Finding quality art and craft supplies in the UAE can be costly, but with smart shopping, you can save big. The UAE has a thriving art and craft community, and many retailers cater to professionals and hobbyists alike. Knowing where to shop and how to use discounts can help you stretch your budget. Whether you’re an artist, student, or DIY enthusiast, this guide provides insights into UAE’s best deals. Read on to discover top stores, promotions, and expert money-saving tips.

Best Online Stores for Art & Craft Supplies in the UAE

Shopping online offers convenience, better price comparisons, and exclusive discounts. Many UAE-based online platforms provide a wide variety of art and craft materials at competitive prices. From paints and brushes to DIY kits and sculpting tools, online stores have it all. Additionally, most e-commerce platforms offer seasonal sales and coupon discounts, allowing you to save more. Here are the top online platforms:

• Amazon.ae – Amazon.ae offers a wide selection of paints, brushes, and DIY kits at discounted prices, making it a great choice for artists and crafters. You can explore premium brands like Winsor & Newton, along with budget-friendly alternatives, all in one convenient marketplace.
  
  
• Noon.com – Noon.com features frequent sales on craft materials, allowing shoppers to save money while stocking up on essential supplies. It also offers flexible installment payment options for bulk orders, making it easier for businesses and serious crafters to manage costs.
  
  
• Creative Minds UAE – Creative Minds UAE specializes in high-quality art and craft supplies tailored for both professionals and hobbyists, ensuring top-notch results. They provide rare and unique materials sourced from around the world, making it a go-to store for specialized crafting needs.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to store newsletters for exclusive online discounts and early sale alerts. Many retailers provide welcome discounts for first-time shoppers.

Top Physical Stores for Affordable Art Materials

If you prefer to see and feel the products before buying, visiting physical stores can be beneficial. Many UAE art and stationery stores offer in-person deals that aren’t available online. You can also seek expert advice from store staff and discover new products in their collections. Physical stores often have exclusive promotions, clearance sales, and loyalty programs. Here are some top options:

• Dubai Library Distributors – Dubai Library Distributors store carries a vast selection of art materials, including paints, brushes, canvases, and sketchbooks, all at competitive prices. Their loyalty program rewards frequent buyers with discounts, making it a great option for artists and hobbyists looking to save.
  
  
• ACE Hardware UAE – ACE Hardware UAE go-to destination for DIY enthusiasts, ACE Hardware UAE stocks a variety of craft tools, paints, adhesives, and accessories. Shoppers can take advantage of seasonal discounts and bundle deals on select craft materials to get more value for their money.
  
  
• Jarir Bookstore – Jarir Bookstore Known for its premium art and craft supplies, Jarir Bookstore offers a diverse range of products, from professional-grade paints to high-quality sketching tools. Students can enjoy additional savings by presenting their ID card at checkout, making it an affordable choice for young creatives.

Pro Tip: Visit during clearance sales for the best in-store discounts. Many stores mark down prices significantly at the end of each season.

Seasonal Sales & Events to Watch for

Seasonal sales are the best time to stock up on craft supplies without breaking the bank. UAE retailers participate in national and global shopping events, offering massive discounts on art materials. Planning your purchases around these events can result in significant savings. Whether it's online or in-store, keep an eye out for these sales:

• Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) – Expect up to 50% discounts on art supplies, making it a great time for artists and students to stock up. This month-long festival also features flash sales, exclusive online deals, and limited-time promotions on creative essentials.
  
  
• Back-to-School Sales – A perfect opportunity to grab art and stationery essentials at discounted prices, especially for students and teachers. Retailers often launch bundle deals, multi-item discounts, and special promotions on school supplies during this period.
  
  
• Ramadan & Eid Sales – Many retailers offer site-wide discounts on art supplies, helping customers save while celebrating the festive season. Expect free shipping, bonus loyalty points, and exclusive limited-time deals on a wide range of creative products.

Pro Tip: Compare prices across multiple stores before making a purchase. Some stores increase prices before sales, so tracking prices beforehand ensures real savings.

Using Coupon Codes & Cashback Offers

Maximize your savings with promo codes and cashback deals available on various platforms. Many UAE stores collaborate with cashback websites and payment gateways to offer additional discounts. By using the right coupons at checkout, you can cut costs significantly. Some stores even offer stackable discounts, allowing you to combine promo codes with sales.

• SavePlus UAE – SavePlus UAE is Updated regularly with the latest discount codes, making it a go-to platform for online shoppers in the UAE. Users can also discover limited-time deals and exclusive offers tailored specifically for UAE residents.
  
  
• Noon & Amazon Voucher Codes – Shoppers can save up to 20% on art and craft supplies, including paints, brushes, sketchbooks, and more. Some promotions are category-specific, ensuring the best discounts on essential creative materials.
  
  
• Bank Credit Card Offers – Many UAE banks provide exclusive discounts and cashback deals for online shoppers, helping them save more. Some banks offer up to 10% cashback on purchases from select e-commerce stores, making shopping more rewarding.

Pro Tip: Stack cashback offers with promo codes for double savings. Consider signing up for store-specific credit cards to enjoy exclusive member discounts.

Exploring Second-Hand Marketplaces for Craft Supplies

Buying second-hand supplies is a great way to save money while reducing waste. Many UAE-based marketplaces allow artists to buy and sell gently used craft materials at lower prices. This option is ideal for beginners looking to experiment without committing to expensive materials. Here are some recommended platforms:

• Dubizzle UAE – This online marketplace connects artists and crafters looking to sell their unused or barely used craft supplies at discounted prices. You can find a wide range of art materials, from paints and canvases to specialty crafting tools, often at a fraction of retail costs.
  
