The Golden Thread of Hospitality: A Deep Dive into Middle Eastern Sweets

Imagine walking through the narrow alleyways of the Deira Spice Souk. The air is thick with the scent of roasted cardamom, dried rose petals, and sizzling clarified butter (ghee). You turn a corner, and there it is: a massive, golden tray of Kunafa, fresh from the oven, bubbling with molten cheese and glistening with fragrant syrup. This is not just food; it is an institution.

At Arabian Destination Tourism, we believe that you cannot truly understand the UAE without understanding its palate. Founded by Sadia, our mission is to peel back the layers of Dubai—much like the delicate sheets of phyllo dough in a Baklava—to reveal the authentic culture beneath. While our desert safaris and dhow cruises offer visual spectacles, the real connection happens over a shared plate of sweets.

In this extensive guide, we will take you beyond the buffet line. We will explore the ancient origins of these treats, the “viral” sensations taking over TikTok in 2025, and the hidden gems in Old Dubai that only locals know about. Whether you are a serious foodie or a casual traveler, this is your ultimate handbook to the sugar-soaked world of Middle Eastern desserts.

The “Big Five”: Pillars of Arabic Confectionery

If you only eat five things during your trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, let them be these. These five desserts represent the diversity of the region, from the Levant to the Gulf.

1. Kunafa (The Undisputed King)

Often asked about as “What is the most popular Arabic sweet?”, Kunafa (or Knafeh) reigns supreme. It is a warm pastry made from spun dough called kataifi.

• The Variants:
  
  • Khishnah (Rough): Made with long, crunchy noodle-like strands of pastry. This is the most common version.
  • Na’ama (Smooth): Made with a semolina dough crust that is finely ground, creating a soft, cookie-like top layer.
  • Nabulsi: The most famous variety, originating from Nablus, Palestine. It uses a specific white brine cheese (Nabulsi cheese) that is desalinated and melts into a stretchy, chewy delight.
• The Flavor Profile: Savory-salty cheese meets sugary syrup. It’s a texture bomb—crunchy on top, gooey in the middle.
• How to Eat It: It must be eaten hot. In Dubai, it is often eaten for breakfast or as a heavy late-night treat.

2. Luqaimat (The Taste of the Emirates)

While Kunafa is an import from the Levant, Luqaimat is the soul of the UAE. These are “bites of the judge”—deep-fried dough dumplings that are crispy on the outside and airy on the inside.

• The Secret Sauce: Unlike Western donuts glazed with sugar, Luqaimat are drenched in Date Syrup (Dibs) and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.
• Where to Find It: This is a staple at our Arabian Destination Tourism Desert Safari camps. Watching the women fry them live in large woks over an open fire is part of the cultural experience.

3. Baklava (The Layered Legend)

Baklava in the Middle East is different from its Greek cousin. It is often smaller, drier, and less “bready.”

• The Filling: In Dubai, you will find varieties stuffed with pistachios (green baklava), cashews, or pine nuts. Walnut baklava is less common here than in the Levant but still available.
• The Shape: It’s not just diamonds. Look for Burma (rolled logs), Osh El Bulbul (Bird’s Nest), and Asawer (bracelets).
• Travel Tip: This is the best item to buy for souvenirs as it has a long shelf life compared to cream-filled sweets.

4. Maamoul (The Festive Cookie)

If you visit during Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, you will see mountains of Maamoul. These are shortbread cookies made from semolina or flour and clarified butter.

• The Code of Shapes: You can tell the filling by the shape of the cookie!
  
  • Round & Flat: Usually stuffed with date paste (Ajwa).
  • Domed/Pyramid: Stuffed with walnuts and cinnamon.
  • Elongated/Oval: Stuffed with pistachios.

5. Umm Ali (The Royal Pudding)

Tracing its roots to Egypt, Umm Ali literally means “Mother of Ali.” It is a bread pudding made from puff pastry (or croissants), milk, cream, sugar, raisins, and nuts.

• Why It Works: It is comfort food personified. Served warm, it is creamy, milky, and rich. You will find excellent versions on our Dhow Cruise Dinner buffets, where it is kept warm in traditional copper pots.

Trending Now: The “Dubai Chocolate Bar” Phenomenon

In 2024 and heading into 2025, a new player entered the arena. If you have scrolled through TikTok or Instagram, you have likely seen the “Dubai Chocolate Bar.”

Where to Get It?

While the original trend started with specific local chocolatiers like FIX Dessert Chocolatier, you can now find high-quality versions at:

• Vlinder Chocolate: Known for hand-painted bonbons and their take on the Kunafa bar.
• Grocery Stores: Even mainstream supermarkets in Dubai have started stocking generic versions of “Pistachio Knafeh Chocolate.”
• Price Point: Expect to pay between 45 AED to 80 AED ($12 – $22 USD) per bar for the premium handmade versions.

The “Sweet Tooth” Itineraries: Explore with Us

At Arabian Destination Tourism, we can customize your city tour to focus on culinary hotspots. Here are two distinct paths we recommend for dessert lovers.

Deconstructing the Flavors: Key Ingredients

To appreciate Middle Eastern sweets, you must understand the building blocks. Unlike Western desserts that rely on vanilla and butter, Arabic sweets are defined by:

1. Dates (The Fruit of Paradise)

The UAE has over 40 million date palms. Dates are graded like diamonds:

• Ajwa: Dark, soft, and expensive. Known for religious significance and health benefits.
• Medjool: Large, caramel-like, and fleshy. The “king of dates.”
• Khalas: The everyday favorite of locals. Golden brown and sticky, usually eaten with coffee.
• Sukkari: Extremely sweet and crystallized, almost like candy.

2. The Aromatics

• Rose Water (Maward): Distilled from rose petals. It gives a floral, perfumed note to puddings and syrups.
• Orange Blossom Water (Mazaher): Citrusy and bright. Often paired with walnuts.
• Cardamom (Heel): The queen of spices in the UAE. It is used in the coffee (Gahwa) and often inside the date paste for Maamoul.
• Saffron (Zafran): The world’s most expensive spice, used to color syrups and flavor milk cakes.

3. The Cheeses

• Akkawi: A white brine cheese. It is desalinated (soaked in water) to remove salt before being used in sweets. It melts beautifully.
• Nabulsi: Similar to Akkawi but denser and sometimes flavored with mahlab (ground cherry stones). It gives Kunafa its distinct chew.

The Sommelier’s Guide: Pairing Sweets with Drinks

You cannot eat these sweets alone; they are designed to be paired. The sugar intensity requires a bitter counterpart.

Conclusion: A Sweet Ending to Your Dubai Story

Dubai is a city of superlatives—the tallest building, the biggest mall, the deepest pool. But amidst the chrome and glass, the beating heart of the city remains its traditions. The simple act of breaking a crispy piece of Baklava or sharing a bowl of warm Umm Ali connects you to centuries of history, trade, and hospitality.

At Arabian Destination Tourism, we invite you to take a bite out of this rich culture. Whether you are dune bashing in the desert or cruising the creek, let us sweeten your journey.