Yallah habibi, it's that time of year again. The UAE summer season brings sunshine, humidity and for many of us the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye to a colleague, a neighbour, or a dear friend who's heading home or on to their next adventure.
If you've ever stood in a shop wondering what on earth to buy someone who's leaving Dubai, you're not alone. Generic gift cards feel impersonal. Flowers won't survive the flight. And another scented candle? Khallas.
What people really want when they leave the UAE is something that captures the feeling of this extraordinary place, the warmth, the colour, the culture, the community. Something that says: this place mattered, and so did you.
That's exactly what Little Majlis does best. Here are our top farewell gifts for expats leaving Dubai, all designed in the UAE featuring Emirati illustrations and made with love.
The Leather Charm — a little piece of the UAE for their bag or suitcase
There is no more perfect farewell gift for someone leaving Dubai than our handcrafted UAE leather charms. Made from sustainable camel and cow leather sourced from a UAE tannery, each charm features an iconic Emirati illustration by Amna Al Saleh. From a majestic falcon on a wakir to a cute baby camel, a classic dhow boat, or our personal favourite for farewells: the Khalli Walli, Let it Go charm. The hanging loop attaches easily to a bag, suitcase, key fob or car mirror, meaning they'll carry a little piece of the UAE with them wherever they go. Beautifully packaged and made entirely in the UAE.
The Camel Leather Key Fob — the most luxurious farewell gift from the UAE
For the colleague who deserves something truly special, our camel leather key fobs are in a league of their own. Handcrafted in the UAE from sustainably sourced camel leather, purchased from a UAE tannery that transforms locally collected hides into finished leather without the use of solvents, These key fobs are as ethical as they are beautiful. Choose from a classic camel, a majestic falcon or an iconic palm tree, each featuring a gold Emirati-designed illustration. Biodegradable, luxurious, and comes beautifully wrapped in UAE themed tissue and packaged in a premium card sleeve ready for gifting. The kind of farewell gift that stops people in their tracks and asks: "where did you get that?"
The Art Tiles — the most elevated farewell gift from the UAE
For someone truly special, our hand-baked ceramic art tiles are in a league of their own. Each tile features original Emirati artwork by UAE artist Amna Al Saleh, from a classic dhow sailing in the sea to falcons on a wakir, a traditional freej neighbourhood and a beautiful Haseer food spread. Heat resistant, water resistant and versatile enough to hang on the wall as artwork or use as a coaster, these tiles are a genuine collector's piece. Every tile carries Amna's signature, making each one a small, original work of art. And the packaging? That deep red Little Majlis gift box is so beautiful it practically wraps itself. The kind of farewell gift that goes straight on the wall — and stays there forever.
A little note from us: these tiles are currently made by a small-scale traditional artisan workshop in the Netherlands. Because despite searching for over two years, we haven't yet found a local UAE manufacturer who can produce them. If you can help, please get in touch at hello@littlemajlis.com. We would absolutely love to bring this home.
The Cotton Hanging Ornament — a keepsake from the Emirates
For something a little softer, our cotton hanging ornaments make a wonderfully thoughtful farewell gift. Featuring Emirati-designed illustrations by UAE artist Amna Al Saleh, including an Emirati Boy, Emirati Girl, Emirati Lady, Emirati Man and a gorgeous Bedouin Camel. These compact, lightweight ornaments are perfect for tucking into a suitcase. They work beautifully as a bag charm, a holiday decoration (Imagine these on a Christmas tree or tied on a ribbon as Eid garland), or simply a year-round reminder of their time in the Emirates.
UAE Sticker Sheets — for the one who loves to personalise everything
Our Khaleeji sticker sheets are one of our most-loved products, and for good reason. Packed with iconic UAE phrases, icons and cultural references, they're perfect for personalising laptops, water bottles, notebooks and more. Lightweight, affordable and bursting with Gulf personality, they make a brilliant addition to any farewell gift, or a lovely standalone gift on their own.
Live Like a Local Pencil Set — the most quotable farewell gift in Dubai
Khallas. Yallah. Shway shway. Mafi mushkila. Our Live Like a Local pencil set features the UAE phrases every long-time resident knows and loves. Perfect for the colleague who spent years learning Gulf Arabic, or the friend who has the Khaleeji spirit in their soul. A guaranteed conversation starter back home, and a genuinely unique leaving gift from Dubai.
Shop Live Like a Local Pencils
Khaleeji Notebooks — for the storyteller heading home
Our beautifully illustrated Khaleeji notebooks are a wonderful farewell gift for the writer, the journaller, or the person who wants to document their next chapter. Featuring Emirati-designed illustrations, they're a daily reminder of the stories that started here in the UAE.
Emirate-Specific Postcards — send them off with their favourite emirate
Did they love Abu Dhabi? Was Dubai their home? Were they a Sharjah weekend regular? Our emirate-specific postcards are a beautiful, personal farewell gift that speaks directly to their UAE story. Write a heartfelt message on the back and they have a keepsake featuring Emirati designed botanical illustrations to treasure forever. From AED. 10.00 they are the most affordable farewell gift in Dubai, that can even been framed and put on their wall as artwork!
Local Icon & Freej Greeting Cards — the perfect send-off card
Skip the generic goodbye card and choose something that truly reflects their time in the UAE. Our Local Icon and Freej greeting cards feature warm, distinctive Emirati illustrations that make the perfect accompaniment to any farewell gift, or a beautiful standalone gesture. Because some goodbyes deserve more than a supermarket card, habibi.
UAE Card Games — for families, kids and everyone in between
Heading home as a family? Our UAE card games are an absolute must. The Happy Families UAE Card Game is perfect for families with children of all ages, featuring beloved Emirati characters that will delight little ones long after they've left the Gulf. For younger children, our SNAP card game brings a Khaleeji twist to a classic. And for couples, individuals or older kids, our traditional UAE card game is a brilliant way to keep the Gulf spirit alive wherever they land.
Emirati Tea Towels — a touch of Gulf culture for their new home
Our cotton Emirati tea towels featuring the iconic freej neighbourhood illustration are one of our most popular farewell gifts. Pair this with one of our linen tea towels for an elevated UAE gift. Practical, beautiful and unmistakably UAE, they bring a little Khaleeji warmth to any home around the world. A gift that will be used, admired and smiled at every single day.
Little Majlis Tote Bags — the everyday carry that carries a story
For the friend who carried the UAE in their heart every day, our Khaleeji-illustrated tote bags are the perfect farewell gift. Practical for daily use and beautifully designed, they're a stylish reminder of their time in the Gulf, and a conversation starter wherever they go next. Pair it with one of our bag charms and luxury Khaleeji design gift wrap for an unforgetable farewell gift.
The bottom line, habibi
The best farewell gift for someone leaving Dubai isn't the most expensive one, it's the most meaningful one. Something that says: I know you, I know what this place meant to you, and I wanted you to take a little piece of it home.
That's what every Little Majlis gift is designed to do. Browse our full farewell gift collection and find the perfect send-off for your favourite person, because they deserve to leave the UAE with something truly special.