Festivals in Dubai feel magical. Lights, gatherings, long tables, and the smell of something sweet from the kitchen. One thing that always shows up during these celebrations? Arabic sweets.
These aren’t just desserts. They’re part of tradition. You will find them in every home. They are passed around with tea. Served after prayer. Brought as gifts to loved ones.
If you are wondering what to take to a family gathering or an Eid dinner or a special Diwali invite then Arabic sweets are always a safe and thoughtful choice. Add a small extra touch like a card or a bouquet or a soft gift. Suddenly it feels personal.
Let’s go through ten Arabic sweets that are perfect for gifting during festivals in Dubai. And we’ll show you how to turn each into a full, heartwarming present.
1. Baklava
Baklava is one of those sweets that everyone knows. It is golden and flaky. It is soaked in syrup and filled with crushed nuts. You do not need to say much more. The first bite speaks for itself. Every bite feels rich and comforting. During festivals, it’s often packed in lovely tins or elegant boxes – ready to gift without much effort. You could pair it with a flower box or a simple bouquet. Add a card that says something like, “Wishing you joy.” That’s it. No fuss. Just something warm, sweet, and thoughtful.
2. Maamoul
Maamoul is that quiet kind of sweet that everyone ends up loving. It has soft shortbread on the outside and a filling of dates or nuts inside. It is not too sweet which makes it great for people who like something mild.
You will see it often during Eid usually served with tea or Arabic coffee. Want to make it a gift? Wrap a few in a nice box. Add a card or a single flower. That is all it takes.
Or you could pack a few in a small hamper. Add a personalised gifts like Mug, Cushion etc. and maybe some date flavoured tea. Slip in a simple card. That is it. It feels warm thoughtful and just right for the season.
3. Kunafa
Kunafa is one of those desserts that makes people smile. It is warm and gooey with a soft stretch from the cheese or cream inside. It is soaked in syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. It feels rich and comforting and is honestly hard to resist. If you are gifting it then send it fresh. And if there are kids around add a soft toy or a couple of balloons. It turns into more than just dessert. It becomes a sweet little moment they will remember.
4. Basbousa
Basbousa is one of those simple desserts that feels just right. It is made with soft semolina and sometimes has a hint of coconut. It is always soaked in syrup. It feels light and sweet and is easy to share. You usually see it cut into small squares or packed in full trays ready to go. If you want to gift it then pair it with a cheerful flower arrangement. Or maybe a soft cushion that says something like Sweet Times. It is a small gift that feels good and says a lot without being too much.
5. Luqaimat
Luqaimat is the kind of sweet that goes fast. These are golden little dough balls with a crispy outside and a soft fluffy inside. They are drizzled with date syrup and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds. During Ramadan people look forward to iftar just for these. If you want to gift them keep it light and fun. Put them in a nice box. Tie a balloon to the handle. Add a small note that says something like Here is to sweet moments. It is simple. It is warm. And it is the kind of gift that makes people smile.
6. Halawet El Jibn
Halawet El Jibn is not your usual sweet. It is soft and creamy and melts the moment you take a bite. It is made from a light cheese dough and rolled with sweet cream. Then it is topped with syrup and crushed pistachios. It feels delicate but still rich and full of flavour. If you want to gift this do not just hand it over in a plain box. Add something gentle and thoughtful. Maybe a preserved rose or a light floral perfume. That small extra touch makes it feel special. Like you really took the time to think about it.
7. Qatayef
Qatayef are little pockets of joy. Like mini pancakes folded over sweet cheese or nut filling. Some are fried, some stay soft. But all of them? Delicious. You’ll see them everywhere during Ramadan, usually made fresh and gone just as fast.
If you’re gifting qatayef, don’t overthink it. Pop a few into a small basket. Add a cute little plant – maybe a peace lily or something that doesn’t ask for much. Slip in a simple card that says, “Enjoy every bite.” It feels homey. Thoughtful. The kind of gift that makes people smile without trying too hard.
