Vacationing at Friend's House - Gift Ideas?

[Joffrey]

I'll be going on a week long vacation in Dubai within the next few days. My friend and I will be staying at a mutual friends' house while there (it's a relatively young couple - early to mid 30s, no kids). I'm trying to think of something nice/useful or simple to give them as a thank you for hosting us.

Thoughts:
1. I'll be flying there with two small bags so I would like to keep it light.
2. They live in Dubai so I'm considering something not readily available or relatively expensive there (obviouly no booze).
3. General ideas? I'll be doing a bit of my own research but additional ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[BrianVarick]

Maybe some nice cook books if they are in to that type of thing?

 

[JohnGalt]

Why not take them out to a nice dinner or two?

 

[Hany]

I'd get them something for the house. A nice vase perhaps.

 

[Joffrey]

Treating them to dinner sounds good. Traveling with a vase from the US to Dubai with two small bags? No thanks.

Any other ideas?

 

[dv3]

sand + water

 

[Fobulush]

I believe in that part of the world, it's customary to give a camel when you stay over.

I know that when you visit some places of the world, bottles of vitamins are appreciated. Depending on how long you're going to stay with them, maybe a budget espresso machine? I've always found those to be good gifts. Especially because I'm guaranteed to have coffee during the stay.

 

[Nereis]

Good quality saffron will be light and well appreciate there.

 

[Cordwinder]

are your friends expats?
if so, maybe something from their home country that they cannot get in Dubai.
Alcohol is permitted in the country but not in excess. It maybe best to drink in the safety of your friend's house. Getting sloshed outside can lead you to jail.

If your friends are Arabs, something sweet is always good.

 

[Joffrey]

Yeah they're expats. Americans to be exact. I asked my friend coming with me (who knows them really well) what from the U.S. they would like and may not be able to get easily in Dubai, he wasn't too sure. Anyway, since I'm working all day before my flight tonight, it looks like we'll just treat them to dinner.