Reviews of fruits in the UAE. Fruits in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Where to buy in the UAE

Sharjah: features of tourism and recreation. Useful information for travelers about Sharjah.

Last minute tours Worldwide

The markets of Sharjah are in no way inferior to the famous ones of Dubai and offer travelers the opportunity to touch the mysterious and enigmatic world of oriental bazaars. Despite the fact that the emirate was founded in the second half of the 20th century, trading life in these places was already in full swing several thousand years ago. Ancient buildings have practically not survived to this day, but many traditional places where merchants waited for buyers still serve their function. There are specialized ones, for example, fruit or flower pavilions, and universal pavilions with a variety of goods - like the Blue Market.

Those traveling during the month of Ramadan should be aware that trading begins only after sunset.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

But this is superfluous

Summer 2019! Unearthly beauty will forever win your heart! From 55,000 rub. for two. , and other resorts in the UAE. Installment plan 0%! Treat yourself and your loved ones. Hurry up to book! Discounts for children up to 30%. Buy a tour. Departures from Moscow - get a discount right now.

Holidays from 38,000 rub.

for two. The most delicious offers for summer 2019! Interest-free installments for tours! Popular resorts and proven hotels. , . Discounts for children up to 30%. Hurry up to book! Purchasing tours. Departures from Moscow - get a discount right now.

Sharjah's largest and most famous market, Souq Al Markazi, goes by several names: Blue, Central or New. Locals come here for shopping, and tourists come here to explore the bright and attractive building, built in 1979. Carved windows, blue tiles that effectively match the sky and give the name to the bazaar, floral patterns on a golden background and amazing air conditioning through a system of vents - all this attracts the attention of travelers. Here you can buy carpets, silk, wool, clothes, jewelry and much more. And extensive departments of spices and gold are sometimes even separated into separate bazaars, although formally they are part of the New Market.

Address: King Faisal Road, Sharjah. Opening hours: 9:00-13:00 and 16:00-23:00 daily, except Friday.

The Souq Al Jubajl fruit market is a little less remarkable from an architectural point of view, but it still has an oriental flavor. On the shelves are bright fruits and vegetables, mostly brought from distant countries, including exotic ones: sapodilla (or tree potatoes), longon, tamarind, dragon fruit, rambutans, mangosteens, various varieties of mangoes, lychees. But there are also more familiar ones - watermelons, melons, coconuts, apples, strawberries. It’s more profitable to buy everything in boxes, and you definitely need to bargain!

Directly adjacent to the fruit market are the fish and meat markets, where they sell all types of fish and seafood, as well as types of meat allowed in the country.

All products presented on the shelves are of excellent taste and freshness; it is safe to buy food here.

Address: Al Jubail, Corniche Street, Sharjah, next to Blue, cross Al Arouba Street. Opening hours: 6:30-22:30, break: 11:30-14:00 on Friday.

Flower market

The Sharjah Flower Market is known as the plant and pottery market because it sells not only cut and potted flowers, from tiny sprouts to large trees in pots, but also numerous figurines, vases, amphorae and other garden decor. Even those who do not plan to buy anything should visit this place, as everything around is surrounded by greenery and the aromas of flowers.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Sharjah Oriental Market

Travelers who want to feel the atmosphere of an ancient Arab market should head to the Oriental Bazaar Souq Al Arsah. It is located in the historical quarter of Sharjah and attracts attention with the type of construction: it is a covered pavilion with numerous shops that are closed by heavy, wooden gates. They mainly sell fabrics, carpets, souvenirs and jewelry. Many shops are closed, but trade continues in some places. So you can buy something interesting and take beautiful photos.

Address: Al Sharq Street, Opp Old Souk, Shuwaihean, Sharjah. Opening hours: 9:00-13:00 and 17:00-20:00.

Friday market

Souq Al-Juma Friday Market is located between Sharjah and Fujairah, so it is considered to belong to both emirates. Once upon a time, this bazaar was open only on Fridays, which is why it has this name, but now, due to the large flow of tourists, it is open every day. They sell food, souvenirs, fabrics, carpets, ceramics, watches, jewelry and much more. The bazaar is famous for its low prices and not too pushy traders. It’s not worth making a special trip here, but you can stop by along the way. To get to the place, you need to move towards the town of Masafi along the E89 highway and immediately after it turn onto the E88.

The development of agribusiness in the UAE is now one of the most promising areas in the country. The population and number of tourists are growing, and food consumption is correspondingly growing. By investing money in agribusiness in the UAE, you are guaranteed to receive a profitable business for many years to come.

Currently, many businessmen are paying attention to the attractive investment climate in the UAE, complemented by a tax-free regime and government subsidies from the Emirati government. More than 80% of the country's population are expatriates, some of whom successfully conduct business in the country. Investments in real estate, tourism, construction and manufacturing in the UAE are the country's key successful industries in which investors invest their money. However, what if your company specializes in agriculture or you decide to invest in agribusiness, having an idea of the favorable conditions for doing business in the UAE, but little understanding of the possibilities of a country with an arid climate and desert lands. To do this, you need to understand what the UAE produces, which emirates specialize in this industry, and what are the prospects and threats of opening such a business in the Emirates.

