Can You Take Seashells Out of Dubai? Souvenirs You Shouldn’t Pack in Your Suitcase…

Fancy taking a bit of beach with you from Dubai? Beware! Not every souvenir is legal…

You know the feeling: you stand barefoot on the golden sand of Jumeirah Beach, the sun still warming your skin, and you spot a perfect, shiny shell. Small, beautiful. You think to yourself: “This will be my piece of Dubai for winter evenings in Poland .” But did you know that such a souvenir can cost you a lot?

In this post I clear up any doubts: what is allowed, what is not allowed, and how to avoid trouble at customs. Plus – I throw in some legal, original and absolutely Instagrammable souvenirs from Dubai!

Seashells from Dubai – can you take them?

In short, without beating around the bush: it is not advisable to take shells, sand or coral from Dubai’s beaches. And while you can take them out of Dubai, it is illegal to bring them into the European Union.
Why?

• Dubai (and the entire UAE) protects nature – even seashells are part of the marine ecosystem.
• Many beaches are located in reserves or under ecological protection.
• The airport is very vigilant in its controls. Tourists caught can be fined (up to AED 500) or… lose their shell before they even have a chance to show it to their grandmother.

👉 My advice: take a photo of a seashell with palm trees and the Burj Al Arab in the background, and pack something in your suitcase that doesn’t raise any doubts.

What souvenirs from Dubai are legal and worth the money?

Instead of taking your chances at the border, choose something from this list. These souvenirs are stylish, legal, and… Instagram-worthy.

1. Gold from Gold Souk – a trend worthy item

In the Deira souk you will find jewelry that sparkles like Dubai at night. Prices start at around AED 500 for a delicate bracelet, but you have to haggle hard.
📸 Tip: Take a picture next to the giant ring (the largest in the world!).

2. Arabian Perfumes – The Scent of the Orient

In Ajmal or Swiss Arabian you can buy unique perfumes in oil – durability? 12 hours minimum. Small bottles cost from 60 AED.

3. Dates from the luxury Bateel factory

Don’t confuse them with the supermarket ones – these almond-filled, chocolate-covered ones are culinary art. Price: from around AED 80 for an elegant package.

4. Shawls and abayas from local boutiques

If you shop in Al Fahidi or Al Seef Market, you can find a hand-embroidered abaya for as little as AED 250. Watch out – this is a great story style!

5. Ceramics and Mosaics from Al Quoz

Art galleries like The Workshop offer handmade pottery and tiles, starting at AED 80.

What not to bring from Dubai – a list of prohibited “souvenirs”

Better leave it where it is:

• • Corals – even those lying loose
• • Antiques and artifacts – you can’t export them without a document of origin
• • Protected animals and plants

What is worth buying at Dubai International Airport (DXB)?

Got too many dirhams? Here are 3 proven duty free hits:

• • Emirati brands perfume sets – perfect for a gift
• • 3D Burj Khalifa Gold Card – from AED 60
• • Halal-certified mini dates – because not everyone knows that they exist!

Finally – my approach to souvenirs

You don’t need a seashell to remember Dubai. The smell of Arabian oud, a cup of desert stones or a photo from the Old Souk will do. And if you want something absolutely unique – capture a moment, not an object.

✈️ What about you? What did you bring back from Dubai? Let me know in the comments – I wonder if anyone has an even more unusual souvenir than… a spice set in the shape of the Burj Khalifa!

FAQ: Questions Everyone Asks Before Flying Out of Dubai

1. Can I really not take one shell from the beach?
Theoretically you can, but if you get checked out – they can take it away from you. The risk is not worth one shell.

2. Can souvenirs from the bazaar be fakes?
Yes – especially perfumes, watches and bags. Buy only from verified, certified outlets.

3. Are spices legal to transport?
Yes, as long as they are originally packaged. Always check your country’s customs regulations.

4. Can I buy alcohol at the airport when flying out of Dubai?
Yes, but only in the duty free zone and in accordance with the regulations of the country you are flying to.

5. Are drone photos legal as a “souvenir”?
Only if you have a license in advance. In Dubai, drone flights are very strictly regulated.