC

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Website: MAC

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Plenty of options for jetsetters

Most travelers have limited time, especially during stopover flights or when transversing one of the world’s busiest airports. Fortunately, the Dubai Duty-Free is one of the best and most efficient in the world, making it easy for travelers to do their airport shopping in Dubai and enjoy a few bargains as well. So, book that trip and come to Dubai. Apart from the best rooftop bars and amazing neighborhoods, this country also offers an incredible shopping experience.

Frequently asked questions about things to buy at the Dubai Airport


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Demos, a freelance writer, boasts an entrepreneurial background that informs his diverse writing portfolio. His articles span across various topics, encompassing travel, business, technology,...Read more

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