Where to find the UAE’s most unforgettable kunafa before the school year begins.
Some treats seem almost too perfect to be real.
But they are.
And kunafa, without a doubt, is one of them.
With its delicate layers, gooey cheese filling and generous drizzle of sweet syrup, kunafa has earned its place as a beloved dessert among food lovers across the UAE. From time-honoured recipes rooted in tradition to creative versions finished with pistachios, cream and other indulgent toppings, Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi offer plenty of places to experience this iconic sweet.
Before school bells ring again, mornings get busier and family routines return at the end of August, why not treat your kids to one final summer adventure? Explore these 12 kunafa spots across the UAE for a memorable dessert experience before the holidays come to a close.
1) Graffiti Kunafa — Abu Dhabi
Forget everything you thought you knew about kunafa. This spot transforms the beloved dessert into a full culinary experience, offering a journey through the flavours and traditions of the Arab world.
With a menu that spans an impressive range of kunafa varieties from across the region, dining here feels less like choosing a dessert and more like exploring generations of pastry heritage.
Traditionalists can savour the classic Egyptian-style kunafa, while those seeking an authentic taste of its origins can try the Palestinian version. For true kunafa enthusiasts, the Nabulsieh Khishna is a standout choice — a beautifully crafted dish that showcases the dessert at its best.
The menu also embraces creativity with modern interpretations, including Nutella and Lotus-filled kunafa creations that bring a contemporary twist to this timeless favourite. It is a reminder that even a centuries-old dessert can continue to surprise and evolve.
Where to go: Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah 3 and Al Ain — your next kunafa adventure awaits.
2) Sale Sucre Patisserie — Sharjah
If you are searching for a hidden dessert gem, Sale Sucre Patisserie is a spot worth discovering. Known for its creative flavour combinations, the patisserie offers standout treats such as mango kunafa and Nutella kunafa, giving the traditional dessert a fresh and playful twist.
Beyond its inventive creations, Sale Sucre Patisserie also excels at classic Middle Eastern sweets, serving favourites like Egyptian basbousa and baklava crafted with care and attention to detail — the kind of quality that keeps dessert lovers returning.
The experience extends beyond the menu, with a clean and welcoming setting complemented by friendly service. The team’s dedication to helping customers find the perfect dessert adds to the charm, making each visit feel thoughtful and memorable.
For anyone exploring the UAE’s growing dessert scene, Sale Sucre Patisserie is a destination that deserves a place on the list.
Where to go: 156 S108, Al Majaz 2, Shop #2 — Sharjah
3) Nabeel Nafisah Sweets — Sharjah
Family heritage and generations of confectionery craftsmanship come together at Nabeel Nafisah Sweets, a much-loved Sharjah destination with roots tracing back to the historic streets of Damascus.
What began as a Syrian family business has grown into an internationally recognised name, celebrated for preserving the authentic flavours and traditional techniques of Arabic sweet-making. Each creation reflects a deep respect for heritage, with recipes and methods passed down through generations.
For those looking to experience the true taste of Damascus without leaving the UAE, Nabeel Nafisah Sweets offers a genuine journey into Syrian confectionery — a tradition carefully preserved and proudly shared with dessert lovers.
Where to go: Al Majaz 2, Al Majaz — Sharjah
4) Al Baba Sweets — Dubai
Bringing decades of Middle Eastern dessert-making expertise to Dubai, Al Baba Sweets is a destination for those who appreciate authentic flavours and traditional craftsmanship. The renowned sweet shop is celebrated for its wide selection of Arabic delicacies, combining heritage recipes with high-quality ingredients.
Its kunafa remains a favourite among dessert lovers, offering the classic combination of golden, crispy layers, rich filling and perfectly balanced syrup. Alongside kunafa, visitors can explore an array of traditional treats, including baklava and other handcrafted sweets that showcase the artistry of regional confectionery.
Whether you are craving a nostalgic taste of home or discovering Arabic desserts for the first time, Al Baba Sweets delivers a satisfying experience rooted in tradition.
Where to go: Dubai
5) Al Samadi Sweets — Dubai
This dessert destination has something to keep every member of the family happy. From affordable Lebanese and Arabic sweets to French cakes, pastries, coffee, fresh juices and ice cream, Al Samadi Sweets offers a tempting selection for every craving.
Bring the kids along and let them choose their favourites — whether it’s a rich chocolate treat or a crunchy kahk — while you relax with a perfectly brewed coffee and enjoy a sweet moment together. With so many options to explore, it is the kind of place that turns a simple dessert stop into a fun family outing.
