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Kuwait isn’t just dunes and skyscrapers, it’s a shopper’s paradise filled with treasures that echo its soul. Whether you’re wandering through vibrant souks or high-end malls, the country offers unique cultural craftsmanship items for buying in Kuwait. From the scent of rich perfume oils to the shimmer of 22-karat gold, every find is a story waiting to be taken home. This guide reveals the top 10 things to buy in Kuwait—each a piece of tradition, beauty, and Kuwaiti pride. Pack light, because you’ll want extra room in your suitcase for these irresistible souvenirs!
1. Sadu Weavings
Photo: videaki / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Sadu weaving is a cherished Bedouin textile tradition in Kuwait, deeply rooted in the nomadic culture of the desert tribes. The art involves creating intricate, geometric patterns using brightly colored threads. These handwoven pieces are not only functional but also carry deep symbolic meanings, often passed down through generations. Sadu textiles are commonly crafted into rugs, cushions, bags, and wall hangings, adding both style and cultural warmth to any space. You can purchase authentic pieces at heritage centres and traditional markets, making them a perfect souvenir that blends craftsmanship and storytelling.
Shopping Spots: Sadu House, Souk Al-Mubarakiya
Price: KWD 10 – 50 / ₹ 2770 – ₹13890
Use: Home decor, cultural keepsake
Features: Handwoven, geometric patterns, vibrant colours
2. Arabic Coffee Sets
Arabic coffee, or gahwa, is served in Kuwaiti hospitality and social gatherings. Traditional coffee sets typically include a beautifully designed dallah (coffee pot) and a collection of small handleless cups called finjan. These sets are often made from brass, silver, or even gold-plated materials, sometimes with enamel or engraved details. They serve not only as functional items for brewing and serving Arabic coffee but also as decorative pieces that enhance any living space. Buying one is like owning a piece of Kuwaiti culture that embodies warmth, generosity, and tradition.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, local markets
Price: KWD 15 – 60 / ₹4160 – ₹16670
Use: Serving Arabic coffee, decorative pieces
Features: Traditional design, various materials, cultural significance
3. Gold Jewellery
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation
Gold jewellery is one of Kuwait’s most prized shopping items, known for its purity, intricate craftsmanship, and elegant design. Jewellery here is typically 22-carat, giving it a rich yellow lustre that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for bangles, necklaces, earrings, or custom pieces, Kuwaiti gold is ideal for personal adornment and investment. The Gold Souk in Kuwait City is a glittering hub where you can browse countless shops offering traditional and contemporary styles. Whether for yourself or as a gift, gold from Kuwait stands out for its quality and cultural value, symbolising wealth and celebration.
Shopping Spots: Gold Souk, Souk Al-Watiya
Price: Varies by weight and design
Use: Personal adornment, investment
Features: 22-carat gold, intricate designs, high craftsmanship
4. Perfume Oils
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation
Kuwait is a paradise for fragrance lovers, offering luxurious perfume oils known as atars that are deeply embedded in Arabian tradition. These oils are alcohol-free and made from natural ingredients like oud, amber, musk, rose, and sandalwood. The scents are long-lasting and rich, often blended uniquely to suit individual preferences. Perfume oils can be bought in beautiful glass vials, and customised blends are commonly available. They make excellent gifts and are treasured for their aromatic and cultural value. Shopping for perfume in Kuwait is an experience that engages the senses and offers a slice of the region’s olfactory heritage.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, The Avenues Mall
Price: KWD 5 – 100 / ₹1390 – ₹27780
Use: Personal fragrance, gifts
Features: Natural ingredients, long-lasting scent, cultural essence
5. Handmade Pottery
Handmade pottery in Kuwait is a blend of artistry and tradition. Skilled artisans craft items such as vases, plates, and bowls using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. These pieces often feature ornate hand-painted designs and earthy colour palettes inspired by the desert landscape. Beyond their decorative appeal, many pottery items are functional and used for cooking or serving. Each piece is unique, reflecting the hand that shaped it, and serves as a beautiful reminder of Kuwaiti culture. Ideal for display or daily use, handmade pottery adds authenticity and character to any collection or kitchen.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, local artisan shops
Price: KWD 5 – 30 / ₹1390 – ₹8330
Use: Home decor, functional kitchenware
Features: Handcrafted, traditional designs, functional art
6. Dates And Sweets
