UAE: Dubai airports sells 2.5 million chocolate bars in 6 months, here are the top brands
Dubai's airports have become a chocolate lover's paradise, with a remarkable 2.5 million bars of locally made chocolates sold in just the first half of 2025. This surge in sales, which has generated an impressive Dh165 million in revenue, underscores the increasing demand for UAE-based chocolate brands.
Speaking to local media outlet Dubai Eye, Ramesh Cidambi, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted that these sales have provided a significant boost to the local economy. Cidambi pointed out that, since these brands are homegrown, the majority of the revenue from these chocolate sales remains within the UAE, benefitting the country's economy as a whole.
FIX
: The Viral
Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate
FIX has become synonymous with "Dubai chocolates," particularly due to its world-famous pistachio kunafa chocolate.
This unique fusion of traditional Middle Eastern dessert flavors with chocolate took the world by storm. Despite various attempts by other brands to replicate it, the authentic FIX taste remains an exclusive treat found only in the UAE.
In an exclusive collaboration with Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, FIX crafted a one-of-a-kind chocolate flavor, tailored to his personal preferences, which included Halawt, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert.
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The brand has continued to innovate, recently launching a tropical flavor, "Time to Mango," which aims to capture the essence of Dubai's sunny climate.
L'ocali: Luxury Meets Heritage
The Dubai-born brand L'ocali blends two key pillars of the UAE, heritage and luxury. Its chocolates, which include dates wrapped in 24k edible gold, embody the opulence that Dubai is famous for. L'ocali's offerings also include chocolate-coated dates with various fillings such as pistachio, rose, and orange peel, as well as gourmet chocolates crafted from Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate.
The brand's focus is on capturing the essence of Dubai's luxury experience, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Bateel: The Pioneer of
Date Chocolate
Bateel is more than just a chocolate brand, it's a part of the UAE's culinary heritage. Established in 1992, the brand is deeply rooted in both the UAE and Saudi Arabian traditions, with its headquarters in Dubai. The word "Bateel" refers to the young offshoot of a date palm tree, symbolizing growth and new beginnings, which aligns with the brand's commitment to innovation in chocolate.
Bateel revolutionized the chocolate industry when it "invented the date chocolate" in 2000, combining the rich flavors of dates with the decadence of high-quality chocolate. Beyond its signature date chocolates, Bateel also offers artisanal chocolates from regions like Brazil and the Dominican Republic, along with cookies inspired by Middle Eastern flavors like date dhibs and milk chocolate sesame praline.
The brand's expansion into the broader food sector, with the opening of Cafe Bateel in 2007, cemented its position as a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike. In 2023, it launched Bateel El'an, a more compact, cafe-focused format.
Al Nassma: The
Camel Milk Chocolate
Pioneer
Founded in 2008 by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Nassma is the UAE's first camel milk chocolate brand, and it has become an iconic name in the Middle East. Camel milk has long been a staple in the region, particularly among Bedouins, and Al Nassma uses this unique ingredient to craft chocolates that reflect the traditions of the Arabian desert.
The brand has made a mark with its "hollow figures," caravan boxes, pralines, and chocolate bars. Known for its luxurious offerings, Al Nassma has positioned itself as the "Godiva of the Middle East," combining high-quality chocolate with the distinct flavor of camel milk.
Samha: Camel Milk with a Twist
Launched in 2019 by Prime Chocolate, the parent company of Al Nassma, Samha brings another dimension to the world of camel milk chocolate. While Al Nassma offers a broad range of camel milk-based chocolates, Samha focuses specifically on camel milk-covered dates, which are a local favorite.
Samha has also embraced the pistachio kunafa flavor, adding a camel milk twist that brings a unique local touch. The bite-sized treats are a popular choice for birthdays, gatherings, and celebrations, helping people from diverse nationalities in the UAE share a taste of local culture.
I Love Dubai: A Fusion of Local Flavors
If you thought pistachio kunafa chocolate was the most innovative combination, think again. "I Love Dubai" offers some of the most unique chocolates in the region, including pistachio baklava chocolate and gahwa crunch. The pistachio baklava is a nod to the UAE's rich history of layered desserts, while the gahwa crunch incorporates gahwa, the Emirati term for Arabic coffee, a symbol of the country's legendary hospitality.
Another standout is halwa rahash, a Middle Eastern dessert made from sesame seed paste. It has a nutty, fudge-like texture, and when paired with chocolate, it creates a truly distinctive local flavor experience.
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