Arabic Desserts: What You Must Try in Dubai

From the crunch of hot knafeh pastry to the aroma of cardamom in an old-fashioned confectionery—let us show you where to sample the finest Arabic sweets in Dubai, a cherished part of the city's rich hospitality culture.

Imagine the golden crust of hot knafeh cracking open, releasing a cloud of sweet steam, or the spicy scent of rose water greeting you at a traditional Deira confectionery. In Dubai, dessert is far more than just the final touch to a meal. It’s an integral part of the culture of hospitality, a symbol of celebration marking the end of Ramadan, and a treat reserved for the most honored guest. This guide is your navigator through the world of Dubai’s Arabic sweets. We’ll show you where to find the best ones—from age-old family-run shops preserving centuries-old recipes to trendy cafes giving classic treats a modern twist.

Guardians of tradition: A time-tested taste

Here, everything is authentic: ancient recipes, uncompromising quality, and an atmosphere where flavor is paramount. These establishments are the choice of those who seek not a fashionable interior, but an authentic experience.

Firas Sweets: for the best knafeh in town

This modest yet always bustling café is a true haven for knafeh aficionados. Firas Sweets has focused on just one dessert and perfected it. People come here not for long gatherings, but for the ultimate taste: hot, gooey cheese beneath a crispy golden crust of pastry, generously drizzled with sugar syrup and sprinkled with pistachios. Affordable prices and generous portions are a pleasant bonus to the gastronomic delight.

• What to try: Kunafa—no question about it!
• Atmosphere: Simple, lively, authentic.
• Perfect for: A quick and unforgettable dessert snack.

Al Samadi Sweets: a legacy from Beirut and perfect souvenirs

This confectionery with a rich history, which began in Beirut in 1872, is a living legend. In Dubai, Al Samadi Sweets have been known since the 1980s as a place where you can taste classic handmade Lebanese and Arabic sweets. The display cases here are bursting with baklava, maamoul, and luqaimat. It’s the perfect spot to buy exquisite gift sets for loved ones—a sweet souvenir that lets them literally taste your journey.

• What to try: Luqaimat, baklava, assorted gift sets.
• Atmosphere: Traditional confectionery shop.
• Perfect for: Shopping for delicious and beautiful souvenirs.

Al Hallab Restaurant and Sweets: reliable Lebanese classics at the heart of shopping malls

Located in some of the largest malls, Al Hallab is a convenient and trusted choice for those who want to enjoy high-quality Arabic cuisine without straying from their shopping route. The restaurant is renowned for its authentic Lebanese recipes and exceptional service. Stop by for a cup of Arabic coffee paired with ma'amoul cookies—delicate shortbread treats filled with dates or nuts. Its elegant and always bustling atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a family lunch or a dessert break.

• Must-try: Ma'amoul cookies with Arabic coffee, and the cheese dessert halawet el-jibn.
• Atmosphere: Elegant, family-friendly, and always lively, as befits a mall restaurant.
• Ideal for: A dessert break during shopping or a full family meal ending with classic sweets.

Hafiz Mustafa 1864: the luxury of an Istanbul pastry shop in Dubai Mall

The legendary Istanbul brand with over 150 years of history has opened its flagship branch in Dubai Mall. This is a place for true connoisseurs. Everything here exudes luxury, from the interior design to the impeccable presentation. Baklava, kunafeh, Turkish delight—each creation is a masterpiece of pastry art. It’s the perfect option for purchasing a premium gift or treating yourself after a long stroll through the mall.

• What to try: Pistachio baklava, Turkish kunafeh, milk puddings (muhallebi), and Turkish delight.
• Atmosphere: Luxurious, with a historical flair reminiscent of a sultan's palace.
• Perfect for: Tasting premium sweets, buying exquisite gifts, or feeling like a pasha.

A modern take: Classics in a new interpretation

These establishments expertly combine traditional recipes with a contemporary approach, offering guests not just food, but full-fledged cultural experiences.

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: a journey to Dubai in the 1960s

Al Fanar is more like a time machine disguised as a restaurant. The interior recreates the atmosphere of pre-oil Dubai: walls decorated to resemble coral stone, antique lanterns, and wind towers known as barjeels. Here, food becomes part of an immersive journey into the emirate's history. Trying traditional Emirati desserts, such as delicate basbousa, in this setting is a unique experience that will be remembered for a long time.

• What to try: Basbousa.
• Atmosphere: Nostalgic, authentic, and educational.
• Perfect for: Themed dinners and getting acquainted with UAE culture.

Logma: a fresh look at Emirati donuts

Logma café pulls off a bold trick: it takes heartfelt Emirati cuisine and presents it in a stylish, photogenic format. This is a trendy spot located in popular areas like Boxpark, where the vibrant interior and beautifully presented dishes practically beg to be featured in your stories. Their signature dish is luqaimat—golden ball-shaped doughnuts, scorching hot inside and with a crispy crust on the outside. Here, they generously drizzle these treats with sticky date syrup and sprinkle them with toasted sesame seeds, transforming a simple dessert into a truly indulgent delight.

• What to try: Luqaimat with date syrup.
• Atmosphere: Fashionable, dynamic, designed for social media.
• Perfect for: Meeting friends in a stylish setting and capturing vibrant photos.

Cheat sheet for sweet tooths: How to choose your ideal spot

To help you navigate this sweet variety, we’ve put together a handy table. Just decide what matters most to you today—authenticity, atmosphere, or convenience.

Planning your visit: Useful tips

Do you need to make a reservation?

• More likely no: Reservations are not required at small takeout bakeries (Firas Sweets, Al Samadi Sweets) or at establishments with a live queue in malls (Hafiz Mustafa 1864). Just drop by and be prepared to wait a bit during peak hours.
• Yes, recommended: For full-service restaurants such as Al Fanar, Al Hallab, or Logma, it’s best to book a table in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit in the evening on weekends (from Thursday evening through Saturday).

What’s the most convenient way to get there?

• Restaurants in malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates): The most convenient option is the metro (red line). The shopping centers have huge parking lots, usually free for the first few hours.
• Restaurants in older districts (Deira): Also easily accessible by metro (red or green line). Street parking can be trickier, as it’s paid and time-limited.
• Modern areas (Boxpark): The easiest way to get there is by taxi or rental car. Parking issues are generally minimal.

Your sweet aftertaste

Trying desserts in Dubai isn’t just about ticking items off a sweet-tooth’s checklist. It’s a way to discover the city from its most unexpected, tender, and welcoming side. Behind the crunch of baklava and the stretchy cheese in kunafa lie centuries-old traditions, family stories, and the soul of a modern metropolis that knows how to cherish its roots. So our main advice is: stay curious. Allow yourself to get lost in the old streets in search of that one pastry shop not featured in glossy magazines. Order a dessert whose name you can’t pronounce. Share a box of sweets with new acquaintances. After all, it's precisely these moments, and not just the perfect photos, that leave the longest and most pleasant aftertaste from a trip to the amazing Dubai.