Dubai in 5 Shops: sustainable fashion, unique furniture, and beachside books

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll guide you to our top independent stores in some of the world’s most vibrant cities. From food markets to bookstores, vintage finds to local designs, we’ve curated an exciting array of retailers where you can discover unique items.

As one of the globe's most cosmopolitan cities, Dubai's diverse essence is vividly reflected in its modern shopping landscape, just as it was in the traditional souks of the past.

Ready to indulge in some shopping? Follow the lead of the city’s designers, artists, and creatives at Dubai’s local brands and independent boutiques, hidden within lesser-known artistic neighborhoods. Here, you’ll uncover a variety of contemporary treasures: handcrafted jewelry, ethical fashion, vintage apparel, gourmet artisanal goods, eclectic furniture, and a thriving sense of community.

As a travel writer, design enthusiast, and proud local of Dubai, I've selected some favorites that embody my hometown’s multicultural vibe, creativity, and passion for the avant-garde.

Ideal for souvenirs: Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Shop

Stroll past the glittering displays of gold jewelry and diamond rings at the Gold Souq to find a unique souvenir at Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Shop. Established in 2021, this shop features camel milk chocolate produced in the UAE’s first camel milk chocolate factory. The local twist comes from ingredients like honey, bourbon vanilla, nuts, and dates.

With options like dark, milk, and white chocolate infused with almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and dates, there's something for everyone—just ask for a sample! The shelves boast exquisite boxes of assorted pralines, gold foil-wrapped chocolate camels, and chocolate bars that make perfect gifts.

Co-founder Martin Van Almsick, alongside his wife Hanan Ahmed, started Al Nassma nearly 15 years ago. He shared, “Camel milk, though quite costly, is low in fat and rich in minerals, giving it a unique mouthfeel and texture.” He suggests trying the white chocolate with pistachios (35 AED / $10 for a 70g bar), while I also recommend the cocoa 70% camel milk chocolate with dates (29 AED / $8 per bar).

Best for local design: Kave

Established by Palestinian sisters Rania and Zaina Kana'an, Kave serves as a fair trade store, upcycled café, custom bicycle shop, and community gathering place in Alserkal Avenue, a vibrant area known for its art galleries, indie theaters, and boutiques. This treasure trove showcases lively designs that embody a bold contemporary Arab identity, crafted by emerging designers and curators from the region.

At Heba’s Closet, delightful Sadu pouches (traditional weavings by Bedouin women), enamel evil-eye rings, and hand-painted purses by Joudesign (worn by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan) compete for your attention. The racks display patterned capes (200 AED / $54) by Kayani, created from repurposed dead stock textiles. You’ll also find handmade beaded bags, embroidered camera straps, and ruby-studded silver jewelry by RetrolaneUAE, alongside vintage watches and cameras.

In addition to their ethical practices, Kave’s brands draw inspiration from the region's dynamic pop culture. During a recent visit, I was fortunate to experience Kave’s occasional weekend market, where I discovered vibrant cotton dresses by Nunchi, socially-aware hand-painted tees by Ragmatazz, and stunning embroidered denim jackets by Rosali Collection.

Best for vintage/thrifting: Thrift For Good

Although Dubai's vintage and thrift shopping scene is still emerging, it has quickly gained popularity among the city's fashion-forward crowd. Founded by Jennifer Sault, Thrift For Good located on Palm Jumeirah donates all profits to children's initiatives run by the local charity Gulf for Good.

While the women's section features primarily high-street brands like Zara and Mango, there is also a range of menswear available. During my recent visit, I found a stunning vintage dress with a lovely print and gold trim for 30 AED ($8) and a vibrant shift dress from the London-based vintage brand Traffic People for 70 AED. Additionally, I spotted a vintage chocolate-brown Marlboro Classics jacket priced at 450 AED ($122).

On my last trip, volunteer Iyare Uwagboe shared how the store is supported by volunteers alongside a few full-time staff members. 'As you know, we donate everything to projects around the world,' he mentioned, pointing to posters of cheerful children from rural Kyrgyzstan, Ladakh, and Peru, showcasing the community and educational initiatives funded by Thrift For Good since 2020.

Best for food: Wafi Gourmet

At the Lebanese gourmet shop and restaurant Wafi Gourmet, you’ll discover top-quality ingredients sourced from the Gulf and Levant. Behind glass countertops, you'll find tempting treats like pistachio-stuffed dates, walnut-filled apricots, figs, and golden baklava, some resembling delicate bird nests, all waiting to be sampled.

You can't go wrong with the Turkish pistachios and giant Lebanese cashews. The welcoming staff is always eager to let you taste and purchase smaller quantities. Freshly baked za’atar rolls, shortbread cookies, and jam-filled petit fours make delightful snacks for tea time.

I'm particularly drawn to the vibrant varieties of crispy nougat and soft, chewy malban (a traditional sweet) made with apricot, pistachios, and dried rose petals. Additionally, jars of olives and fig jam, packets of Damascus rose tea, and bottles of olive oil make wonderful gifts to take home. If all this makes you hungry, consider trying some cold mezze like yalangi (rice-stuffed grape leaves) from the deli or a slice of warm kunafa (warm, syrupy pastry).

Best for books: Book Hero

The bookstore and café Book Hero has opened in Umm Suqeim Park near Jumeirah Beach after years of operating as unmanned shops and a mobile book truck based on an honesty system. Inside, you'll find shelves filled with English-language books across all genres, including comics, young adult fiction, biographies, travel narratives, and international Booker Prize winners. Both new and pre-owned titles are available, priced at either 10 or 20 AED (around $3 to $6), marked with green and yellow stickers respectively.

Co-founded by Spanish expat Montserrat Martin and Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Book Hero (now with six locations) has made reading more accessible in Dubai. The shop also hosts free educational book swaps, stray animal sterilization initiatives, and donates books to communities abroad.

The extensive selection and affordable prices make this my favorite place for diverse reading material. On my latest visit, I picked up a copy of An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie for 20 AED. After choosing your book, enjoy reading on the terrace with ice cream, banana bread, and views of families making sandcastles on the beach.