As thoughts turn to presents and gifting ahead of the festive season, some will be keen to show support for local businesses, helping them end what has been a difficult year on a high note. With such a wealth of creatives in the region, there are a myriad choices for thoughtful local gifts. From hardcover photo books to jewellery made from vintage coins, there are plenty of ideas to suit even the trickiest of tastes. For the person who likes the finer things in life, try Ruson Ceramics, a brand that hand makes mugs in such small batches, customers have to be invited to buy them. Or perhaps look to The Vintage Tearoom, which specialises in one-off, vintage European tea sets. For the homebody, there's Beldi Bazaar, which offers North African pottery transformed into candles, while outdoorsy types will enjoy the Surfing Survival Kits from Georges of Dubai. From one-offs gifts to just plain quirky ideas, the UAE's independent businesses have plenty to offer via a mix of physical stores, websites and shopping via social media. So, why not forgo Amazon and give local companies a boost instead? <strong>Scroll through the gallery above for 25 of the best local picks</strong>.
