From kunafa and baklava to Persian faloodeh and handmade Arabian sweets, these long-running dessert houses have been serving Dubai for more than a decade. Dubai’s dessert scene is constantly changing, but some sweet spots have been around long before the latest viral dessert trend. From old-school Arabic confectioneries in Deira to family-run names that brought traditional Middle Eastern sweets to the UAE, these places have built a loyal following over the years.
7 Arabic Dessert Houses In Dubai That Have Been Around For Over A Decade
If you want your National Dessert Day plans to include sweets with a little history, here are seven Arabic and Middle Eastern dessert houses that have been serving Dubai or the UAE for more than a decade.
1. Al Samadi Sweets
Al Samadi Sweets is one of the oldest names on this list when it comes to its Dubai presence. Visit Dubai describes the Deira shop as a permanent fixture in the city since the 1970s. The brand itself traces its confectionery roots to Beirut in 1872.
Today, the Al Muraqqabat shop continues to specialise in Lebanese and Arabic sweets. Its maamoul, a spiced date-filled cookie, is a classic choice, while bukaj puts a slightly different spin on baklava with a cashew-filled pastry pouch. The shop is also known for halawet el jibn, made with semolina and cheese dough, clotted cream, and syrup.
Dubai presence: Since 1983 in Dubai
Try: Maamoul, bukaj and halawet el jibn
2. Feras Aldiyafa Sweets
For anyone who considers a warm, cheesy kunafa the ultimate Arabic dessert, Feras Sweets deserves a place on the list. Visit Dubai highlights its kunafa as one of the city’s traditional Arabic dessert options.
Its Dubai branches now span several neighbourhoods, including Al Barsha, Garhoud, Motor City and Discovery Gardens. The menu also includes other Arabic sweets, pastries and savoury dishes, but the Nabulsi kunafa remains the big draw.
UAE presence: Since 1984
Try: Nabulsi kunafa
3. Iranian Sweets Palace
View this post on Instagram
Iranian Sweets Palace has been operating in Dubai since 1986, with its shop in the Al Jafiliya area.
The shop specialises in traditional Iranian sweets and ice cream, along with Persian faloodeh, gaz, sohan, saffron-based treats and nuts such as pistachios and almonds. It is a useful stop for anyone looking beyond the more familiar Lebanese and Levantine dessert selection.
Dubai presence: Since 1986
Try: Persian sweets, faloodeh and saffron treats
4. Al Sultan Sweets
Al Sultan Sweets was established in Dubai in 1997 and has since built a strong presence in the UAE’s Arabic sweets and pastry market. The brand specialises in Oriental and Arabic sweets and pastries, with a wide range of traditional treats.
Today, Al Sultan Sweets has nine branches across different UAE cities, with its headquarters in Dubai. Its pastries are made using ingredients such as vegetable margarine, almonds, cashews and pistachios, sourced with a focus on quality. From traditional Arabic sweets to assorted pastries, Al Sultan Sweets has been serving customers in the UAE for nearly three decades.
UAE presence: since 1997
Try: Syrian baklava and Burma
5. Al Hallab
Al Hallab brings more than a century of Lebanese family confectionery history to Dubai. Its story began in Tripoli in 1881, while the family business came to the UAE in 2002.
The Dubai locations combine Lebanese dining with a substantial sweets selection. For dessert, look for halawat el jibn, a soft cheese-and-semolina sweet, along with ashta-filled creations and classic Lebanese pastries.
Dubai presence: Since 2002
Try: Halawat el jibn and ashta sweets
6. Al Baba Sweets
Al Baba Sweets arrived in Dubai in 2002, opening its first UAE branch and a separate production facility in the city. The company later expanded with branches in Abu Dhabi and other parts of Dubai.
The brand itself was founded in Sidon, Lebanon, in 1950, beginning with a small sweets shop built around homemade recipes. Its Dubai operation continues that Arabic confectionery tradition with baklava, maamoul and sweets made with nuts, cheese and cream.
Dubai presence: Since 2002 in Dubai
Try: Baklava, maamoul and Arabic cheese sweets
7. Munch & Crunch
For a more UAE-focused addition, Munch & Crunch brings traditional Arabian confectionery into the mix. The business supplies Arabic confectionery and savoury products, including traditional handmade sweets, dates, roasted nuts, dried fruit and soft nougat. Its connection with Emirates also gives it an unusual place in the UAE food story, with its products served to passengers in the airline’s premium lounges.
Dubai presence: since 2002
Try: Traditional Arabian sweets, dates and nougat
Also Read: Kaoru Patisserie Is A Homegrown Kitchen Bringing Fusion Of French & Japanese Desserts To Dubai!
A Sweet Taste Of Dubai’s Past
Dubai’s dessert scene may be packed with glossy new cafés and viral creations, but these names show that the city’s love for traditional sweets runs much deeper.
From Al Samadi’s long-standing Deira presence to Feras’ Nabulsi kunafa and Iranian Sweets Palace’s Persian treats, each spot offers a different glimpse into the region’s dessert traditions. For National Dessert Day, they also offer something beyond a trendy sugar fix, a chance to taste sweets that have been part of Dubai’s food culture for years.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/3dotsad from Getty Images
FAQs
Where can I find traditional Nabulsi kunafa in Dubai?
Feras Aldiyafa Sweets is known for its Nabulsi kunafa and has been serving it in the UAE since 1984.
Which UAE dessert brand supplies sweets to Emirates?
Munch & Crunch is an Emirati-owned artisan manufacturer that supplies traditional Arabic confectionery to Emirates’ premium lounges
Which Arabic dessert houses in Dubai have been around since the early 2000s?
Al Hallab and Al Baba Sweets both established their Dubai presence in 2002.
