DUBAI: THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS
All eyes are on Dubai’s latest viral sensation – a decadent chocolate bar with a Middle Eastern twist. But this pistachio and knafeh treat is more than just a fleeting social media craze; it’s part of a broader story about the city’s rising wave of homegrown craftsmanship. From artisan chocolates and handcrafted jewellery to bespoke fragrances and eclectic concept stores, Dubai’s creative scene is flourishing.
The Chocolate Craze That Started It All
It all began with a chocolate bar – but not just any chocolate bar. FIX Dessert chocolatiers Can’t Get Knafeh of It is a rich, pistachio-filled chocolate creation that has taken social media by storm. Combining the nutty, syrup-soaked flavours of knafeh with luxurious milk chocolate, this viral hit has put FIX Dessert Chocolatier firmly on the global culinary map.
Founded in 2021 by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda, FIX reimagines classic Middle Eastern desserts in chocolate form, collaborating with Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis to create bold, nostalgic flavours. Other popular choices include the Mind Your Own Buiscoff, a crunchy lotus cheesecake-infused bar, and You Karak Me Up, blending fragrant karak tea with smooth milk chocolate.
But FIX is not alone in shaping Dubai’s artisan chocolate scene. In the industrial-chic Al Quoz district, Mirzam Chocolate Makers crafts bean-to-bar chocolates inspired by the Emirati spice trade. Think dark chocolate with cardamom, fennel, and dates, produced with an emphasis on traditional methods and local ingredients. Visitors can watch the chocolate-making process in action at their factory and sample single-origin bars right from the source.
Over at Alserkal Avenue, Ganache Chocolatier serves up pralines, caramels, and glazed bonbons – a sophisticated nod to European techniques with a local twist. Meanwhile, Co Chocolat, run by two Emirati sisters, focuses on ethically sourced, nutrient-rich cocoa, ensuring that each bite balances indulgence with wellness.
More Than Just Sweets
Dubai’s thriving food culture goes beyond chocolate. The city’s traditional souks offer a rich tapestry of flavours and scents, where vendors sell everything from aromatic spices to freshly made sweets. The Spice Souk in Deira is a must-visit, with its vibrant displays of saffron, cardamom, and dried lemons. Food lovers should also sample local treats from Al Samadi Sweets, a Beirut-born bakery known for its maamoul and baklava, and Daima, which specialises in Arabian sweets and high-quality nuts.
For something distinctly local, head to the Hatta Honeybee Garden, where visitors can learn about beekeeping and sample fresh honey infused with Emirati flora. Coffee aficionados will find plenty to sip at Nightjar Coffee Roasters, known for its small-batch brews, or Project Chaiwala, where single-estate Darjeeling teas are transformed into aromatic cups of chai.
Nightjar
Gold, Jewels, and a Sense of Place
Dubai’s knack for blending tradition with modernity is perhaps best exemplified in its jewellery scene. A trip to the Gold Souk is essential – a labyrinthine market filled with glittering displays of gold, silver, and precious gems. For more curated pieces, visit Gold & Diamond Park, where artisans craft bespoke designs. Those looking for something offbeat should explore Sauce Rocks at Galleria Mall, where contemporary jewellery from local designers merges modern aesthetics with Middle Eastern heritage.
Further afield in Al Quoz, the Antique Museum is a treasure trove of handcrafted jewellery, antiques, and regional artefacts – an eclectic alternative to the city’s glossier retail offerings.
A Fragrant Journey
The art of fragrance holds a special place in Dubai’s cultural identity. At the Perfume Souk in Deira, stalls brim with oud, bakhoor, and scented oils. Iconic Emirati brand Swiss Arabian offers a blend of heritage and innovation with its range of luxury oud and bespoke perfumes. For a personalised scent, visit Oo La Lab in Alserkal Avenue, where visitors can craft their own fragrance profiles. Meanwhile, The Oasis Candle Co. brings the scent of the city into homes with luxury candles crafted locally.
Concept Stores: A Fresh Perspective
In a city known for its skyscrapers and high-end malls, Dubai’s concept stores offer a refreshing counterpoint. THAT Concept Store in Mall of the Emirates is a curated wonderland, mixing fashion, design, and homeware with a distinctively regional flair. In Jumeirah, Kulture House blends retail with cafe culture, offering handcrafted decor and regional art.
Meanwhile, O’de Rose in Umm Suqeim champions local designers with contemporary takes on Middle Eastern motifs, and Amongst Few in Jumeirah is the go-to spot for streetwear with a cultural twist. For those seeking unique souvenirs, Gallery One offers art prints and decor inspired by the region’s landscapes and traditions.
A Shopping Journey Like No Other
The souks remain at the heart of Dubai’s retail soul. The Textile Souk in Bur Dubai is a riot of colour, where bolts of silk and embroidered fabrics tempt shoppers looking for traditional attire or custom pieces. Naif Souk in Deira, one of the city’s oldest, offers a glimpse into the past with stalls selling garments, perfumes, and handmade accessories.
Before leaving the city, a stop at Dubai Duty Free ensures last-minute souvenirs – from luxury chocolates to traditional dallahs (Arabic coffee pots) – ready to be packed into carry-ons.
DUBAI: THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS
The Creative Pulse of Dubai
Dubai’s creative identity is evolving, shaped by a new generation of artisans and entrepreneurs. Whether it’s the viral success of a knafeh chocolate bar or the bespoke touch of a handcrafted piece of jewellery, the city’s makers are proving that luxury can be both local and global.
At a time when social media buzz can make or break a brand, FIX Dessert Chocolatier has demonstrated that authenticity and quality still resonate. Yet, the real story here isn’t just about a single chocolate bar – it’s about a city where creativity is as diverse and dynamic as its skyline.
Dubai is no longer just a gateway for international brands; it’s a destination where homegrown talent thrives, infusing global trends with local soul. The next time you’re in town, explore beyond the megamalls and discover a more nuanced, artisanal side of the city. You might just find that the true essence of Dubai is in the details – from a handmade chocolate bar to a bespoke scent crafted just for you.
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