We’ve mapped out Dubai’s most exciting ice cream cafés. Inside, you’ll find luxurious Instagram-worthy desserts, authentic Arabic flavors you won’t find anywhere else, and practical tips for your sweet journey. Dubai’s scorching sun melts the asphalt, and the air shimmers with heat. In moments like these, nothing is more desirable than the refreshing coolness of a perfectly crafted scoop of ice cream. But in Dubai, a scoop in a waffle cone is more than just dessert—it’s a ticket to a gastronomic spectacle, a vibrant show, and even a way to connect with local culture. Here, you can savor ice cream made from camel milk, watch it being crafted amidst clouds of liquid nitrogen, and even indulge in a dessert adorned with 23-karat gold. So where should you head for the ultimate dessert experience? Whether you’re searching for an Instagram-worthy marvel, eager to taste genuine Arabian exoticism, or simply looking for the best ice cream for the whole family—consider this your treasure map. Together, we’ll explore the city’s most iconic spots, sample flavors available nowhere else, and create your perfect sweet itinerary through Dubai.
Icons of luxury: When ice cream becomes art and performance
This section is dedicated to premium, Instagram-famous, and one-of-a-kind desserts that have become the hallmark of Dubai’s culinary scene. Here, flavor meets stunning presentation, transforming an ordinary ice cream outing into an unforgettable experience.
Scoopi Café — a show featuring liquid nitrogen and edible gold
At Scoopi Café, dessert preparation transforms into a genuine scientific spectacle. Ice cream here is made right before your eyes using liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C. Thick clouds of vapor, instant freezing, and, as a result, an incredibly smooth and delicate texture without a single ice crystal. The crown jewel of Scoopi’s creations is the legendary "Black Diamond" dessert. Think of it not as ice cream, but as a piece of jewelry in the world of gastronomy. Its ingredients include some of the rarest delicacies: Madagascan vanilla, Iranian saffron, and black Italian truffle, adorned with petals of edible 23-karat gold. This is the most expensive ice cream in Dubai, crafted for a truly special occasion.
Fact: It takes several hours to create the "Black Diamond," as the finest ingredients are sourced from around the world: saffron from Iran, and truffle from Italy. But the real surprise is that the dessert is served in a branded Versace bowl, which guests can take home as a memorable keepsake after tasting.
Key information:
- Location: Jumeirah
- Average bill: High, especially for exclusive desserts
- Opening hours: May vary depending on the season and holidays (particularly during Ramadan), so it’s best to check their official website or Instagram before visiting.
iScream — creative flavors with an arabic twist
If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to iScream. This spot is renowned for its creative approach and bold flavor experiments, many of which draw inspiration from local cuisine and evoke warm nostalgia among Emirati residents. Where else would you taste ice cream flavored with spicy karak tea, sweet luqaimat doughnuts, or savory labneh yogurt? The atmosphere perfectly complements the menu: neon signs with bold lettering, Instagram-worthy photo zones, and a playlist that makes you want to dance with an ice cream cone in hand—everything creates a vibrant, youthful vibe. Even the ice cream itself begs to be captured in a photo.
Tip: Be sure to try their signature Alphonso mango sorbet. It’s the quintessential taste of a tropical summer—rich, sweet, with a subtle tang. It’s the perfect refresher on a sweltering Dubai day.
Key information:
- Location: La Mer
- Price range: Mid-range
- Popular flavors: Karak tea, dates, Alphonso mango, rose water
Authentic Emirati flavors: Taste Dubai itself
To truly understand Dubai’s gastronomic culture, you need to sample what was born right here on this land. In this section, we’ve curated a selection of spots serving desserts with a unique local flair that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Nouq — unique camel milk ice cream
Forget magnets: the real gastronomic souvenir from the UAE is camel milk ice cream. Every visitor to the Emirates should try it at least once. The Nouq brand specializes specifically in this unique product, offering the taste of tradition in a modern interpretation. What makes it different from ordinary ice cream? Camel milk ice cream is less sweet, with subtle salty notes that give it a distinctive and complex flavor. The flavor range is equally authentic: dates, saffron, cardamom, honey, and pistachios. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking new gastronomic experiences.
Why camel milk?: It’s not just a nod to tradition, but a true superfood. Camel milk is rich in vitamin C, iron, and calcium. At the same time, it contains less fat and lactose compared to cow’s milk, making it a lighter and more dietary alternative to conventional ice cream.
Key information:
- Where to find: Available in major supermarkets (e.g., Spinneys, Waitrose), at Global Village fair, and in branded kiosks in tourist locations.