Where to go: 8 Al Muraqqabat St, Deira — Dubai, or Corniche Buhairah, Corniche Street (opposite Al Noor Masjid) — Sharjah
6) Firas Sweets — Dubai
A name well known among Arabic dessert lovers, Firas Sweets is celebrated for its signature kunafa, a classic treat made with delicate shredded phyllo pastry, rich cheese filling and a fragrant syrup infused with flavours such as rose water or orange blossom water.
With its balance of crisp texture, creamy filling and sweetness, Firas Sweets’ kunafa captures the essence of this beloved Middle Eastern dessert while staying true to traditional preparation methods.
Firas Sweets’ kunafa reflects a preparation style deeply rooted in regional tradition, bringing together carefully balanced textures and flavours in a recipe that has remained largely unchanged through generations.
For those looking to discover authentic kunafa in Dubai, Firas Sweets continues to be a reliable destination, offering a traditional take on one of the region’s most cherished desserts.
Where to go: Al Hudaiba Building, 2nd of December Street, Al Hudaiba — Dubai
7) Qwaider Al Nabulsi — Dubai
Turn dessert time into a family adventure at Qwaider Al Nabulsi, a destination known for its authentic Arabic sweets and traditional flavours. The menu features favourites such as cheese katayef topped with pistachios and pine nuts, alongside an impressive selection of baklava, warbat, mamoul and hares.
Each dessert is carefully prepared and beautifully presented on traditional serving plates, making it a great choice for both enjoying in-store or taking home to share with family. For those with an extra sweet tooth, customers can even request additional fillings for selected treats.
Whether it’s a weekend family outing or a box of sweets to enjoy at home, Qwaider Al Nabulsi offers a taste of classic Arabic confectionery that brings everyone together.
Where to go: Al Nahyan — Abu Dhabi, or Deira — Dubai
8) Al Aqsa Sweets — Abu Dhabi
Step into Al Aqsa Sweets and discover a world filled with classic Arabic dessert favourites. From rich, cheese-filled kunafa and crisp baklava to sweet basbousa and other traditional treats, this beloved spot has been satisfying dessert lovers since 1980.
Its long-standing presence in Abu Dhabi has made it a popular choice for families looking to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern sweets together. Children and adults alike can explore a wide variety of desserts, making it an ideal stop for a weekend treat or a memorable family outing.
The brand has also expanded its presence with a second branch in the Khalidiya area, making it even easier for dessert enthusiasts to enjoy its signature creations.
Where to go: Salam Street, Tourist Club Area, Al Zahiyah — Abu Dhabi
9) Al Halabya Sweets — Sharjah
Established in 2019 in Sharjah, Al Halabya Sweets, also known as Aleppo Sweets, brings the rich heritage of oriental confectionery to the UAE through handcrafted desserts made with traditional techniques and quality ingredients.
Specialising in classic Levantine sweets, the shop offers a selection of favourites including two varieties of baklava — qashta and pistachio — along with knafeh, maamoul, namourah and other delicacies inspired by Aleppine dessert traditions.
With its focus on authentic flavours and careful craftsmanship, Al Halabya Sweets offers dessert lovers a chance to experience the timeless tastes of the Levant.
10) Tripoli Sweets — Abu Dhabi
While kunafa remains a much-loved classic, Tripoli Sweets offers a unique interpretation with its Osmaleya — a dessert often described as a kunafa-style cake. Made with two layers of crisp vermicelli pastry surrounding a soft, creamy filling of fresh cream or cheese, it delivers a distinctive combination of textures and flavours.
Established in 1989, Tripoli Sweets has spent decades preserving the traditions of Lebanese confectionery, serving a range of authentic desserts that continue to attract lovers of Middle Eastern sweets.
Where to go: Abu Dhabi
11) Gulf Pastry — Sharjah
For those seeking freshly prepared treats at affordable prices, Gulf Pastry is a convenient takeaway destination offering a wide variety of baked favourites. The menu features made-to-order pastries and savoury options, including kraft, honey mushaltat, Turkish shawarma, manakish and fatayer in different sizes.
Prepared fresh for each order, the spot has gained appreciation for its quality offerings and attentive service, making it a practical choice for a quick bite or a casual weekend food stop.
Where to go: Sharjah
12) Wafi Gourmet — Dubai
Craving a sweet treat without travelling across the city? Wafi Gourmet offers a convenient stop for lovers of traditional Arabic desserts, located right within the mall.
From golden, flaky baklava to rich and indulgent kunafa, the restaurant serves a selection of classic favourites alongside other Middle Eastern delicacies. Whether you are shopping with family or simply looking for a dessert break, Wafi Gourmet makes it easy to enjoy authentic flavours in a comfortable setting.
Where to go: Dubai Mall — Dubai