Kuwaiti dates are globally admired for their superior taste, soft texture, and natural sweetness. Varieties range from plump Medjools to drier, nut-filled options. These dates are often presented in elegant boxes, making them ideal for gifting. Traditional Kuwaiti sweets like halwa, baklava, and ma’amoul are also widely loved. These confections are crafted using age-old recipes, often incorporating rosewater, saffron, and nuts. Perfect as souvenirs for loved ones, they reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region. Their beautifully wrapped packaging adds a touch of class to their cultural and gastronomic significance, making them a must-buy treat when visiting Kuwait.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, local confectioneries
Price: KWD 2 – 15 / ₹555 – ₹4170
Use: Gifts, personal indulgence
Features: High-quality dates, traditional sweets, beautifully packaged
7. Kuwaiti Spices
Kuwaiti cuisine is rich and aromatic, thanks to its diverse and flavorful spices. Visitors can bring home this authentic taste by purchasing local blends such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, sumac, turmeric, and dried lime. These spices are often sold in colourful packets or glass jars, preserving their intense aromas and vibrant colours. Whether you’re recreating Kuwaiti dishes or experimenting in your kitchen, these spices add a depth of flavour that’s unmistakably Middle Eastern. Markets like Souk Al-Mubarakiya offer fresh, high-quality spices at affordable prices, and chatting with local vendors often yields cooking tips and cultural insights as well.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, spice shops
Price: KWD 1 – 10 / ₹280 – 2780
Use: Cooking, seasoning
Features: Aromatic, authentic flavours, essential for Kuwaiti dishes
8. Dhow Boat Models
Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka / Wikimedia Commons
Dhow boat models are handcrafted wooden replicas of traditional Kuwaiti sailing vessels that once dominated the Arabian Gulf. Historically used for pearl diving and trade, these boats are a vital part of Kuwait’s seafaring legacy. Miniature versions are meticulously built with attention to detail, often using teak or rosewood. They range in size and intricacy, from simple tabletop models to elaborate decorative centrepieces. These keepsakes not only symbolise Kuwait’s maritime past but also serve as elegant mementoes for home or office decor. Perfect for collectors or those with a love for nautical aesthetics, dhow models blend artistry with heritage.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, souvenir shops
Price: KWD 10 – 50 / ₹ 2770 – ₹13890
Use: Home decor, collectable souvenir
Features: Handcrafted, wooden, maritime symbol of Kuwait
9. Traditional Kuwaiti Clothing
Photo: Yaz1998 / Wikimedia Commons
Traditional Kuwaiti clothing is a graceful representation of cultural identity and elegance. For men, the dishdasha is a long, flowing robe typically made of cotton or wool, worn with a head covering called ghutra. For women, the abaya is a loose-fitting black cloak, sometimes adorned with embroidery or beadwork. These garments reflect values of modesty, comfort, and social tradition. Modern variations incorporate contemporary styles while maintaining their cultural roots. Tailor shops in Kuwait offer custom fittings, while markets and malls stock ready-to-wear options. Whether worn during festivals or as cultural fashion statements, these outfits are timeless and meaningful.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, The Avenues Mall
Price: KWD 10 – 100 / ₹2780 – ₹27790
Use: Cultural events, formal occasions
Features: Traditional design, breathable fabric, modest wear
10. Islamic Calligraphy Art
Photo: Jugni / Wikimedia Commons
Islamic calligraphy is a revered art form that blends faith with visual elegance. Often featuring Quranic verses or Arabic proverbs, these artworks are rendered in graceful scripts like Diwani, Thuluth, or Kufic. They appear on canvases, wooden panels, ceramics, and even leather, often enhanced with gold leaf or intricate motifs. Every piece is thoughtfully created to inspire reflection and spiritual connection. These items are popular not only among art collectors but also those seeking to add a cultural or religious touch to their living or workspace. Purchasing one is both a visual treat and a meaningful keepsake from Kuwait.
Shopping Spots: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, art galleries
Price: KWD 15 – 200 / ₹4170 – ₹55580
Use: Home or office decor
Features: Religious art, intricate script, handmade designs
Kuwait’s markets are more than shopping destinations, they’re a dive into heritage, hospitality, and heart. Whether you bring home a handwoven Sadu rug or a bottle of rich oud oil, each item carries a piece of Kuwait. These aren’t just souvenirs; they’re keepsakes of culture, tradition, and unforgettable experiences. Hurry up and book your tickets to Kuwait with TripXL to buy these things and explore the city in its full glory.
Cover Photo: Ahmad Mohammad / Unsplash
