Zaitoon Oil in the UAE: Olive Oil by another name (Benefits & Uses)

What is Zaitoon Oil?

Zaitoon oil is simply the local name for olive oil. The word Zaitoon (alternatively spelled zaytun or zeitoun) means “olive” in Arabic and Urdu. In the UAE and surrounding regions, many Arabic and South Asian residents commonly use this term. Culturally, olives and their oil hold a special place – the Quran even mentions the olive as a blessed tree, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended its use for health and healing. In other words, Zaitoon oil = olive oil, just known by a different name in local languages and Islamic tradition. So if you’re searching for Zaitoon oil in the UAE, you are looking for the same olive oil used worldwide in kitchens and home remedies.

Health benefits of Zaitoon (Olive) Oil

Like any quality olive oil, Zaitoon oil is prized for its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the top benefits backed by tradition and science:

Supports heart health: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) which help improve cholesterol levels – raising HDL (good cholesterol) and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol). Regular use of Zaitoon oil in the diet is linked to better cardiovascular health and even lower blood pressure, which can reduce risk of heart disease and strokes.

Aids digestion: Taking Zaitoon oil can soothe the digestive system. It lubricates the gastrointestinal tract, helping food move smoothly through the colon. A spoonful of olive oil (often mixed with lemon) is a traditional remedy for relieving constipation and improving digestion.

Benefits for skin (and hair): Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, Zaitoon oil is wonderful for your skin. It moisturizes dry skin, helps reduce inflammation and acne, and improves skin elasticity. These antioxidants fight free radicals, keeping your skin youthful and protected. Many people also apply olive oil to their hair to nourish the scalp and strengthen strands, as it can reduce dandruff and dryness.

Anti-Inflammatory & Nutrient-Rich: Extra virgin olive oil contains powerful antioxidants like oleocanthal, which have anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. Regular consumption has been associated with reduced inflammation in the body and a lower risk of chronic diseases. It’s also a source of beneficial polyphenols and vitamins that support overall wellness.

By incorporating high-quality Zaitoon (olive) oil into your diet and skincare, you tap into a “blessed” oil celebrated for its health-promoting properties for centuries.

Common uses of Zaitoon Oil

Zaitoon oil is versatile, used in everyday life across cooking, wellness remedies, and even religious/cultural practices. Here’s how people in the UAE and beyond commonly use olive oil:

Culinary uses in cooking

In Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine, olive oil is a kitchen staple. Cooking with Zaitoon oil is very common in the UAE – whether sautéing vegetables, grilling, or drizzling over finished dishes for flavor. Many favorite Middle Eastern foods are paired with olive oil: for example, classic mezze dips like hummus, labneh, and baba ghanoush are finished with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil (often called Zait zeitoun in Arabic) is used as a flavorful dressing on salads, breads (with za’atar), and as a healthy alternative to butter. Its distinct rich taste and aroma make it both a cooking oil and a finishing oil to enhance flavor in recipes. (For high-heat frying, pure or light olive oils are sometimes used due to their higher smoke point, while extra virgin oil is favored raw or for medium-heat cooking to retain its nutrients.)

Health and wellness uses

Beyond the kitchen, Zaitoon oil plays a big role in traditional wellness remedies. Many families use olive oil as a natural cure-all. For instance, people often massage warm Zaitoon oil onto joints and limbs – this folk remedy is believed to relieve joint pain and inflammation. It’s also common to use olive oil as a massage oil for relaxation or to soothe muscle aches. In South Asian and Middle Eastern households, applying olive oil to hair and scalp is a popular practice to promote strong, shiny hair and prevent dryness. For skin care, olive oil is used as a moisturizer or as a base for homemade scrubs and masks, thanks to its hydrating and healing properties. Some even take a teaspoon of extra virgin Zaitoon oil daily in the morning as a health tonic – a traditional habit thought to help with heart health, blood pressure, or digestion. While these home remedies may vary in effectiveness per individual, they reflect the deep trust in olive oil’s natural benefits across generations.

Religious and cultural significance

Olive oil’s importance is also rooted in religious and cultural traditions. In Islamic culture, Zaitoon is revered as a blessed tree and oil. The Quran highlights the olive as a symbol of divine light ( نور ) and nourishment, and hadith literature quotes the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying, “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree”. Because of these teachings, olive oil has long been used in prophetic medicine and daily life among Muslim communities – viewed not just as food, but as a healing, purifying substance. Many families will use Zaitoon oil during holy occasions (for instance, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice to break the fast in Ramadan or to give as a gift). Culturally, offering high-quality olive oil to guests or as a gift is considered a gesture of hospitality and care. Even outside Islamic context, olive oil has symbolic significance – it’s a universal emblem of peace and health in the Mediterranean region. In the UAE’s diverse society, the term Zaitoon oil bridges modern life and cultural heritage, reminding people of an ancient “liquid gold” that is both spiritually and physically nourishing.

Where to buy Zaitoon Oil in the UAE

At Giving Oil, we understand the growing appreciation and demand for premium-quality Zaitoon oil (olive oil) in the UAE. We are proud to offer our customers a carefully curated selection of high-grade extra virgin olive oils sourced from renowned olive-producing regions, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Palestine.

Every product in our collection is chosen meticulously, ensuring exceptional flavor, purity, and nutritional value. We clearly communicate to our customers that Zaitoon oil and olive oil are exactly the same product, simply known by different names across cultures.

When you buy Zaitoon oil from Giving Oil, you receive a product that honors tradition, quality, and authenticity. Our extra virgin olive oils are perfect for enhancing your cooking, improving your wellness routine, or incorporating into your cultural and religious practices.