So, the UAE is located in an arid zone where there is little rainfall, however, despite the large number of barren areas, now in the UAE you can see forests, fields with wheat and palm trees in places where there was once only desert sand and wind . Despite difficult climatic conditions and water shortages, the UAE has managed to significantly develop agriculture, taking care of environmental protection and largely meeting the country's food needs, making it less dependent on imports. This became possible thanks to the correct government policies and the introduction of modern agricultural methods, such as the construction of water desalination plants and the introduction of new irrigation methods.

Although the UAE imports about 80% of its food supply, UAE vegetable production currently covers more than half of domestic demand. Even greater success was achieved in the livestock and dairy industries. Milk production covers almost 85% of demand, eggs about 40%, red meat about 30% and white meat about 18%. Farmers grow tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce, cabbage and animal feed. The local hot climate is well tolerated by sweet potatoes, mangoes, asparagus and lemongrass. The UAE's lowest self-sufficiency is in meeting the demand for fresh fruit: only about 7% of domestic demand is met through domestic production. The only products that the UAE does not lack are dates and fish.

The UAE is the second largest grocery market in the GCC after Saudi Arabia. With the population and affluence of citizens growing, food consumption in the UAE is projected to increase by 4.3% by 2017. Traditionally, cereals have been the staple food of most Gulf nations. Recently, due to rising income levels and urbanization, the consumption of protein-rich and high-value foods such as meat and fruits has been increasing. Cereals are expected to retain their dominant position among food products by 2017, but rising consumption of fruit and meat is likely to reduce the share of grains in total food consumption. Meat consumption will increase by an average of 3.9%, demand for fruits, vegetables, milk and cereals - by an average of 3.7%, 3.4%, 3.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Consumption of foods such as pulses, sugar, oil, fish, eggs and potatoes is expected to increase by an average of 4.0% by 2017.

The country is a major tourist destination and attracts foreigners from all over the world. In addition to strong macroeconomic and demographic factors, tourism has and will continue to play a vital role in increasing food consumption in the UAE, which is what local producers and farmers are banking on.

Key sectors of agricultural production

To improve agricultural management, the former Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources) conditionally divided the emirates into three zones as follows: Eastern (Fujairah and Sharjah), Central (Dubai, part of Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain , Ajman and part of Ras Al Khaimah) and Northern (most of Ras Al Khaimah). These zones do not include the largest emirate in agricultural production in the UAE - Abu Dhabi. Of the total number of farms in the UAE, 60% are in Abu Dhabi, 16% are in the Central and Eastern zones, and the rest are in the Northern zone. In each of the three zones there is a farmer support center with engineers and technicians. The government provides farmers with subsidies, for example, for growing food (free), crop protection (50 percent free, some completely free), veterinary services and fertilizer (50 percent free).

Dairy industry

The UAE dairy industry is currently one of the most competitive in the world. Per capita consumption of dairy products is quite high - around 80 - 85 kg per year, and accordingly this lucrative sector is extremely dynamic and competitive. The industry leader is a dairy farm in Al Ain. Dairy producers are now looking to form an alliance to establish common policies and collaborate on a common strategy in the face of international competition.

Poultry farming

The UAE is one of the leading poultry producers in the region. Until the late seventies, all consumer demand was imported. Domestic production now covers about 20% of demand and is more focused on meat rather than egg production. At the same time, the large number of small poultry farms has led to the development of poultry and animal feed companies.

The demand for white meat is quite high as it meets the religious requirements of the UAE, contains low cholesterol and is included in the diet of almost all nationalities that live in the country. The growth in demand for products and its development is largely due to population growth. Poultry consumption per capita remains stable at 50 kilograms per person per year. There are 6 large and 4 medium-sized poultry farms in the Emirates, as well as a large number of small poultry farms throughout the country. In addition to poultry, some of these farms also sell eggs and live chicken. Given the huge demand for poultry meat, imports continue to dominate the market.

Sugar

A couple of years ago, demand for sugar in the UAE came mainly from households, but now there is significant demand for sugar in manufacturing (particularly soft drinks), as well as in restaurants and bakeries, which have emerged due to economic growth and tourism. The key sugar product in demand in the UAE is white crystalline sugar from sugar cane (the need for maple and beet sugar is practically negligible). Sugar production in the UAE is limited to the processing of sugar from unrefined sugar for both domestic and foreign markets. There is only one such plant in Dubai.

The packaged tea market is occupied to a greater extent (75%) by Unilever with the Lipton brand, which has production in Dubai in the Jebel Ali Free Economic Zone - one of the largest tea processing facilities in the world. Black tea is traditional in the region and continues to dominate the market. However, in recent years, other varieties such as green tea, as well as fruit and herbal teas, have begun to gain popularity. The tea market has grown mainly due to the increase in population. Current tea market growth is projected to be around 7%.

Fish

The United Arab Emirates is a coastal country located on the southern side of the Persian Gulf, with extensive coastlines to the west and east, with access to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The fishing industry in the UAE is largely artisanal in nature. Local fishermen are encouraged by the government by providing boats and machinery to promote the fishing industry in the country. Under the 1999 law, fishing on mechanized boats such as trawlers, purse seiners or longliners is completely prohibited. Fishing is permitted only on motor boats (with outboard motors). It is also not allowed to fish in UAE waters without local fishermen on board. Fishing is strictly prohibited during the spawning season. No company is allowed to export local fish, except local fishermen who have a valid permit from the competent authorities, but the permit is only valid from November to April. Al Gharbia (Abu Dhabi), with its long coastline, is considered one of the key fishing grounds.

Potato

The Abu Dhabi Food Safety Authority (ADFSC) aims to triple local potato production by almost 2,500 tonnes this year, up from 900 tonnes last year from 45 farms in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. The quality of grown potatoes is comparable to or even superior to imported ones; among the local population they are more preferable than imported products.

Halal products

Halal (approved for Muslims) food products continue to grow in popularity in the Middle East. Meat and halal products are now imported from many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Canada and the United States. Most distributors of halal products come from non-Muslim countries - many international manufacturers value the market's potential and are willing to invest in it. It is worth noting that the International Center for Halal Food and Product Accreditation in accordance with Islamic Law will soon open in Dubai. The center will conduct the necessary tests on halal food and other products to ensure that they do not contain any chemical or artificial additives that do not comply with Islamic law, with the aim of being the first international reference point for the food industry in this area. It is important to note that red meat and poultry products must be Halal certified before being sold in the UAE. Consumers perceive brands differently, so preference is usually given to local companies. Fish do not require this certification.

Production of organic products

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has announced the demand for organic food production. The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water reports that there are currently 40 organic farms operating in the country covering an area of 3,980 hectares. They grow dates, tomatoes, green beans, and other fruits and vegetables. At the moment, the government plans to reduce prices for organic products, since they exceed the cost of conventional products three times (twice in Europe) and work towards increasing their competitiveness. The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources encourages farmers to engage in organic farming and takes measures to support this farming method.

Some key steps from the government to support the industry:

Creation of two marketing centers in Dubai;
Providing 600 thousand bags of organic fertilizers to 10 thousand farmers;
Participation of farmers in training programs and learning the basics of organic farming.

Organic Certification Scheme

The UAE Organic Certification Scheme was launched in 2012 and acts as an assessment of organic products and raw materials that are produced locally or imported. Certification guarantees compliance with mandatory requirements for organic food. Products include fresh, chilled, frozen fruits and vegetables, canned food, fresh and canned juices, meat and fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, cheese and honey.

The organic food niche in the UAE market slowly continues to grow following the recent certification of UAE organic imports and organic farms by the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority (ESMA).

The scheme means that all certified organic products must display a certification logo to ensure customers are confident that they are truly organic. So far, 17 organic farms have been certified in the UAE and six more are in the process of certification.

Conformity assessment procedures and certification

The company must submit an application with all necessary documents to an expert conformity assessment agency that is registered with the Ministry and accredited by the Standards and Metrology Body or any other body recognized by the Emirates National Accreditation System.
An expert agency will review the application and appoint a review committee to audit and verify the manufacturer to ensure that it complies with all mandatory requirements. The manufacturer must provide the commission with all the necessary data to carry out an inspection at any time.
The inspection committee will submit an inspection report and recommendations to the expert agency, which will notify the manufacturer of its findings.
The manufacturer must take the necessary measures to correct non-conformities within the agreed time frame, if any are identified.
The expert conformity assessment agency will issue an organic food certificate, a license to use the brand and an identification code for it. The manufacturer shall pay all necessary costs associated with the application process, testing, inspection activities, evaluation, and services associated with the evaluation and certification process.
In case of non-conformity of products during inspection, the manufacturer is informed about this in writing within two weeks from the receipt of the report of the inspection commission.
The license to use the organic food logo will be valid for three years; it may be extended for a further three years, depending on the organization's request, following an assessment of the product's continued compliance with legal requirements.

State support for agricultural business

Agriculture in the UAE is heavily supported and subsidized by the government. The federal government provides farmers with irrigation and spraying equipment, crop protection equipment, equipment and maintenance, and provides free seeds, pesticides and fertilizers.

Given the unfavorable climate for agriculture, in recent years the government has been looking for ways to increase agricultural production by expanding arable land and using new production methods. These measures to date include the reclamation and redistribution of agricultural land to support farmers, extensive training programs and the provision of necessary equipment. In addition, the government has embarked on a palm tree planting program to create shade areas. Recently, the UAE government has also started supporting organic initiatives in agriculture.

