Top 12 Things To Buy At The Dubai Airport - Updated 2025

Demos
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
what to buy in dubai airport

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.

Handy tips about Dubai Airport

  • If you’re flying in or out of Dubai by Emirates, you’ll be delighted to know that the airliner offers shuttle services for Economy and Premium Economy passengers. The shuttle buses ply to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi and back and forth between Al Ain and Dubai on a fixed schedule.

  • For those who are looking for convenient accommodation near the airport, the best option would be Dubai International Hotel. It’s located right inside the airport! I’d definitely choose to stay here in case I have to catch a red-eye out of Dubai.

From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the Dubai local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

Book your airport transfer here

Looking for a hassle-free journey to your accommodation? Taxi2Airport is the easiest and most reliable way to get to and from the airport. Through secure online payments, you can book your airport transfers in advance, saving up to 35% on your journey.

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. I think a gold necklace would be a great gift for your significant other.

Duty Free Dubai

Website: Duty Free Dubai - Gold & Jewellery

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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, I’m confident Dubai Airport’s electronic shops will provide convenient and reliable options for tech-savvy travelers to shop for premium gadgets without the hassle of additional taxes or duties.

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Electronics

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3. Cigarettes

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

No good Dubai Airport shopping experience is worth its salt without a section dedicated to purchasing cigarettes. Fortunately, 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 95 AED (26 USD) for a pack of 200 Gauloises Blondes Filter cigarettes, 189 AED (52 USD) for a pack of 200 Marlboro Red cigarettes, and 226 AED (62 USD) for a pack of Golden Virginia Original Rolling cigarettes. I think a pack of premium cigarettes will make for a luxurious gift as well.

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Tobacco

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Dubai Tour Guide

Dubai Local Tour Guide

Dubai Local Tour Guide

Welcome, Hello, bonjour, Hola, Namasty, Salam! It brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome as you embark on your journey to explore our vibrant city during your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Here, in this land of hospitality, you are not just a guest; you are welcomed as a member of our extended family. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rafiq, a seasoned professional in the realm of t... Read more

Tours by Dubai local tour guide

4. Olives

Green Olives
Source: Photo by Flickr user momo used under CC BY 2.0

The Dubai Airport has plenty of excellent eateries, which are primarily reputable international brands. But if all you need is a jar of olives to bring home, you’ll surely be able to find one in Dubai’s duty-free shops or even the supermarkets inside the airport.

Carrefour Market

Website: Carrefour Market

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5. Liquor

Liquor bottles array
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Angie Garrett used under CC BY 2.0

Similar to cigarettes, one will find liquor in several stores in the Dubai Duty-Free section, which is conveniently located by 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 shop at Dubai Airport.

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. Expect to pay about 1100 AED (300 USD) for a bottle of 2005 Chateau Figeac.

Le Clos

Website: Le Clos

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6. Camel parade ornament

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

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 90 AED (25 USD) for a gold-plated camel, 225 AED (62 USD) for a colorful hand-painted camel, and 257 AED (70 USD) for a handcrafted fur camel. These ornaments make great souvenirs, too.

Gifts from Dubai

Website: Gifts from Dubai

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7. Arabian sweets

Arabian sweets
Source: Photo by Flickr user amanderson2 used under CC BY 2.0

It would be a shame to pass through the Dubai Airport and not try out the amazing sweets from the region. You can purchase a wide range of sweets from the Dubai Duty-Free section, at 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 and 49 AED (13 USD) for a 500-gram box of Nadiya Al Mealim Arabic sweets. While you’re at it, make sure to get a box of Dellisse Pearls as well! I’m sure these would make a great gift for the kids!

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Regional Sweets

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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 234 AED (64 USD) for a 100 ml bottle of Calvin Klein Euphoria, 516 AED (140 USD) for a Givenchy L'Interdit Intense 80 ml Perfume, and 981 AED (267 USD) for a Yves Saint Laurent Le Vestiare Babycat 125 ml bottle.

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Perfumes

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9. Chocolates

Dubai Chocolates
Source: Photo by Flickr user cattan2011 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 62 AED (18 USD) for a 400-gram bar of Toblerone white chocolate, 43 AED (12 USD) for a 200-gram packet of M&M’s Peanut Party chocolates, and 139 AED (38 USD) for a 200-gram gift box of Al Nassma chocolate.

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Chocolates

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10. Dry fruits

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

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. A 200-gram box of Mira Figs will cost you just 35 AED (9 USD).

Dubai Duty-Free

Website: Dubai Duty-Free - Dry Fruits

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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 be delighted to know that you can find these in the Dubai Duty-Free section. Shopping at Dubai Airport simply wouldn’t be complete without getting a cigar. Every good cigarette store in the airport also stocks a wide range of quality cigars sourced from around the world.

Expect to pay about 473 AED (128 USD) for a pack of Cohiba Siglo II Tubos, and there are more options to choose from as well!

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Cigars

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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, the city can take a 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. Or you can get a make-up gift from a duty-free outlet!

Expect to pay 167 AED (45 USD) for Gucci Rouge de Beauté Brillant, and 205 AED (56 USD) for a Lancôme My Makeup Favorites Set 4pcs. Make your layover worthwhile, and add these beautifying products to your list of things to buy in Dubai Airport!

Dubai Duty Free

Website: Dubai Duty Free - Make Up

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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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Back .over 1 year ago

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