Best Dubai Gift Cards in 2025: Guide For Thoughtful Gifts in the UAE
- itara8
- Apr 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Gifting can be tricky—especially when you want something thoughtful, useful, and memorable. That’s where gift cards come in. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to surprise a loved one in the UAE, the right UAE gift card offers flexibility and joy without the guesswork.
From adventure-packed experiences to retail therapy and digital entertainment, here are our top picks for the best UAE gift cards in 2025. We’ve even included a handy comparison table to get you started!
Guide:
1. Ithara.ae Gift Card – Best Overall Choice 2. Carrefour Gift Card – Everyday Essentials 3. Dubai Mall Gift Card – Retail Heaven
Quick Overview: Best UAE Gift Cards in 2025
Gift Card Name | Benefits |
Ithara.ae | Flexible across 100s of experiences—spa, adventure, dining & more |
Carrefour | Ideal for groceries, electronics, home essentials |
Dubai Mall | Usable across 1,200+ outlets including restaurants and retail stores |
Netflix | Great for entertainment lovers—valid for streaming worldwide |
Vox Cinemas | Movie nights sorted with tickets, snacks, and VIP upgrades |
Mall of the Emirates | Access to top-tier fashion, dining, and Ski Dubai |
Noon.com | Perfect for online shopping—gadgets, fashion, home, and more |
1. Ithara.ae Gift Card – Best for Premium Experiences
If you're after a gift that screams excitement and thoughtfulness, the Ithara.ae Gift Card is one of the best gift card in Dubai according to customer reviews. It’s not just a gift - it's a gateway to 500+ experiences.
Why We Love It:
Ultimate Flexibility: Can be used on 500+ of curated experiences - from hot air balloon rides to dinners and spa retreats.
Customizable: You choose the amount (most customers pick between AED 350–1500), add a message, and it’s sent directly to your loved one’s inbox.
12-Month Validity: They’ll have a whole year to pick their dream activity.
Free Exchanges: Not feeling the adventure? Easily swap it for something else on the site.
Locally Tested: Every experience is from verified providers, vetted by locals, making this a gift you can trust (and Ithara.ae has 100+ 5-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot).
Get it printed: You can get it printed and delivered in a gift box - just contact the Ithara.ae team on WhatsApp and they take care of the rest.
💡 Looking for something more specific? Check out the curated gift collections, or browse by category like Gifts for Her or Adventure.
2. Carrefour Gift Card – Everyday Essentials
Carrefour is a household name in the UAE. Their gift cards are a practical and generous option for families or individuals moving into a new home, celebrating Ramadan, or needing daily essentials.
Key Benefits:
Usable for groceries, electronics, kitchenware, and more.
Available both in-store and online.
Great for all age groups and lifestyles.
🔗 Learn more: Carrefour UAE
3. Dubai Mall Gift Card – Retail Heaven
With over 1,200 stores, The Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping destination—it’s an experience. Their gift cards offer access to shopping, fine dining, and attractions like Dubai Aquarium and VR Park.
Why It’s Great:
One card = access to multiple luxury and mid-range brands.
Works at restaurants, entertainment zones, and even the cinema.
Loved by tourists and locals alike.
🔗 Learn more: The Dubai Mall
4. Netflix Gift Card – Entertainment On Demand
For the couch potato in your life, a Netflix card is always a winner. Perfect for binge-watchers, movie lovers, or anyone who needs a little downtime.
Highlights:
No credit card needed—great for teens and expats.
Can be used globally.
Subscriptions start as low as AED 29/month.
🔗 Learn more: Netflix UAE
5. Vox Cinemas Gift Card – Movie Lovers' Paradise
Looking for a last-minute gift that still feels personal? A Vox Cinemas gift card offers instant fun, whether it’s a blockbuster night or a private screening with friends.
Why We Recommend It:
Accepted at all Vox locations in the UAE.
Redeemable for tickets, snacks, and even VIP cinema lounges.
Great for couples, families, and teenagers.
🔗 Learn more: Vox Cinemas
6. Mall of the Emirates Gift Card – Luxe Lifestyle
This gift card grants access to one of Dubai’s most iconic malls. Think high-end fashion, fine dining, Magic Planet, and even Ski Dubai!
Perks:
Works across retail, restaurants, and entertainment spots.
