Best Sweets in Dubai – Your Go‑To Guide for Desserts

Dubai is a playground for sweet lovers. Whether you crave a sticky date‑filled pastry or a perfectly piped mousse, the city has something that hits the spot. Below you’ll find the most popular sweet stops, what to order, and a few hacks to avoid the tourist price tag.

Classic Arabic Sweet Spots

First up, the old‑school favorites that locals swear by. Al Mallah on Al Diyafah Street serves up luqaimat – tiny dough balls drenched in date syrup and a sprinkle of sesame. Order a plate of ten; it costs roughly AED 12 and pairs perfectly with a cup of strong Arabic coffee.

If you’re after something flaky, head to Al Safadi for baklava. The pistachio layers are buttery, and the honey drizzle is just sweet enough. A typical piece runs about AED 8, but the taste feels like a luxury treat.

Don’t miss Arabian Tea House for kunafa – a crescent‑shaped cheese pastry topped with orange‑scented syrup. It’s a lunchtime crowd‑pleaser; a single serving is under AED 20 and fills you up fast.

Modern Dessert Destinations

Dubai’s international vibe shows up in its dessert scene too. Gusto Gelato in Mall of the Emirates whips out gelato in flavors like rose‑water pistachio and salted caramel. A scoop is AED 15, and they offer free toppings on weekdays after 5 pm.

For Instagram‑ready treats, swing by The Sum of Us in Trade Centre. Their matcha tiramisu is a silky blend of Japanese tea and classic Italian layers. It’s pricey – around AED 45 – but the portion size and flavor punch make it worth the splurge.

Cheese cake fans should check out Cheesecake Factory at The Dubai Mall. The Oreo Dream Cheesecake is a crowd favorite; a slice goes for AED 38 and is great for sharing.

Want a quick sweet fix on the go? Grab a cardamom‑spiced ice cream sandwich from Ice Cream Lab in City Walk. It’s a handheld treat for under AED 20, perfect for a break between meetings.

Pro tip: many dessert cafés run “happy hour” specials after 8 pm, cutting prices by 20‑30%. Ask the staff about the daily deal – you’ll often get a free topping or a smaller portion for less.

Dubai’s sweet scene is diverse, but the best way to find your favorite is to explore a few neighborhoods. Jumeirah and Al Barsha host the classic spots, while Downtown and Marina are home to the newer, experimental parlors. Keep an eye on local Instagram pages; they usually announce flash sales and new menu drops.

Bottom line: there’s a sweet for every mood and budget. Grab a traditional luqaimat after your morning walk, indulge in a luxe tiramisu for a special night, and don’t forget to try the experimental flavors popping up in the city’s hip cafés. Happy tasting!