8. Aish El Saraya
Aish El Saraya literally means “Bread of the Palace” – and honestly, it lives up to the name. This one’s rich, cool, and feels like comfort in a dish. Soft bread soaked in syrup which is topped with thick cream and a good sprinkle of pistachios. No baking, just pure indulgence.
Want to gift it? Keep it chilled. Pair it with a mini cake or a fresh bouquet for the table. It’s not loud or flashy. It simply says, “You deserve to relax today.”
9. Tamriya
Tamriya is one of those cosy, deep-fried treats you crave when the air’s a little cooler. Made with semolina dough and sweet dates, then dusted with sugar – each bite is crunchy, warm, and full of comfort.
It hits the spot during winter evenings or quiet late-night chats. Want to turn it into a gift? Wrap a few in a small box, add a personalised mug or a soft cushion, and you’ve got something that says – Slow down, sip some tea, and just enjoy.
10. Date Truffles or Stuffed Dates
Dates are a staple in every Arabic home. During festivals they turn into little pieces of art. Some are dipped in smooth chocolate. Others are filled with crunchy nuts or even zesty orange peel.
They are sweet. They are healthy. And they are full of tradition. Want to make them feel gift ready.
Pack a few in a nice box. Slip in a simple card. Maybe add a small bottle of perfume. It becomes a thoughtful little bundle that feels warm and special.
Add-Ons That Make Your Sweet Gift Better
Arabic sweets are already a treat on their own. But when you add a little extra touch, they go from good to unforgettable.
Think about it like this – add a card with a kind note. Or tuck in a small soft toy if there are kids around. Maybe include a flower box or a simple bunch of fresh blooms. Even better, build a small hamper with some sweets, a few chocolates, and a tiny surprise or two.
A preserved rose feels special and lasts. A mug or cushion with a sweet message adds warmth. Balloons with tiny notes inside? That’s a fun little twist.
You don’t have to go all out. Just keep it thoughtful. That’s what makes it feel real.
When to Gift Arabic Sweets in Dubai
Arabic sweets are enjoyed all through the year but there are moments when they feel extra special. During Eid al Fitr you will find boxes of baklava maamoul and qatayef on every table. Eid al Adha brings out basbousa and stuffed dates which feel warm and full of meaning.
If you are going to an iftar during Ramadan take a box of sweets for the host. It might seem small but it means a lot. For weddings or engagements people love getting kunafa or date truffles.
On National Day many get creative. They add red and white ribbons or balloons to match the occasion. Even a quiet family visit feels nicer when you carry something sweet with you. A little box of Arabic sweets often says more than words can.
Health-Friendly Versions of Arabic Sweets
Worried they are watching their sugar
No problem. In Dubai you can find lighter versions of maamoul basbousa and date treats made with honey or less sugar.
If you want to make it a thoughtful pair it with a small plant like a peace lily. Add a card that says something like Sweet but mindful. Or include a personalised mug with a pack of herbal tea.
It is the kind of gift that says I thought about you. And that always means more.
Quick Ideas for Last-Minute Gifts
Forgot someone last minute?
No stress. Grab a box of baklava or qatayef. Then add one or two of these:
– a preserved rose
– a simple card with a kind line
– a flower arrangement
– a balloon with a note tied on
In five minutes, you’ve got a gift that looks thoughtful. Like you planned it days ago.
Final Thoughts
Arabic sweets are more than just something to eat. They carry memories. They bring back moments of home family dinners and quiet talks after a long day.
When you show up with a box of sweets for Eid or Ramadan or even just a Friday dinner it says something real. You do not need to say much. A card helps. A bunch of flowers adds warmth. That is more than enough.
It does not need to cost a lot. It does not have to look fancy. What truly matters is the feeling behind it.
Because in the end gifts are not about how much you spend. They are about the care and thought you give.
