10 Famous Arabic Sweets to Try

Arabian sweets are a treasure trove of healthy vitamins, have a unique texture, and their appearance alone pays tribute to the traditions of entire nations across the Middle East and beyond for centuries. Given the legacy of this kind of delicacy, it is worth taking a closer look at its features, such as the blend of ingredients like pistachio, cardamom, and syrup, transforming simple components into irresistible delicacies.

There is something for everyone. From the world-famous Baklava to the indulgent Kunafa, these traditional Emirati sweets are more than just food — they represent culture and craftsmanship. There are at least 10 types of Arabian desserts that any sweet tooth should know about. Many of them are conveniently available at Nakheel Mall in Dubai, a hub for culinary delights. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the world of sweets mastery.

Best Arabian Desserts to Try and Where to Find Them

Among the places that best represent the world of sweets in Dubai is Nakheel Mall. It is here that you can easily find all the desserts that interest tourists. And if you are planning a day out to indulge, why not elevate the experience when you can rent a Mercedes in Dubai from Trinity Rental? Drive along Sheikh Zayed Road with exotic cars, then park in style at Nakheel Mall to savor these treats.

The Classic Baklava

Baklava is a classic Arabic dessert made of crisp phyllo layers filled with pistachios, walnuts, or almonds. Baked golden, it is soaked in honey or rosewater syrup, creating a rich, sweet treat. Its crispy texture and syrupy, nut-filled center make it an irresistible and iconic delicacy across the Arab world.

Kunafa — The Cheesy Delight

Kunafa is a dessert that takes indulgence to a whole new level. These traditional Arabic sweets feature shredded phyllo dough or fine vermicelli noodles layered with a rich filling of cream, cheese, or a combination of both. After baking, it is soaked in a nutty syrup known as «Attar,» often flavoured with orange blossom water or rosewater, and topped with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added crunch.

Katayef — The Syrup-Drenched Pancake

If you are in the mood for something sweet yet slightly savoury, Katayef is the perfect choice. These small, folded pancakes are made from a simple batter, fried until golden, and then stuffed with various fillings like cream, cheese, or crushed nuts — pistachios and walnuts being favourites. Once filled, they are sealed and drenched in a thick, aromatic syrup, often spiced with cardamom or cinnamon.

Sahlab — The Creamy Winter Warmer

Sahlab is a unique entry on this list, as it is both a dessert and a drink, depending on its preparation. Made from hot milk thickened with cornstarch or the powdered root of the Sahlab orchid, this creamy concoction is sweetened with sugar and adorned with toppings like chopped pistachios, almonds, raisins, coconut flakes, and a dusting of cinnamon. In colder months, it is served as a warm, soothing beverage, while thicker versions can be enjoyed as a pudding-like treat. This traditional delicacy is a staple in Middle Eastern households, especially during winter, offering warmth and comfort in every sip or spoonful.

Halva — The Sesame Sensation

Originating from Persia but widely embraced across the Middle East, Halva is a fudgy, nutty dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made from ground sesame paste and sugar and often studded with pistachios or almonds, Halva comes in various forms — bars, cakes, or even as a topping for ice cream. Its dense, crumbly texture and rich, nutty flavour make it a standout among Arabian sweets.

Umm Ali — The Middle Eastern Bread Pudding

Umm Ali, meaning «Ali’s Mother,» is Egypt’s answer to bread pudding — and it is a dessert that’s as heartwarming as its name suggests. This delicacy is made by layering puff pastry or bread with a mixture of nuts, like pistachios or almonds, raisins, coconut flakes, and a generous amount of sweetened cream or milk. Baked until golden and bubbly, it is served warm, offering a comforting blend of textures and flavours.

Basbousa — The Semolina Sweetheart

Basbousa is a semolina cake that is soaked in syrup and bursting with floral notes, making it one of the most beloved Arabic desserts. Flavoured with orange blossom water or rosewater, this moist, crumbly cake is often topped with almond slices or coconut shreds for extra texture. After baking, it is generously drizzled with honey or syrup, ensuring every bite is a sweet, sticky delight.

Maamoul — The Buttery Cookie

Maamoul are buttery Middle Eastern cookies filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, often soaked in syrup and beautifully stamped, symbolizing tradition, artistry, and rich, sweet flavour in every bite.

Rangina — The Afghan-Inspired Gem

Rangina is a lesser-known but equally delightful Arab sweets Dubai, most commonly associated with Afghanistan and the Gulf region. This dessert is made from refined semolina flour, sugar, and ghee, which are fried together to create a rich, crumbly base. It’s then soaked in a sweet syrup, often infused with cardamom, resulting in a treat that’s both aromatic and satisfying.

Znoud El-Sit: The Creamy Rolls

Znoud El-Sit, meaning «lady’s upper arms,» are deep-fried pastry rolls filled with cream or pistachios, drizzled with syrup, and best enjoyed warm for a crunchy, creamy, sweet treat.

If you are in this megapolis, Nakheel Mall is your one-stop destination after renting one of the prestige autos from Trinity’s car fleet to sample these traditional treats. With its diverse offerings and inviting ambiance, it’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of traditional UAE desserts.