Summary
In our 5 Shops series, we highlight our preferred independent retailers across some of the world’s most notable cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage, and homegrown design, we have curated a diverse and inviting selection of local shops where unique items may be found.
As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, the variety within Dubai is vividly reflected in its modern shopping environment, much like it once was in the traditional souks.
Are you seeking to make purchases? Take inspiration from the city’s designers, artists, and creatives by exploring Dubai’s local brands and independent boutiques located in lesser-known creative districts. These areas offer an array of contemporary treasures including handcrafted jewelry, ethical fashion, vintage apparel, gourmet artisanal foods, eclectic furniture, and often, a palpable sense of community.
As a travel writer, design enthusiast, and proud resident of Dubai, I have selected a few favorites that embody my city’s multicultural nature, innovation, and penchant for the avant-garde.
Best for souvenirs: Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Shop
Stroll past the captivating displays of gold necklaces and diamond rings at the Gold Souq to acquire a unique souvenir at Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Shop. Established in 2021, this establishment produces camel milk chocolate in the UAE, the world’s inaugural camel milk chocolate factory. The products feature local ingredients such as authentic honey, bourbon vanilla, nuts, and dates.
With options including dark, milk, and white varieties accompanied by almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and dates, there is an abundance of choice — simply request a sample. The store’s shelves are adorned with luxurious boxes of assorted pralines, gold foil-wrapped chocolate camels, and chocolate bars, ideal for gifting.
Martin Van Almsick, who co-founded Al Nassma with his wife Hanan Ahmed nearly 15 years ago, articulated, “Camel milk, which is notably premium, is low in fat and enriched with minerals, resulting in a unique mouthfeel and texture.” He recommends the white chocolate with pistachios (35 AED / $10 for a 70g bar); I also appreciate the cocoa 70% camel milk chocolate with dates (29 AED / $8 per bar).
Best for local design: Kave
Kave, established by Palestinian sisters Rania and Zaina Kana’an, serves as a fair trade shop, upcycled café, custom bicycle shop, and community hub located in Alserkal Avenue—a center for art galleries, independent theaters, and boutiques. This space is a treasure trove of vibrant designs that reflect a bold contemporary Arab identity, showcasing the regional talent of emerging designers and curators.
Within Heba’s Closet, you can find beautifully designed Sadu pouches (traditional weaving crafted by Bedouin women), enamel evil-eye rings, and hand-painted bags by Joudesign (which have graced Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan). The collection features patterned capes (200 AED / $54) by Kayani that creatively repurpose surplus textiles. Handmade beaded bags, embroidered camera straps, and exquisite ruby-studded silver jewelry by RetrolaneUAE are displayed next to vintage watches and cameras.
The brands at Kave not only reflect ethical practices but are also inspired by the dynamic pop culture of the region. On a recent visit, I was fortunate to attend Kave’s occasional weekend market, where I discovered colorful cotton dresses by Nunchi, socially-conscientious hand-painted t-shirts by Ragmatazz, and beautiful embroidered denim jackets by Rosali Collection.
Best for vintage/thrifting: Thrift For Good
While Dubai’s vintage and thrift shopping landscape is still developing, it has rapidly gained popularity among the city’s fashion-forward individuals. Initiated by Jennifer Sault, Thrift For Good located on Palm Jumeirah, donates all profits to children’s projects managed by the local charity Gulf for Good.
The ladies’ section mainly features garments from well-known high-street labels such as Zara and Mango, while a selection of menswear is also available. During my recent visit, I discovered a vintage dress adorned with a stunning print and gold trim for 30 AED ($8) and a colorful shift dress from the London-based vintage brand Traffic People priced at 70 AED. A vintage chocolate-colored Marlboro Classics jacket was offered at 450 AED ($122).
During my last visit, volunteer Iyare Uwagboe discussed how the store is primarily supported by volunteers, along with a handful of full-time employees. “As you know, we donate all proceeds to projects globally,” he conveyed, pointing to posters of cheerful children from rural Kyrgyzstan, Ladakh, and Peru, where Thrift For Good has financed community and educational initiatives since 2020.
Best for food: Wafi Gourmet
At the Lebanese gourmet store and restaurant Wafi Gourmet, one can discover high-quality ingredients sourced from the Gulf and Levant regions. From behind glass counters, one can find pistachio-filled dates, walnut-stuffed apricots, figs, and intricately layered golden baklava enticing patrons to sample.
Choosing the Turkish pistachios and Lebanese jumbo cashews is advisable. The amiable staff encourage visitors to taste and purchase smaller quantities. Additionally, boxes of freshly baked za’atar rolls, shortbread cookies, and jam-filled petit fours make for delightful afternoon snacks.
I am always captivated by the colorful assortment of crispy nougat and the soft, chewy malban (a traditional sweet), crafted from apricot, pistachios, and dried rose petals. Moreover, jars of olives and fig jam, packets of Damascus rose tea, and bottles of high-quality olive oil serve as excellent gifts to take home. If this assortment ignites your appetite, indulging in cold mezze such as yalangi (rice-stuffed grape leaves) from the deli or a slice of warm kunafa (a warm, syrupy pastry) is highly recommended.
Best for books: Book Hero
The bookstore and café Book Hero recently opened in Umm Suqeim Park at Jumeirah Beach following years of operating unmanned stores across Dubai and a mobile book truck based on an honor system. Inside, diverse English-language books span every genre, from comics and young adult fiction to biographies, travel writing, and international Booker Prize-winning titles. Both new and secondhand books are available, priced at either 10 or 20 AED (approximately $3 to $6), identified by green and yellow stickers, respectively.
Founded by Spanish expatriate Montserrat Martin and Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Book Hero (with six locations currently) has significantly enhanced access to reading materials in Dubai. Additionally, Book Hero conducts free educational book swaps, promotes stray animal sterilization programs, and contributes books to communities worldwide.
The variety and affordability of this location make it my preferred destination for discovering diverse titles. During my last visit, I procured a copy of An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie (20 AED). After selecting a book, one can enjoy ice cream, banana bread, and views of families crafting sandcastles on the beach from a terrace table.