One of the latest initiatives in UAE agriculture comes from the Abu Dhabi government, which has allocated AED 100 million to a fund to support and finance agricultural projects until the end of 2017. The Abu Dhabi Farmers Assistance Center (ADFSC), the government body responsible for modernizing agriculture in Abu Dhabi, has created an investment fund that will pay for agricultural technologies, including greenhouse hydroponics (hydroponics technology in greenhouses helps grow plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water without soil to produce the greatest quantity of higher quality products in less space) ADFSC was established in 2009 to introduce strategic agricultural reform in Abu Dhabi to provide farmers with technical and operational support services to help them grow and market their products.

In the first phase, the fund will support the development of hydroponics in the emirate. The purpose of the fund is to contribute to improving and strengthening food security and agricultural development in Abu Dhabi.

The fund will provide soft loans to finance agricultural projects - 50% of the total cost, while the farmer will cover the remaining costs. The farmer must pay the cost of the interest-free loan within five years. If the farm has existing greenhouses, they must meet the criteria and specifications approved by the ADFSC. In the case of new greenhouses, the farmer must pay 50 percent of the total cost of the greenhouse and hydroponic system in advance. Applicants must be members of the ADFSC and allow it to monitor the progress of the project. Their farms must also meet water and electricity requirements. The center will work to develop its farms, introduce the latest technologies and methods to reduce water consumption, and improve the quality of products. Farmers who want to enroll in the project must sign a five-year draft work plan with the center and an agreement to secure loan repayment.

ADFSC will provide all types of technical support to farmers and encourage them to adopt the latest technologies in agriculture to reduce water consumption and improve food security in the UAE.

SWAT analysis

Strengths of agribusiness in the UAE:

The fairly high level of income of the population and the focus on foreigners makes the UAE an ideal market for high quality food products;
Consumers are loyal to new brands and receptive to new trends and innovations in the local market;
Self-sufficiency in the industry is gradually being achieved thanks to government subsidies and international investments.

Weak sides:

Farming parameters may vary depending on the emirate;
The production of different types of products also depends on the location of the emirate.

Business development opportunities:

Establishing a company in the UAE opens up a huge market for entrepreneurs in the Gulf countries;
Steady increase in demand for organic food;
The shortage of manufactured products and the high level of imports opens up opportunities for the development of a local agricultural company;
Subsidies and low-interest loans provided by the UAE government reduce production costs and guarantee the company's development.

Threats:

Business profitability may suffer due to government imposition of price caps on staple foods and the threat of fines if they are not met.

After conducting this analysis, it can be argued that investing in agribusiness in the UAE is not such a hopeless endeavor. On the contrary, producers are subsidized in every possible way by the state, receiving subsidies from various funds and government programs for the development of agricultural products to ensure the country's food security. Considering that the UAE is experiencing a shortage of almost all types of products, investors can choose the most profitable niche for themselves and count on a large domestic sales market, as well as on the markets of the Persian Gulf countries.

Of course, there are a huge number of countries where running agribusiness seems more attractive due to a favorable climate and rich water resources, but high levels of taxation, problems with sales markets, as well as insecurity at the state level reduce the prospects for successful development. At the same time, the UAE, open to foreign investors with a tax-free regime, low-interest loans and government support, will help to profitably set up production using the latest technologies in a country with a stable macroeconomy and excellent infrastructure.

The company's website provides all the necessary advice on opening an agribusiness in the United Arab Emirates. We are ready to explore the market for your niche, provide reliable counterparties and help in concluding the necessary contracts. Our specialists will help you complete the registration procedure quickly and profitably for further business.

When going for souvenirs in the United Arab Emirates, it is important not to forget about such an integral part of shopping “orientally” as bargaining. The only exception may be the purchase of goods in supermarkets, where prices are strictly fixed. So, what can you bring from the UAE and Dubai as a gift?

Incense

An excellent gift that can “envelop” you in the enchanting atmosphere of the East will be bakhur - incense in the form of balls or small figures that exude an unusually spicy aroma when heated.

It occurs due to special treatment of agarwood wood, which releases a rather unusual enzyme to destroy fungus on the trunk. This “aromatherapy” will not only help you relax, but also activate your brain activity.

Camel milk and cheese

One of the main ingredients for making cottage cheese, cheese and various desserts in the UAE is camel milk. It is much richer in its vitamin and mineral composition than cow's milk, it contains less casein, more sugar lactose, and an ideal amino acid content.

Cheese made from this milk has a delicate texture and a mild salty taste. No less famous is ice cream made from camel milk with caramel, date and saffron flavors. And chocolate made from it not only has an amazing taste, but also does not cause any harm to the figure.

Perfume

Particularly popular are oil-based perfumes that do not contain alcohol and are very durable. Such perfumes should be applied directly to the skin, avoiding contact with clothing, otherwise oil stains may appear there.

