Eid Al Fitr gifting: The best items to buy from the Middle East's independent brands and small businesses

Eid Al Fitr is just around the corner and now is the time to make sure you have gifts for those you love. With the Covid-19 pandemic still casting its shadow over the world, now, more than ever, is the time to show people that we are thinking of them.

For many, this could be a good opportunity to rethink how, and where, we shop. Maybe now is a good time to support the many talented regional brands on offer, choosing Eid gifts designed and created by them, or sold on the UAE's homegrown e-shopping platforms.

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If the women in your family like make-up, why not choose a brush by cult brand Shay Up, or for the more fashion forward, perhaps a pair of designer-of-the-moment Amina Muaddi shoes?

Everyone will love the gift set from one of Dubai's most Instagrammed cafes, Tania's Tea House, while Sugargram serves delicious bite-sized cupcakes by the box. Foodies will also love the serving set from Aura.

UAE companies Ounass and Namshi both offer huge varieties of brands, from a Marshall portable speaker to precious perfume by Hind Al Oud, and even jewellery by Lebanese brand Bil Arabi. More jewellery comes courtesy of MKS Jewellery, with delicate 18-karat gold charms, while Dori has a range of pretty earrings trimmed with tiny hand-stitched pearl beads.

Whatever the taste of friends and family, we have rounded up a selection of the best the region has to offer in the gallery above.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Palestine and Israel

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While you're here

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On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall

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'The Predator'
Dir: Shane Black
Starring: Olivia Munn, Boyd Holbrook, Keegan-Michael Key
Two and a half stars

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme

Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates