From Traditional to International: Dubai's Best Desserts and Sweets

Dubai, a vibrant city known for its luxurious lifestyle and rich cultural tapestry, offers a culinary journey that is as diverse as its population. Among the myriads of dining experiences available, traditional Arabic sweets stand out for their unique flavors, intricate preparations, and deep-rooted cultural significance. This article explores some of the most popular Arabic and international sweets and desserts with the best places in Dubai to taste these delights.

Must-Try Arabic Sweets in Dubai

• Baklava: Perhaps the most iconic of all Arabic sweets, Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey. Its origins are often debated among Middle Eastern countries, but its presence in Dubai is undeniable. For the best Baklava in town, visit Al Samadi Sweets or Bosporus, where this treat achieves a perfect balance of crunchy and sweet, with a delicate touch of Middle Eastern spices.
• Kunafa: Known for its gooey texture and sweet, cheesy filling, Kunafa is a favorite during Ramadan. Made with thin noodle-like pastry or semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and layered with cheese, the best Kunafa offers a contrast of textures and flavors that are utterly addictive. Firas Sweets and Qwaider Al Nabulsi offer some of the most authentic Kunafa in Dubai, with recipes that have been perfected over generations.
• Maamoul: These small shortbread pastries filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts are traditionally consumed during religious holidays like Eid. Maamoul symbolizes the festive spirit and is often made at home during celebratory times. However, for those who wish to try without baking, Sweets of Paradise provides a variety of Maamoul that capture the essence of this beloved treat.
• Basbousa: A sweet cake made from semolina, soaked in simple syrup and often garnished with almonds or coconut, Basbousa is hearty and satisfying. Al Baba Sweets in Dubai serves a version that is moist, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect end to any meal.

Where to Taste Authentic Arabic Sweets in Dubai

Dubai’s food scene is as lavish as it is diverse, but for those seeking an authentic taste of Arabic sweets, certain spots are unmissable:

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: This area offers a glimpse into the Dubai of yesteryears, with several cafes and bakeries that serve traditional Arabic sweets. Walking through its alleys, you'll find shops offering freshly made Baklava and Kunafa, perfect for enjoying while soaking in the area’s rich history.
• Global Village: For a more festive atmosphere, visit the Global Village during its operational months (November to April). This cultural extravaganza hosts pavilions from multiple countries, including several from the Middle East where you can taste different regional variations of popular sweets.
• Dubai Food Festival: This annual event is a foodie’s dream, showcasing the best of Dubai’s culinary offerings, including a wide array of Arabic sweets. The festival hosts live cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and special menus from top chefs, giving visitors a comprehensive experience of Arabic culinary arts.

Al Samadi Sweets

Nestled on the bustling Al Muraqqabat Street in Deira, Al Samadi Sweets has been a beloved fixture in Dubai since the 1970s. This bakery and café is renowned for its wide array of Arabic desserts, including the bukaj—a cashew nut-stuffed baklava pouch—and the exquisite halawet el-jibn, which combines semolina and cheese dough filled with clotted cream, drizzled with syrup, and topped with rose petal jam. It's a place where the legacy of Arabic sweets is both preserved and celebrated.

Operating Hours: Daily from 09.00 to 23.00  
Price Range: AED 20 - AED 50 per person

Location

Logma

Logma presents a modern twist on traditional Khaleeji cuisine, offering some of the best luqaimat in town—deep-fried dough balls drizzled with sticky date syrup. Located nearby the Dubai Financial Center, it's a trendy spot where these warm, sweet bites perfectly blend tradition with a contemporary setting, making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts seeking a taste of local flavor.

Operating Hours: Daily from 10.00 to 22.00 
Price Range: AED 30 - AED 60 per person

Location

Zaroob

Zaroob captures the essence of street food from the Levant. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, this vibrant eatery offers an array of traditional dishes, including the unique Bachir ice cream. Known for its sticky consistency and organic ingredients, flavors range from rose to melon, with the signature cornet achta featuring whipped cream and crushed pistachios—a cool treat that's a nod to Lebanon's rich culinary heritage.

Operating Hours: 24/7
Price Range: AED 25 - AED 50 per person

Location

Firas Sweets

A haven for Kunafa enthusiasts, Firas Sweets on the 2nd of December Street in Al Hudaiba serves up one of Dubai’s most decadent versions of this beloved dessert. Here, gooey soft cheese is encased in layers of crisp, fried vermicelli, all soaked in a rose water and spiced sugar syrup. Best enjoyed hot, each bite is a testament to the rich, indulgent flavors that make Arabic sweets a true culinary treasure.

Operating Hours: Daily from 08.00 to 00.00  
Price Range: AED 15 - AED 45 per person

Location

Lana Lusa

Located in the Four Seasons Private Residences at Jumeirah, Lana Lusa offers a serene escape with its all-day menu of traditional Portuguese favorites, including the iconic pastéis de nata. These custard tarts, along with other desserts like tarte de amêndoa and bolo de bolacha, are available for takeaway—perfect for continuing your culinary journey even after you leave the restaurant.

Operating Hours: Daily from 08.00 to 22.00  
Price Range: AED 40 - AED 70 per person

Location

Magnolia Bakery

With locations in Bloomingdale's and Dubai Festival City Mall, Magnolia Bakery brings a slice of New York City’s famed sweets scene to Dubai. Known globally for its cupcakes—think red velvet to banana—Magnolia also offers a range of puddings and elaborate cakes. It’s a spot where the pastel-tinted icing on their cupcakes draws both locals and tourists alike, looking to indulge in a taste of American bakery classics.

Operating Hours: Daily from 09.00 to 23.00 

Price Range:AED 20 - AED 60 per person

Location

Bombay Bungalow

At The Beach Mall on JBR Walk, Bombay Bungalow redefines Indian cuisine with a modern twist. The coconut rasmalai, served on a bed of saffron milk and adorned with petals, offers a theatrical conclusion to a vibrant meal. This dish, combining traditional recipes with contemporary touches, embodies the restaurant's innovative approach to Indian sweets.

Operating Hours: Daily from 10.00 to 00.00 
Price Range: AED 50 - AED 100 per person

Location

Nouq

Delving into the heritage of the Emirates, Nouq uses whole camel milk to create premium ice cream and chocolates. Available in local supermarkets like Spinneys and Waitrose, as well as the Arabian Tea House, Nouq offers flavors like caramel biscuit and honey saffron, each carrying a hint of regional essence. This brand showcases the innovative use of local ingredients to reinterpret traditional flavors for the modern palate.

Brasserie Boulud

Located in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Brasserie Boulud, led by chef Daniel Boulud, presents classic French cuisine at its best. The Floating Island dessert—a delicate assembly of soft meringue clouds atop pourable vanilla cream—epitomizes the finesse of French pastry arts, providing a sublime finish to any meal at this elegant dining venue.

Operating Hours: Daily from 19.00 to 23.00
Price Range: AED 70 - AED 150 per person

Location

Each of these destinations offers a unique window into the diverse and rich dessert cultures present in Dubai. Whether local or international, each sweet treat tells a story, making Dubai a true dessert lover’s paradise. If you want to enjoy these and more, check out WINGIE’s exclusive deals to find the cheapest Dubai flights.