  
• Facebook Marketplace UAE – A convenient platform where individuals sell pre-loved craft tools, art materials, and DIY supplies at competitive rates. Buyers can negotiate directly with sellers, explore local listings, and even find bulk deals on essential craft items.
  
  
• Local Community Groups – Various expat and artist communities in the UAE organize swap events and group sales where members can exchange or purchase art supplies. These gatherings provide a great way to find affordable materials, meet fellow creatives, and reduce waste through sustainable art practices.

Pro Tip: Always check the condition of second-hand materials before purchasing and negotiate prices for better deals.

Renting Art Supplies Instead of Buying

For artists who need specific tools or materials for short-term projects, renting can be a cost-effective alternative. Many UAE-based art studios and stores offer rental services for equipment and high-end art supplies. Renting is a great way to access expensive tools without making a big investment. Here are some options:

• Tashkeel Dubai – Offers professional-grade art equipment for rent, including easels, canvases, and printing tools. Artists can access high-quality resources in a creative environment to bring their projects to life.
  
  
• Art Central Abu Dhabi – Provides rental services for sculpting tools, printing presses, and large-format canvases. Ideal for artists working on large-scale pieces or those needing specialized equipment for short-term use.
  
  
• Local Art Studios – Many private art studios offer rental services for specialized equipment, catering to various artistic disciplines. These spaces are perfect for artists needing temporary access to high-end tools for their projects.

Pro Tip: Renting is especially useful for students and freelancers who work on occasional projects and need access to high-end supplies without committing to full purchases.

DIY Craft Kits and Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Pre-packaged DIY craft kits can be an economical way to get started with a project. Many stores in the UAE offer all-in-one kits, including necessary materials and instructions. This is ideal for beginners, children, and those looking for guided creativity. Here are some budget-friendly alternatives:

• Toy Stores & Supermarkets – Many popular toy stores and supermarkets stock budget-friendly craft kits, making it easy to find creative activities for kids. These kits often include DIY projects like painting, sculpting, and jewelry-making at affordable prices.
  
  
• Discount Stores & Hypermarkets – Large retail chains such as Carrefour, Lulu, and Union Coop offer a variety of craft kits at competitive prices. These stores frequently run promotions, making it possible to find high-quality kits at discounted rates.
  
  
• Local Stationery Shops – Many stationery stores in the UAE carry craft kits tailored to local preferences, ensuring accessibility for families. They offer everything from drawing and coloring sets to DIY craft projects at budget-friendly prices.

Pro Tip: Look for multipurpose kits that include reusable tools to get more value.

Workshops & Free Art Resources in the UAE

Participating in workshops and utilizing free resources can reduce supply costs while improving skills. Many art centers and community hubs offer free or affordable sessions that include materials. These programs are great for networking and learning new techniques. Here are some options:

• Dubai International Art Centre – This creative hub hosts a variety of affordable and free art workshops, making it accessible for aspiring and professional artists alike. From painting to sculpture, participants can explore different mediums under expert guidance.
  
  
• Tashkeel Studio Dubai – A dynamic space offering artist-led community classes and programs that encourage creative expression. It provides a supportive environment for emerging and established artists to refine their skills and collaborate.
  
  
• Public Libraries & Art Hubs – Many public libraries and art spaces across Dubai offer free resources, such as books, digital tools, and creative spaces. These hubs also host art-related events and networking opportunities for local artists.

Pro Tip: Follow local community centers on social media for updates on free events.

Best Subscription Boxes for Art Enthusiasts

Subscription boxes offer a curated selection of art supplies delivered monthly, providing a cost-effective way to explore new materials. These boxes cater to various skill levels and interests, from painting to calligraphy. Many UAE-based and international services ship to the region, making it easy to find a box that suits your needs. Here are some top picks:

• Paletteful Packs – Delivers a premium selection of painting and drawing supplies every month, ensuring artists have access to top-tier tools. Each box includes a variety of high-quality materials, from sketchpads to professional-grade paints.
  
  
• ScrawlrBox – Curates unique art supplies and surprises artists with a themed challenge designed to spark creativity. Subscribers receive carefully chosen tools to experiment with, along with inspiration to push their artistic boundaries.
  
  
• ArtSnacks – Provides high-quality art tools and materials, often accompanied by instructional guides to help artists make the most of their supplies. Each box is a mix of innovative and classic products, perfect for both beginners and professionals looking to enhance their skills.

Pro Tip: Look for subscription boxes that offer free international shipping or bulk discounts for multi-month plans.

Conclusion

Smart shopping makes art and craft supplies in the UAE more affordable. By using online deals, seasonal sales, coupon codes, and cashback offers, you can get quality materials at the best prices. Keep exploring bulk purchases, second-hand markets, and subscription boxes for extra savings. 

Discover the magic of savings at SavePlus with exclusive deals, handy coupons, and professional tips. Happy shopping!

FAQ

What are the best online stores for buying art supplies in the UAE?
Amazon.ae, Noon.com, and Creative Minds UAE offer a vast selection of art materials at great prices.

How can I get discounts on art supplies in the UAE?
You can use coupon codes, cashback offers, and seasonal sales like the Dubai Shopping Festival to save money.

Are there any local art stores in the UAE that offer loyalty discounts?
Yes! Jarir Bookstore, Dubai Library Distributors, and Creative Minds UAE have loyalty programs with rewards.

Where can I buy second-hand or discounted art materials in the UAE?
Dubizzle UAE and Facebook Marketplace often have sellers offering gently used art supplies at lower prices.

What are the best art subscription boxes available in the UAE?
Popular options include Paletteful Packs, ScrawlrBox, and ArtSnacks, which deliver curated art supplies monthly.