December is the season of giving – whether for Christmas, New Year, or simply because. In the age of same-day delivery and algorithmic recommendations, gift-giving has become increasingly transactional: an endless scroll, a digital checkout, and a sense of relief when (or if) the box arrives on time. For those looking to reconnect with the more thoughtful, tactile side of gifting – the kind sparked by wandering, not scrolling – Abu Dhabi is full of corners worth exploring. From considered concept stores to culture-rich souks and high-design boutiques, here are nine of the best gift shops to discover in the capital.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Boutique, Saadiyat Island
The gift boutique at Louvre Abu Dhabi is much more than a souvenir shop. A treasure trove of artfully curated finds, this is where you’ll spot everything from architecture books and Bauhaus journals to niche incense candles and Monet mugs. Beyond novelties, the boutique also stocks more meaningful and lasting gifts, like rare world maps and hardback exhibition catalogues you won’t find anywhere else. Even the kids’ section is well curated: think shadow theatre kits and build-your-own mosaics. For those who prefer experiences over things, you can also gift an annual membership to the gallery.
Tryano, Yas Mall
A department store in name only, Tryano in Yas Mall is a luxury edit housed within a single, creatively composed space. Across three floors, it brings together fashion, beauty, homeware and lifestyle pieces from 360 global and regional names – from niche fragrances and cult skincare to cashmere scarves and design-forward accessories. This is where you’ll find a gift for the person who already has everything: a personalised perfume bottle, a candle from a hard-to-find label, or something small and sculptural more reminiscent of an independent Parisian atelier or a contemporary Beirut design studio than a conventional mall.
Souk Al Bawadi, Al Ain
A world away from the glossy malls of the city, Souk Al Bawadi is one of the oldest trading districts in the region, and it’s still one of the best places to pick up a gift with character. For decades, locals have come to this sprawling 13,000 sq. m. souk for everything from hand-painted ceramics and oud burners to sacks of saffron, dried limes, and dates by the kilo. You’ll also find hand-woven throws, spice blends, and authentic clay dallahs – the perfect gift for the Arabic coffee lover. It’s not exactly curated, and that’s the charm: the joy here lies in the rummaging. Loud, fragrant, and a little chaotic, this is old-world UAE at its best, and well worth the drive.
Abu Dhabi Gold Souk
All that glitters is gold is the motto here – and it’s a fair warning. Abu Dhabi’s Gold Souk is a labyrinth of jewellery retailers and goldsmiths inside Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, jam-packed with everything from 22K gold bridal sets to understated rings and bracelets. For something more rooted in local tradition, you’ll also find natural pearls sourced from the Gulf, often set into minimalist pieces that nod to the region’s pre-oil history. Expect plenty of negotiation and craftsmanship that still runs deep.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta
Set along the water in the Shangri-La, The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri is a small, photogenic stretch of boutiques, jewellery shops, perfumeries, and cafés. It’s smaller than Souk Al Bawadi, but the appeal lies in the experience – you can arrive by abra (a traditional water taxi) and enjoy an alfresco lunch with stunning views over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You won’t find much in the way of fast fashion here, but you will find local perfumes, handmade accessories, and regional gift sets. Stop by The White Blossom for a bespoke bouquet of flowers, browse La Marquise for something sparkly, or just wander through aimlessly to find a hidden gem.
Collective Africa, The Galleria
Tucked inside the quirky Flamingo Room at The Galleria, Collective Africa is part design boutique, part cabinet of curiosities. This curated retail space celebrates the very best of African craftsmanship with exotic leather bags, designer clothing (Okapi, AAKS, Pichulik), and unique objets d’art you’ll want to keep for yourself. Nothing here is mass-produced, and it shows. If you’re buying for someone who prefers the one-off over the obvious, this is a good place to start.
Modest Gift, Various Locations
Modest Gift is one of Abu Dhabi’s most ubiquitous gift shops, often found in hotel lobbies, including Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana and the Ritz‑Carlton Grand Canal. This familiar shop is dependable for those go-to gifts that will please even the fussiest of people: locally made chocolates, premium date boxes, niche perfumes, and more. Friendly staff and consistent stock make it a reliable fallback when you’re short on time or shopping at the more affordable end of the gift spectrum.
Cities Design & Lifestyle, The Galleria
Cities is one of the few places in Abu Dhabi that leans fully into contemporary culture. No oud burners or date boxes here – just sleek, pop-art statement pieces with eccentric, global appeal. You’ll find sculptural vases, Assouline books, collectible stationery, extravagant candelabras, and the occasional high-design gadget. Cities also stocks an extensive collection of Authentic Models pieces, including vintage telescopes, globes, and feather pen sets. This is where to go for your slightly off-beat friend or loved one, for whom a scented candle simply will not do.
FNP, Online
While wandering through gift boutiques and old souks is lovely in theory, sometimes you’re simply crunched for time. FNP (formerly Ferns and Petals) is one of the best online retailers in Abu Dhabi for a quick, easy-pleasing gift, from personalised pillows and mugs to generous bouquets of red roses. This local brand has stepped things up in recent years with a more premium line: diamond hampers from Vega Jewels, Apple products (an iPhone 17 in a bed of roses, for instance), and silk scarves from Lumena Maison. With one-hour express delivery and curated categories for every occasion, FNP is your best bet when time is tight.