The palette of fragrances delights with its diversity: you can purchase a copy of a popular brand, a classic Arabic fragrance, or create an original composition taking into account all your wishes to order. All perfumes are bottled in beautiful containers, and you can purchase them at perfume markets or in specialized shops.

When choosing a fragrance, it is recommended to apply a drop on your wrist to understand how suitable it is: often truly oriental aromas, when revealed on the skin, seem very “heavy” and sharp. The products of Al Ghurair City, Carrefour, and Swiss Arabian are considered popular and of high quality.

Caviar

In the United Arab Emirates, you should definitely buy several jars of high-quality black caviar. It is there, in one of the districts of Abu Dhabi, that the world's largest farm for breeding Siberian sturgeon and producing caviar is located.

It is worth noting that such products should be purchased either in supermarkets or in specialized stores, where the necessary storage conditions are observed, and the information on the packaging contains the expiration date, composition and energy value of the product. You shouldn’t “tempt fate” and save money by buying caviar of unknown quality on the market.

Hookahs, pipes, tobaccos

A hookah would be an excellent gift from the UAE. Its cost depends on the size and finishing options: the larger and “richer” the hookah, the more expensive it is. When choosing a product, it is more advisable to give preference to a glass container and be sure to check the tightness of all connections, and then select a pipe, coals and flavored tobacco of different types. The choice of hookahs is large: they can be found both in markets and in various shops.

Carpets and pillows

In order to fill your usual interior with a fabulous oriental atmosphere, you should definitely bring a real Arabic carpet and pillows from the UAE. The quality of these products is recognized throughout the world: handmade silk carpets are the most highly valued; factory-made products are no less colorful; among the variety of patterns, ornaments, colors and sizes, it is simply impossible not to choose something for yourself.

The variety of pillows is no less impressive: square, triangular, rectangular, round, in the form of rollers, of various colors, textures and degrees of softness.

Sand compositions

When wondering what souvenirs to bring from the UAE, you should pay attention to various sand compositions. The most popular and original is the “Bottle of Seven Sands”, consisting of the sands of all the emirates and a set of frames with pictures from sand layers. Such a thing will allow you to literally “touch” the enchanting nature of the East.

Cosmetics

Authentic Arabic cosmetics and perfumes will be an excellent gift for women of any age. High-quality skin and hair care products, as well as decorative cosmetics, can be found in the cosmetic department of any shopping center. However, there are three products that you simply must purchase in the United Arab Emirates.

Kayal

This is eyeliner that is made from antimony - a black stone. It has long been believed that antimony promotes accelerated eyelash growth, making them thicker. In addition, this stone contains many microelements that are beneficial for the eyes and cleanse them from any harmful effects accumulated during the day, so it is useful to apply kajal not only during the day - for beauty, but also at night - for health.

Oils

Arabic oils are famous for their high quality and are widely used for various facial and body care treatments. Amla oil gives hair gorgeous shine and strength, argan oil strengthens nails and makes facial skin even and smooth, grape seed oil keeps the skin young and elastic for a long time.

Henna

Henna can be used to color hair, after which it acquires a beautiful shade, becomes shiny, voluminous and thick. The main shades of colored henna are golden, brown, black, burgundy and swallowtail. Colorless henna can be added to body scrubs to keep the skin smooth and silky.

Another way to use henna is with mehendi (or mehndi). This is a pattern on the skin with finely ground henna, which is applied from a special bag in the shape of a cone. All mehndi accessories are sold in souvenir shops. This decoration is very popular among Eastern women.

Coffee

The UAE offers many types of coffee and all kinds of mixes of this invigorating drink. Coffee with cardamom is considered the most popular among the local population.

Coffee accessories

In addition to the coffee itself, you can purchase an original turka or dalpa - an Arabic coffee pot with oriental ornaments - as a souvenir. Their prices vary depending on the size, material and complexity of the patterns. Products made from copper are considered the best - the coffee in them acquires an incredible flavor.

Keffiyeh

This originally men's headdress was intended for protection from the sun, sand or dust. It is made from natural cotton. The traditional keffiyeh pattern is a beveled checkered pattern in black, red or green on a white background.

Today there is a large selection of colors for this product, including monochromatic ones, in which the pattern is formed by interweaving threads, and this item of clothing is worn not only by the stronger sex, but also by girls, tying it both on the head and around the neck. In our open spaces, such a scarf is called “arafatka”.

Fur

It is very profitable to bring fur products from the UAE. A huge range of fur coats can satisfy any request: here you can find both inexpensive Chinese products and luxurious creations from famous fur brands. Consultants in specialized stores will help you choose the model, length and fur itself that will highlight your advantages.

As for markets, the price for products there may be lower, but the quality of the goods leaves much to be desired. You shouldn’t risk it so as not to become the owner of a fake under the guise of a branded item.

Sweets

You can taste the atmosphere of the East with the help of delicious sweets. You can buy them in specialized stores (Candylicious, Iranian Sweets) and in markets, both in packages and by weight.