Perfect for fashionistas and families alike.
7. Noon.com Gift Card – Online Shopping Delight
A popular choice for online shoppers, Noon.com gift cards cover everything from phones and furniture to fashion and baby items.
Pros:
Massive product range.
Convenient delivery across the UAE.
Often includes sales and special bundles.
🔗 Learn more: Noon.com
A Word of Caution: Watch Out for Gift Card Scams
Dubai is known for its luxury, but unfortunately, scammers also target gift card buyers. It’s important to only purchase gift cards from official websites or verified resellers.
⚠️ We strongly recommend avoiding unknown websites or "too good to be true" deals on social media. You can always check online reviews before buying.
When in doubt, always stick to reputable platforms like:
Carrefour UAE
Netflix
The Dubai Mall
Noon.com
Why to get an Experience Gift Card from Ithara.ae?
At Ithara.ae, we believe memories matter more than material things. We’re your trusted local guide, committed to delivering the UAE’s most exciting experiences as unforgettable gifts. Each experience is from verified provider, truly local and with each, we're confident it will make a brilliant gift. With flexibility, ease, and thoughtful touches at every step, we turn gift-giving into memorable storytelling.
✅ 100% Flexibility: 12-month validity, exchangeable vouchers
✅ Local Expertise: Handpicked, high-quality experiences
✅ Stress-free Gifting: Easy redemption through our user-friendly platform
✅ Thoughtful Presentation: Premium gift packaging available
✅ 5-Star Reviews: Verified by 100+ 5-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot
Which Gift Card is Right for You?
Choosing the best Dubai gift card depends on your recipient’s lifestyle and interests. For flexible, unforgettable memories and exciting experiences, we’ll always humbly recommend the Ithara.ae Gift Card. But it’s lovely to have choices, and Dubai definitely delivers on variety!
Whether it's for shopping, food, adventure, or films - your next gift might just be one click away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are gift cards popular in Dubai?
Yes, gift cards have become increasingly popular in Dubai because they offer flexibility and let recipients choose exactly what they want, making them ideal for every occasion. However, they are often target of scammers from abroad.
2. What types of gift cards are most popular in Dubai?
The most popular gift cards in Dubai typically include dining experiences, luxury shopping, entertainment, wellness treatments, and adventure activities, reflecting the city’s vibrant and diverse lifestyle.
3. Can gift cards purchased in Dubai expire?
Yes, most gift cards in Dubai have expiration dates. Ithara.ae gift cards are one of the longest, offering a generous 12-month validity period, providing ample time for recipients to enjoy their experience.
4. Are there hidden fees when buying gift cards in Dubai?
Trusted providers like Ithara.ae do not charge hidden fees. However, some other websites are adding unexpected taxes and payment fees during checkout. Always review terms and conditions from any provider to avoid unexpected charges.
5. Can I personalize gift cards purchased in Dubai?
Absolutely. Many gift card providers, including Ithara.ae, allow personalization with custom messages and premium packaging, enhancing the gifting experience and making it truly special.
6. What is a gift card from Ithara.ae, and how does it work?
An Ithara.ae gift card is a flexible voucher that recipients can redeem against any premium experience listed on our website. Recipients select their preferred experience and enter their unique gift card code at checkout.
7. How do recipients redeem Ithara.ae gift cards at checkout?
Recipients choose their desired experience from Ithara.ae, proceed to checkout, select the "Redeem a gift card" option, and enter their unique gift card code to finalize the purchase.
8. What happens if the experience costs more than the gift card value at Ithara.ae?
If the chosen experience exceeds the gift card's value, the recipient can easily cover the remaining balance using regular payment methods like credit or debit cards.
9. What if the experience costs less than the Ithara.ae gift card value?
Any remaining balance remains available on the gift card, and the recipient can use it toward future experiences, ensuring maximum flexibility.
10. Can Ithara.ae gift cards be exchanged for cash?
No, Ithara.ae gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash. They are designed to encourage memorable experiences rather than material purchases.
11. Can Ithara.ae gift cards be branded for our employees?
Yes, Ithara.ae gift cards can be customized and branded for corporate clients, whether it's for your employees or valued clients. With a variety of packaging options, we help you create the perfect corporate gift tailored specifically to your company's branding and occasion.
