Dubai's Chocolate Craze Captivates Airport Shoppers

Dubai's Chocolate Fever: Millions Sold in Airports, Local Brands in Focus

As travelers pass through the international airports of Dubai, they take not only their experiences but also their passion for sweets with them. The approximately 2.5 million chocolate bars sold in the first half of 2025 vividly prove that Dubai Duty Free is not only a stronghold of perfumes and luxury items but also a genuine chocolate paradise. The value of these sales amounted to 165 million dirhams – and what's truly special is that the majority of these products are linked to local brands, thus supporting the UAE's economy and cultural heritage.

Why are Dubai's chocolates so popular?

These brands offer more than mere sweetness: the trinity of tradition, luxury, and innovation. Flavors like date, pistachio, baklava, sesame seed, or camel milk not only carry local identity but also evoke international interest. Let's see the most popular brands that dominate the shelves and the hearts of buyers.

FIX – The Pioneer of “Dubai Chocolate”

The name of the FIX brand is almost synonymous with pistachio kunafa chocolate, which rapidly went viral worldwide. While many manufacturers have tried to replicate it, the original taste experience remains an exclusive UAE delight. Its latest launch, “Time to Mango,” is a tropical-flavored chocolate that continues the spirit of innovation.

L’ocali – The Meeting of Luxury and Heritage

This Dubai brand was born from the union of dates and 24-carat edible gold – a true culinary experience. The range includes dates coated or filled with chocolate (e.g., pistachio, rose, or orange peel), as well as Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolates that faithfully reflect Dubai's luxurious character.

Bateel – The Inventor of Date Chocolate

Although its first café opened in Saudi Arabia, Bateel’s headquarters is in Dubai, and today it represents the premium level of gastronomic experiences. The brand invented date chocolate in 2000 and has been a pioneering player ever since. The range includes special gift boxes, international chocolate selections, and even its own café chain blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Al Nassma – Camel Milk Delicacies

This was the first brand in the UAE to craft premium chocolates with camel milk. Camel milk, long used as food in the Arab world, imparts a unique, slightly salty taste to the chocolate. Al Nassma’s selection includes hollow chocolate figures, pralines, and caravan boxes.

Samha – Tiny Bites with Great Tradition

Samha is a child-friendly, cheerful brand offering camel milk chocolate-covered dates. Launched in 2019, the brand aims to provide sweets for birthdays, family gatherings, and school events – especially in multicultural communities.

I love Dubai – Local Flavors in a Modern Form

The “I love Dubai” brand is clearly built on local patriotism and culinary adventurism. Specialties include pistachio baklava chocolate, gahwa crunch (Arabic coffee flavor), and halwa rahash (sesame seed confection). Each flavor is a piece of UAE’s cultural fabric – moreover, they also carry symbolic meaning.

What does this mean for Dubai?

The rise of locally produced chocolates is not just a business success: it is an example of national identity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. Each chocolate bar sold is another step towards establishing the UAE not only as a tourism giant but also as a gastronomic powerhouse on the world map.

In conclusion

Whether it’s a gift, a souvenir, or a quick snack before departure, Dubai Duty Free’s chocolate offering is unique worldwide. These local brands not only delight taste buds but also carry a piece of the Dubai lifestyle with them.

(The article is based on a statement from Dubai Duty Free.)