Nougat

This traditional treat is made from sugar, honey and roasted almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts and can be either soft or hard. Depending on the recipe, cinnamon, chocolate, candied fruits, zest, vanilla, and dried fruits are added to the mixture for flavor shades.

Baklava

An equally popular dessert is baklava, which is made from puff pastry with nuts in sweet syrup. You can purchase it individually, by weight, or in gift wrapping.

Turkish Delight

This oriental sweet, consisting of sugar, starch and molasses, is a real source of energy. Depending on the recipe, berries, chocolate, nuts, vanilla, coconut, and various juices can be added to it.

Dates

Dates in the UAE are an incomparable pleasure from the taste of a ripe fruit, which can be “hidden” in chocolate with the addition of honey, nuts or pistachios. You can bring a jar of date jam or dates in syrup. But it is important to remember that no more than 7 kilograms of dates can be exported outside the state.

Sherbet

This sweetness is somewhat reminiscent of halva, but its taste is ten times superior to it. This is a delicate fudge based on cream or milk with fruit, to which chopped nuts are added.

Spices

Real oriental spices will be an excellent gift. It is at local bazaars that you can feel the incomparable aroma that literally permeates the air. Spices can be bought already packaged, or by weight.

The most popular spices are cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, Somali incense, coriander, turmeric, barberry, saffron, kmin, orchid root, black lemon, and various dried herbs.

Camel figurines

Since ancient times, in the eastern desert, people survived only thanks to camels, so this animal was revered and treated with great respect. Evidence of this is the ubiquitous depiction of camels, and figurine figurines in the form of this animal are considered almost obligatory to purchase. They are made from leather, glass, plush, stone, wood, plastic, metal, ceramics.

Shoes

The United Arab Emirates is famous for its quality shoes. You can buy a traditional pair of shoes at the Abu Dhabi market or choose from the latest collections of the world's most famous brands at the Dubai shopping mall.

Fruits

When choosing hotels, you should definitely look at the fruit market for exotic fruits: mangosteen, guava, mango. Dried fruits, nuts, and natural juices can be purchased as healthy sweets containing vitamins.

Khanjar

Khanjar is a blade made according to an ancient model that has a long history. Such a gift is not cheap - the high-quality steel of the blade itself and the gold or silver handle richly decorated with a scattering of precious stones look amazing.

Such daggers are sold in special souvenir shops, but in order to avoid problems at customs, you should keep the receipt from the store and pack the khanjar in your luggage, not in your hand luggage.

Electronics and gadgets

One of the advantages of buying electronics and various gadgets in the United Arab Emirates is their low price. In addition, new products appear here much earlier than in the CIS countries. When purchasing a product, an international guarantee is issued, providing a solution to repair problems in the event of a breakdown.

However, you should not chase low prices - sometimes, under the guise of original branded goods, you can become the owner of a Chinese counterfeit. You can protect yourself from such unpleasant “surprises” by purchasing electronics only in specialized stores and carefully checking the documents supplied with the product.

Jewelry and costume jewelry

The UAE is very famous for its gold jewelry. And the oldest Gold Souk in Abu Dhabi is simply impossible to leave empty-handed. On the territory of the market there are approximately 300 shops and stalls, the windows of which display all kinds of gold jewelry in the best traditions of the East: catchy, bright and massive, with many large stones. All products are made of 875 gold.

Jewelry containing precious stones such as diamond, emerald, sapphire, ruby and pearl have the highest price. A little cheaper - products with cubic zirconia, agate or garnet. Stones can also be purchased without settings.

Chains are sold by weight or by length (the required lock is installed on them, for which you pay separately). If you wish, you can make the jewelry to order from the catalog, which will take about a week. As for costume jewelry, the choice is just as great, and you can purchase products both on the market and in specialized departments of shopping centers.

Cannot be exported

everything that has historical and cultural value;
wild animals;
palm fruits and seeds.

When exporting carpets, jewelry and products made of precious metals, you must have receipts confirming their purchase.

Products priced over $250 are subject to tax.

As for the value added tax (tax-free) refund system, in the UAE there is no such thing, just like VAT itself.

Cafes and restaurants in the UAE in their usual sense are the prerogative of wealthy people. The cost of dinner there can be simply exorbitant, especially when it comes to... If you want to save money, then the best way would be to either purchase a tour in the “” format or go to the supermarket on your own.

Considering that 1 dirham is approximately equal to 18 rubles (at the exchange rate as of September 2019), then the prices are very impressive:

soups - from 40 dirhams,
sushi (Japanese restaurant) - 30-45,
kebab – 35-55 (depending on serving size),
briki (meat pies) - 25-32,
al-madruba (thickly salted boiled fish) - 17,
fried shark – 40,
desserts – 35,
coffee - 15.

Total average cost in dirhams:

breakfast - from 60;
lunch - from 100;
dinner - from 170.

