What are good local gift ideas in Sharjah?

Sharjah, an emirate that beautifully marries tradition with modernity, offers a delightful array of local gift ideas, perfect for bringing home a piece of its rich culture or sharing its unique essence with loved ones. Moving beyond generic souvenirs, we’ll explore thoughtful, authentic gifts that truly embody the spirit of the UAE.

Dates and Date Products: A Sweet Taste of Arabia

Dates are more than just a fruit in the UAE; they are a symbol of hospitality, generosity, and sustenance, making them an ideal local gift. You’ll find a vast variety, from the common Khalas to the highly prized Medjool and Ajwa dates, each with its unique texture and flavor. Many shops, especially in the Souq Al Jubail or specialized stores like Bateel, offer elegantly packaged date gift sets. These sets often feature dates stuffed with nuts like almonds or pistachios, or even coated in chocolate, transforming a simple fruit into a gourmet delight. Beyond fresh dates, consider date syrup, date paste, or even camel milk chocolates infused with dates for a truly unique treat. These edible gifts are always appreciated and offer a genuine taste of Emirati culture.

Traditional Arabic Perfumes, Oud, and Bakhoor: A Scented Journey

The world of Arabic perfumes, oud, and bakhoor is deeply intertwined with Emirati heritage, offering a truly sensory gift experience. Oud, derived from the resinous heartwood of agarwood trees, is highly prized for its rich, complex, and long-lasting aroma. You can find pure oud chips to be burned as incense, or sophisticated oud-based perfumes and oils. Bakhoor, a fragrant brick or block of scented wood chips, is commonly used to perfume homes and clothes, creating an inviting and luxurious ambiance. Reputable perfumeries like Arabian Oud and Ajmal Perfumes have strong presences in Sharjah’s major malls, offering a wide selection of traditional and contemporary fragrances, often beautifully packaged in ornate bottles, making them a very special and authentic gift. Smaller shops in Souq Al Arsah might also offer unique, locally blended attars (perfume oils).

Handicrafts and Traditional Crafts: Artistic Keepsakes

Sharjah is a bastion of traditional craftsmanship, providing numerous opportunities to find unique, handmade gifts. Look for intricately woven palm-frond products (Al Khous), such as baskets, mats, and decorative items, which reflect the ingenuity of Bedouin heritage. Pottery and ceramics are also popular, ranging from traditional clay pots and incense burners to more modern, hand-painted decorative pieces. You can find these in places like Souq Al Arsah, the Sharjah Central Souk, or at various seasonal craft fairs held throughout the emirate. Items like wooden dhow models, miniature replicas of traditional sailing vessels, also make for charming and culturally significant souvenirs, often found in heritage areas and larger gift shops.

Arabic Calligraphy Art: Elegant and Meaningful Decor

Arabic calligraphy is a revered art form in the UAE, transforming words into breathtaking visual masterpieces. A piece of calligraphy art makes for a profound and elegant gift. You can find framed calligraphic prints featuring verses from the Quran, meaningful proverbs, or simply beautiful abstract designs. Artists often work on various mediums, including canvas, paper, wood, and even metal. The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum’s gift shop, as well as art galleries and seasonal art festivals like the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, are excellent places to find authentic and high-quality calligraphic works, ranging from mass-produced prints to unique, hand-painted pieces by local artists.

Camel Milk Products: Novelty and Wellness

Camel milk has been a staple in the Emirati diet for centuries and is now gaining popularity globally for its nutritional benefits. Camel milk products offer a truly unique and local gift. Beyond the fresh milk, you can find delightful camel milk chocolates (from brands like Camelicious), camel milk soaps, and even skincare products enriched with camel milk. These items combine novelty with practical use and wellness benefits, making them memorable gifts. Look for these products in larger supermarkets, specialty food stores, and gift shops across Sharjah.

Local Spices and Arabic Coffee Sets: Culinary Delights

For the culinary enthusiast, a selection of local spices or a traditional Arabic coffee (Qahwa) set makes for an aromatic and practical gift. The vibrant Souq Al Jubail (the central market) offers a fantastic array of spices, from fragrant saffron and aromatic cardamom to unique blends used in Emirati cuisine. A traditional dallah (Arabic coffee pot) and a set of small finjaan (coffee cups), often made from brass or intricately decorated porcelain, are quintessential symbols of Emirati hospitality. These sets are widely available in the souks and larger gift shops and are perfect for recreating the traditional coffee ritual at home.

Emirati Fashion and Accessories: Cultural Elegance

While perhaps not for everyone, traditional Emirati clothing and accessories can make for very authentic and unique gifts. For women, consider a beautifully embroidered abaya or sheila (headscarf), often adorned with intricate patterns and embellishments. For men, a kandura (traditional white robe) or a ghutra (head covering) can be a genuine cultural memento. You’ll find these in specialized textile shops within the souks or in dedicated sections of larger malls. Smaller accessories like traditional jewelry (often silver with semi-precious stones) or leather goods made with local designs also make excellent gifts.

An Editor’s Perspective from www.few.ae

From the perspective of the www.few.ae team, choosing a local gift in Sharjah is about finding something that tells a story and connects the recipient to the rich cultural tapestry of the emirate. It’s truly rewarding to move beyond generic souvenirs and discover items that reflect the authenticity, craftsmanship, and hospitality of the UAE. We believe that a thoughtful, locally sourced gift not only creates a lasting memory but also supports the very artisans and traditions that make Sharjah so special.

Bringing Home the Essence of Sharjah

In summary, when seeking local gift ideas in Sharjah, you’re spoiled for choice with options that beautifully reflect Emirati culture and heritage. From the sweet indulgence of dates and camel milk products to the enchanting aromas of oud and bakhoor, the artistic beauty of calligraphy and handicrafts, and the practical elegance of Arabic coffee sets, there’s a perfect gift for everyone that captures the unique spirit of this captivating emirate.