10 Famous Arab Sweets- Must Try in Dubai, UAE

The Arabic sweets and desserts are undoubtedly the best tasting worthy desserts that you wouldn’t ever want to miss if you are in Dubai, UAE. While you get lost in the beauty of Dubai and its places of attraction, trying out these traditional Arab sweets is an additional joy. These sweets will burst out with flavours in your mouth and give you so much satisfaction as you taste them. Here are 10 famous Arab sweets you have to try in Dubai and have your own experience of flavours.

Best 10 Arab Sweets in Dubai, UAE

1. Kunafa

It’s also known as Knafeh and the royal dessert of the Middle East. The dish is made of buttery pastry, a thick layer of cheese topped with vermicelli noodles and soaked in rose flavoured sugar syrups. It’s topped with lots of nuts. It is best served when it’s hot as the cheese oozes out and sizzles when you cut into your first slice. This is one of the best and popular sweets among the Arab desserts and Middle east region. If you are a morning sweet person then it is perfect for your breakfast on the go!

2. Baklava

It is a well-known dessert from the Arab sweets, originated from Turkey and is widely available in Dubai. Its texture is so crispy, flaky, and has layers of honey that melt in your mouth. A guilty pleasure. This is made from Filo dough with nuts and dipped in sweet honey. It is made in bite sizes and arranged on a tray in an array. There are varieties of flavours that you can try and even packed as gifts for your loved ones!

3. Basbousa

These are flavourful bites made in the UAE covered in semolina and pastry. It is a very common dessert which is served quite often after meals. This is made from semolina, powdered coconut and soaked in sweet syrup and topped with almonds. It is very easy to make and has a mild flavour. It is almost similar to vanilla cake, soft on the outside and slightly crusty on the inside.

4. Rice pudding

It is also known as Roz Bel Laban. This is made from rice, milk, cream, sugars, nuts and is very simple. It can be served either hot or cold. This dessert has also been a home remedy for digestion problems. You can add your twist of flavours to these desserts by using nuts, honey, cinnamon, creams to garnish or even top it up with a scoop of ice cream and dive into it.

5. Maamoul

These are spiced date cookies found in every Arab home to welcome their guests. It is filled with crushed nuts and date paste and moulded in beautiful shapes before it is baked. It has a perfect buttery flavour and goes well with a cup of black Arabian coffee. These cookies are the famous shortbread pastries of the Middle east. They melt in your mouth and are so delicious.

6. Umm Ali

Umm Ali is similar to bread pudding and can be served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The name “Umm Ali” means Ali’s mother. This Arab sweet is a must-try while you’re in Dubai. It is quite different from the usual bread pudding served in America, this has puff pastry layered in with nuts, dates, coconut flakes and soaked in a mixture of milk, cream and sugar before its baked. It is a beautiful welcoming dish that is warming and incomplete without one for your feasts.

7. Chebab

This is an Emirati version of pancakes served for your breakfast. It consists of a pancake mix with an infusion of spices; turmeric, cardamom and saffron. Tossed in a pan, cooked and served with date syrup drizzled over your tasty pancakes. It’s a party in your mouth. This could be your perfect breakfast meal for the day.

8. Luqaimat

These are deep-fried dumplings with a flavour of cardamom, saffron and served with date molasses garnished with sesame seeds. Luqaimat means “bite-sized” in Arabic and is served as a tower, piled up on a platter. It is made out of flour, sugar, cardamom, saffron, years, starch and rolled on date syrup. It originated in Qatar and is eaten traditionally in the UAE.

9. Assidat Al-Boubar

It’s a delicious pumpkin porridge that is lightly sweet and is a traditional Emirati dessert of the UAE. The porridge is cooked in milk, sugar, almond flour, nuts, clarified butter, cardamom, raisins, butter, and rose water. It is one of the best Arab sweets that you can try while you’re in Dubai. This porridge balances with both sweet and savoury flavors.

10. Khameer

Khameer means yeast, yeast bread consisting of dates, saffron and a pinch of turmeric. They are baked buns served with honey and cheese. These buns are made out of wheat and barley. It can be topped off with varieties such as Nutella, chocolate, peanut butter and jam and is available at many Emirati eateries.

So if you are in Dubai and you have missed out on these, this is your time to hurry and try out all these Arab sweets without fail. If you’re planning on visiting Dubai, put these guilty pleasures into your list and taste them while you explore the beautiful cities of Dubai.