In the cafe, everything is a little more modest - you won’t find sharks or sushi there. Mostly local workers and not too wealthy tourists eat there. However, the menu is quite decent - there is shawarma, kebab, and burgers:

breakfast - from 25 dirhams;
lunch - from 40 dirhams;
dinner - from 90 dirhams.

By the way, a standard set at a local McDonald's (burger and cola) is 22 dirhams.

Prices for food and alcohol

The UAE is a Muslim country with very strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol. In some emirates (for example, Sharjah) it is completely prohibited. In Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman - sold in the "non-Muslim products" section of the supermarket. You can also find pork there, the consumption of which is prohibited in Muslim countries.

Cost of food

Food prices in the UAE today are impressive. The vast majority of goods in the UAE are imported, and the receipts are higher than Russian ones, although not for everything (the cost is given in dirhams):

bread - 4.5;
milk - 5.5;
eggs - 10;
cheese - 32;
chicken (1 kg) - 25;
beef (1 kg) - 36;
any fruits - 6-8;
any vegetables - from 4 to 10.

Please note that in UAE supermarkets, ready-made meals are cheaper than lunch in a cafe. A great way to save (price is in Dirhams):

samsa - 2.5;
soup - 4-5;
kebab - from 3.

Wine, strong alcoholic drinks

To avoid unnecessary problems with the police in the UAE, it is recommended to purchase alcohol at duty free and consume it in your hotel room. You can be fined up to Dh5,000 for being drunk on the street.

wine (750 ml) - from 50 to 120;
local beer (0.5 l) - 20-40;
imported beer (0.33 l) - 33.

Prices in stores and shopping centers

There are seven emirates in the UAE, each of which has different shopping experiences in terms of prices and quality of goods. The leaders are Dubai and, which are able to offer guests luxury shopping centers with exclusive goods. You can get from one emirate to another by car: the price of gasoline is 1.8 dirhams per liter.

Dishes

In the Emirates, souvenir tableware comes down mainly to coffee pots and a set of small bowls for drinking coffee - everything else is, as a rule, Chinese products.

A coffee pot is not only one of the symbols of the UAE (coffee is a Bedouin drink), but also an excellent souvenir that will become a stylish element of the interior. Can be purchased in both silver and hand-made ceramics. The cost varies from 50 to 400 dirhams.

Antiques

Antique items in the UAE should only be bought at bazaars - shops in large shopping centers charge impossible prices for outright Chinese-made props.

Take the time to visit the famous Dubai Gold Souk, where you can find antiques made of precious metals, or Al Arsa Souk (Sharjah). There is a huge amount of antiques at reasonable prices: daggers, jewelry and other colorful oriental things. Prices start from 5 dirhams.

Jewelry

Visiting the UAE and leaving without gold is simply not serious. This is where the machines with gold bars are located, and silver is not considered at all to be any kind of serious jewelry.

The center of jewelry trade is Dubai: there are a huge number of boutiques here, including the world famous Gold and Diamond Park, Golden Sky Jewelery and the huge The Dubai Mall, which has more than 50 premium salons. The cost of a gram of a product without inlay with precious stones starts from 55 euros. By the way, even here you can bargain and reduce the price by up to 30 percent.

A more democratic option is to visit the previously mentioned Gold Market (Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Deira 1 42 St.). There is a huge amount of jewelry here, including handmade items. But there is also dumping control: in front of the entrance there is a special information board with prices - they simply won’t sell you gold below the minimum price.

Shoes and clothing

Arabic shopping means European and American brands for big money. Real shopping in the UAE (or rather, in Dubai - it is considered the standard) requires a considerable budget - in boutiques you can easily find designer items with a price tag of several thousand dollars.

The most popular places for shopping in Dubai are Emirates Mall and Dubai Mall: easy to find from the corresponding metro stations. You won’t be able to get around the giant stores even in a week: if you seriously decide to compare prices, be prepared to pay for it in time.

For fur coats it is better to go to Deira (Dubai area). There, the cost of the product starts from 25 thousand rubles translated into our money. Among the local clothes, it is best to buy women's silk shawls - they are really high quality, although their prices are steep - from 2-3 hundred dirhams.

Souvenirs and gifts

The following are most often brought from the UAE as souvenirs:

Dates in various types and packaging formats. This fruit is a national symbol: it can be bought both in beautiful souvenir boxes and as part of various sweets. Price - from 100 to 300 dirhams. Very small - from 30.
Vanilla sticks are spicy and orientally sweet. About 40 dirhams for 2 pieces.
Hand-made souvenirs - keychains, bracelets, magnets with images of the Burj Khalifa and other attractions - from 5 to 20 dirhams.
All kinds of handmade crafts: for example, ceramic camels (another symbol of the UAE) or embroidered Bedouin pillows. Everything related to national heritage is very expensive in the UAE, but the surroundings are appropriate. Prepare 400-800 dirhams for this.
Arabian incense - 6-10 dirhams per package.