Bachir Ice Cream —legendary lebanese "booza" with pistachios
Bachir is a piece of Beirut in the heart of Dubai and the place where the legendary Lebanese ice cream "booza" is made. Its main distinguishing feature is an incredibly dense, creamy, and elastic texture achieved through a traditional preparation technique using mastic tree resin and salep. It contains no ice crystals and melts much more slowly than conventional ice cream. Bachir’s signature presentation is a cone of "ashta" cream ice cream (with hints of rose water and orange blossom), generously coated on all sides with a sprinkling of crushed pistachios. This place is a magnet for the Arab diaspora and anyone who wants to experience the authentic flavors of the Middle East.
Key information:
- Location: Al Jaddaf
- Must-order item: Ashta ice cream with a pistachio coating
- Approximate cost: $-$$ (around 25–35 AED for the signature cone)
For families and classic connoisseurs: Cozy spots for everyone
Beyond exotic delights and luxury experiences, Dubai always has room for time-tested pleasures that appeal to both adults and children alike.
Massimo's Gelato — authentic Italy in the heart of Dubai
When your soul craves not experimentation, but impeccable quality and familiar flavors from childhood, head to Massimo's Gelato. This is a quintessential Italian gelateria that reverently honors tradition: only natural ingredients, classic recipes, and an incredibly rich, intense flavor. The pistachio here is truly pistachio-flavored, and the chocolate is rich and velvety. The perfect choice for those seeking that one, authentic gelato.
Key information:
- Location: Various shopping malls, such as Mall of the Emirates
- Price range: Mid-range
- Must-try flavors: Pistachio, salted caramel, sorbets made from seasonal fruits
Family day: strolls in La Mer and JBR
The La Mer and The Beach at JBR districts seem tailor-made for leisurely family strolls with ice cream in hand. Wide pedestrian promenades, proximity to the beach, children's play areas, and a vast selection of cafés to suit every taste make these districts an ideal spot for relaxation. Here, you can not only enjoy a dessert (for example, at iScream in La Mer), but also combine it with outdoor games and admiring the sunset.
Your "sweet" itinerary: Practical tips
To ensure your journey through the world of Dubai's ice cream goes smoothly, follow our tips.
- Best time for tasting
Late evening is the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or through the streets of the old town, cone in hand. The heat has subsided, allowing you to fully savor your dessert. During the day, it's best to choose establishments located inside air-conditioned shopping malls. - Budget
Dubai offers options to suit every budget. A scoop of regular ice cream costs around 15–20 AED, while exclusive, artisanal desserts can cost several thousand dirhams.
Please note: The prices and opening hours listed in this article are current as of the date of writing and are subject to change. We recommend checking for updated information on the official websites or social media pages of the establishments before your visit.
- Transportation
Most of the iconic ice cream cafes are located in popular tourist areas such as Jumeirah, La Mer, or Downtown, easily accessible by metro or taxi. If you plan to visit several locations in one day, taking a taxi or renting a car will be the most convenient option.
Beware, it melts!: The Dubai sun is merciless to cold desserts. If you’re getting ice cream to go, be prepared to eat it very quickly. To avoid sticky mishaps, opt for cups rather than waffle cones.
Combine pleasures: Plan your visit to an ice cream cafe as part of a larger outing. For example, enjoy an authentic dessert in the Al Seef area after exploring the historic district, or savor a sorbet on Kite Beach with a postcard-perfect view of the Burj Al Arab hotel.
Which ice cream should you choose?
To help you decide, we’ve compiled all our recommendations into one clear table.
| Criterion / Recommendation | Price | Social Network Worthiness | Authenticity | Ideal for Families |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Luxury Seekers | $$$ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Recommended: Scoopi Café | ||||
| For Striking Instagram Shots | $$ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Recommended: iScream | ||||
| For Gastro-Explorers | $-$$ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Recommended: Nouq, Bachir | ||||
| For Family Outings | $$ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Recommended: La Mer Promenades, JBR | ||||
| For Connoisseurs of Classics | $$ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Recommended: Massimo's Gelato |
Conclusion
The world of Dubai’s ice cream turned out to be just as multifaceted and full of contrasts as the city itself. Here, within a single waffle cone, Bedouin traditions can seamlessly blend with unrestrained luxury, innovative technologies with age-old Middle Eastern recipes. Each bite you take is an opportunity to savor the multicultural, bold, and vibrant spirit of the Emirates.
Now you hold a treasure map in your hands. Create your own "sweet" itinerary, let curiosity guide you, and discover Dubai one bite at a time. Enjoy your gastronomic adventures!
Comments