Finding a sweets store near Abu Dhabi is rarely difficult. The harder question is deciding what kind of dessert you want.
The capital has a diverse sweets scene, from traditional Arabic confectioneries serving kunafa, baklava and maamoul to modern cake shops, chocolate boutiques and international dessert brands. Recent Abu Dhabi food guides highlight the city’s wide selection of traditional and contemporary sweet destinations.
For visitors, sweets are also an important part of experiencing the UAE’s food culture. Arabic desserts often combine ingredients such as pistachios, walnuts, dates, cheese, cream, honey and fragrant spices.
Top 5 Sweets Store Near Abu Dhabi
1. AlAqssa Sweets
AlAqssa Sweets
Located in Al Zahiyah on Salam Street, AlAqssa Sweets is a strong choice for traditional Arabic desserts. Its popular selection includes kunafa, kulaj with nuts, basbousa, hareesah, mabrouma and maamoul.
It is particularly appealing if your idea of the perfect dessert involves syrup-soaked pastry, cheese, cream and nuts.
2. Al Dar Sweets
Al Dar Sweets
Al Dar Sweets is another established Abu Dhabi option, located around the intersection of Falah Street and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. Its selection includes shaybiyat, hareeseh, halawat el jebin and madlouka.
For someone searching specifically for traditional Middle Eastern sweets, this is a name worth considering.
3. LADURÉE Abu Dhabi Mall
LADURÉE Abu Dhabi Mall Store
If your preference is French-style patisserie rather than Arabic sweets, LADURÉE at Abu Dhabi Mall offers a very different experience.
The elegant brand is particularly associated with macarons, cakes and refined French desserts. A recent 2026 Abu Dhabi cake-shop ranking lists the Abu Dhabi Mall location among the city’s leading cake destinations.
4. Gelateria La Romana dal 1947
Gelateria La Romana dal 1947
Located on Al Maryah Island, Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 is a good option when the craving is for Italian gelato rather than traditional pastries.
Its location makes it convenient for people combining dessert with shopping, waterfront walks or an evening around The Galleria.
5. Kaak Bladna Sweets
Kaak Bladna Sweets – كعك بلادنا
Kaak Bladna Sweets in Al Khalidiyah offers another traditional Middle Eastern option. It is particularly interesting for visitors who want to explore regional baked sweets rather than focusing only on cakes and ice cream.
Its location near Al Khalidiyah Park also makes it a convenient stop during an exploration of central Abu Dhabi.
What Should You Try?
Your choice depends on the kind of sweet you are looking for.
For Arabic sweets: Start with kunafa, baklava, maamoul, basbousa or halawat el jebin. These are among the classic options found across Abu Dhabi’s traditional sweet shops.
For chocolate: Look for specialist chocolate shops and confectioneries, particularly if you are buying sweets as gifts.
For cakes: Modern patisseries offer everything from individual desserts to celebration cakes and customised designs.
For ice cream: Italian-style gelato is a lighter alternative after a large meal, especially during Abu Dhabi’s warmer months.
How to Choose the Right Sweets Store
Not every sweets shop serves the same purpose.
If you are buying a gift, consider a beautifully packaged box of Arabic sweets or premium chocolates. If you are visiting with family, a mixed box lets everyone try different flavours.
For a quick dessert, individual portions of kunafa, cake or gelato are more practical. If you are hosting guests, larger mixed trays of baklava and other Arabic pastries can be a better choice.
Freshness also matters. Look for shops with a high turnover of products, especially when buying cream-filled or cheese-based desserts.
Why Arabic Sweets Remain Popular in Abu Dhabi
Arabic sweets have a cultural role that goes beyond satisfying a sweet tooth.
They frequently appear during celebrations, family gatherings, Ramadan, Eid and social occasions. Their combination of pastry, nuts, syrup, cheese and cream creates flavours that are instantly recognisable across the region.
For international visitors, trying kunafa or baklava from a traditional Abu Dhabi sweets shop can therefore be both a culinary and cultural experience.
Final Takeaway
The best sweets store near Abu Dhabi depends on what you are craving. Traditional Arabic confectioneries are ideal for kunafa, baklava and regional pastries, while modern patisseries and gelaterias offer French, Italian and contemporary alternatives.
From Al Zahiyah and Al Khalidiyah to Al Maryah Island and Abu Dhabi Mall, the capital gives dessert lovers plenty of reasons to explore beyond the ordinary cake shop.
Do follow us on Instagram.
Read More – 7 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Emirati Women’s Day in Abu Dhabi