The first association that comes to mind when you talk about the UAE is, of course, “oil, but what about exotic fruits,

The first fruit I will talk about is Sapodilla or Chico. In common parlance this fruit is called tree potato. This fruit has brown skin, slightly grainy, sweet, reddish-brown flesh. The fruit comes in 2 varieties, which determine its shape: either oval or more round.

Sapodilla seeds are not eaten.

This fruit is also notable for the fact that, in addition to its shelf life, Sapodilla grows all year round, as a result of which farmers love to grow it. In a year, an adult tree can produce about 2-3 thousand fruits.

The cost of this fruit is about 30 dirhams per kilogram.

The next fruit will be Longon.

Longon is sold in bunches, much like grapes. Covered with a hard brown film that can be easily broken by hand, the flesh is almost transparent, sweet and very juicy, and there is a large bone in the core.

When buying this fruit, make sure that the fruits are not green.

The cost of this fruit is approximately 14 dirhams per 500 grams.

The harvest season for this fruit is from May to July.

Now it's Tamarind's turn.

In appearance, this fruit resembles a pea pod; they are similar in appearance; the shell contains several seeds. This fruit may not be attractive in appearance, but underneath the unattractive shell hides sweet and juicy pulp.

Tamarind harvesting season is from December to March.

The cost of this fruit in the UAE is approximately 17 dirhams per 300 gram package.

Dragon Fruit or Patahaya.

This fruit has a very attractive appearance. Red-green in color, spike-shaped growths, similar in size to a large apple. But inside this fruit is not so good, under the skin of this fruit there is a pulp that is strewn with seeds, these seeds are not eaten. The pulp is practically tasteless and odorless.

Depending on the type of plant, the color of the peel and pulp of the fruit may vary slightly.

You can eat this fruit either by cutting it in half and then eating the pulp with a spoon, or by completely peeling the peel and then cutting the pulp into pieces.

The price of this fruit is about 20 dirhams per package containing 2 fruits weighing about 500 grams.

Mangosteen is next on our list!

The shell of this fruit is dark brown, the shell should be elastic, when buying Mangosteen, lightly squeeze it in your hand, the shell should not be hard like wood, but it should not be too soft.

Under the peel-shell hides white pulp in the shape of garlic, but the similarity is only external; the pulp of Mangosteen is very sweet, aromatic, jelly-like and melts in the mouth.

The harvest season for this fruit is from March to November.

The price is about 16 dirhams per half kilo.

Rambutan or hairy fruit.

This fruit has a pink color on the outside and is covered like hair. The pulp of this fruit is very juicy, sweet, dense and translucent. The rambutan is separated from the peel quite simply, by making a longitudinal cut you simply remove the peel. Inside the pulp there is a bone, which sometimes grows very strongly into it.

When purchasing this fruit, make sure that the color of the fruit is as rich as possible, and that the color of the tip of its shoots is greenish. But it’s also not worth buying fruits that are too dark.

The Rambutan harvest season is from May to October.

The price is approximately 13 dirhams per half kilo.

Now known even in Russia Mango.

You can eat Mango just as it is, having first washed the fruit (much like an apple or a pear), you can peel off the peel, or you can cut the fruit into pieces. In order to cut the fruit into pieces, you will need to use a knife to find a place in the Mango seed, by acting on which you can split this seed into two. This trick can be done without difficulty only with ripe fruit.

Mangoes in the Emirates are distinguished by their taste. They are very tasty and juicy, this fruit will surely become your favorite.

The price for it is approximately 12-15 dirhams per kilogram.

The next “miracle” fruit will be Durian.

Durian is a very specific fruit. Its shell is very dense and thick, dotted with very scary spines. The peel has a greenish-brown color. Beneath the skin are one or two brown Durian seeds.

It is believed that the smaller these seeds, the stronger the smell of the fruit, and the more edible pulp. A ripe fruit should be firm to the touch, and if it is overripe, its skin will be cracked.

The taste and smell of Durian cannot be described in words. One Englishman who tried this fruit in the 19th century described his impressions as follows: “It’s akin to eating herring with blue cheese over an open sewer manhole.”

Malaysians say it smells like hell and tastes like heaven.

Some hotels even prohibit Durian from entering because of its smell.

If you decide to try this fruit for the first time, it is better to do it outdoors, and you should not eat too much of it.

Lychee or dragon's eye.

These fruits are also called heavenly grapes. The small fruits are round or slightly oval in shape, approximately 3-5 cm long. The hard skin of this fruit is covered with small red spines, under this skin there is soft, translucent sweet pulp, and under the pulp there is a stone.

Lychee can be dried to produce Lychee nut.

When choosing, you need to make sure that the fruit has a hard, undamaged skin.

The harvest season is from April to May.

The price is approximately 30 dirhams per kilogram.

Along with these exotic fruits, you can easily and abundantly find watermelons, apples, melons, pears, pineapples, coconuts, strawberries and other berries and fruits in the United Arab Emirates.

Happy travels and lots of emotions!