From heritage flavors to global ambition, Dubai’s homegrown chocolate brands are shaping a bold new identity for the UAE’s confectionery scene. We hear from the creators driving this evolution — blending tradition, quality and innovation to redefine what it means to make chocolate in Dubai.
At the 2025 edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, a panel titled “Made in Dubai: The Brands Reshaping the UAE’s Chocolate Scene” brought together leading voices from the world of chocolate — entrepreneurs, chocolatiers and culinary innovators who are turning Dubai into a rising hub for artisanal and luxury chocolate.
Crafting with culture and care
Dubai may be a relatively young player in the global chocolate industry, but its makers are leaning into heritage and storytelling to carve out a unique identity.
For Nouel C. Omamalin, heritage pastry chef and founder of Nouel Catis Foodstuff Trading L.L.C., his creations are rooted in memory. By infusing local and regional flavors into his work, he aims to connect customers to cultural roots and personal nostalgia.
Chocolate Creations founder Walid Ghazi also emphasized the emotional power of chocolate. “It’s more than a product — it’s an experience,” he said. His brand introduces new menus each season, using chocolate to reinterpret traditional flavors through a modern lens.
Building brands on excellence
What sets Dubai’s chocolate scene apart is not just its creativity but its commitment to quality.
For Shahnaz Bagherzadeh, founder of Vivel, quality is the cornerstone of everything she does. From handcrafting techniques to premium ingredients like saffron, pistachio and rosewater, her brand is built on elevating traditional Middle Eastern flavors into luxury experiences. “It is all about quality,” she said.
Bateel International takes a similar approach, blending innovation with deep respect for tradition. Duncan Muir, senior director of F&B and retail, shared how the brand began with dates and evolved to include globally distributed artisan chocolates — always anchored in its Arabian roots.
Facing challenges with creativity
Succeeding in the UAE’s competitive chocolate market requires more than just great taste. From supply chain pressures to customer expectations, brands must constantly adapt.
Ingredient costs — particularly for cocoa and pistachios — are rising. Delivery and packaging solutions also require continuous innovation to ensure product integrity in warm environments. But the panelists agree: quality remains non-negotiable.
For smaller brands, the pressure to stay relevant is constant. “Every new product is like a second album,” said Omamalin. “You need to keep surprising people while staying authentic.”
Riding the wave of new trends
Health-conscious innovation is one of the biggest drivers in the chocolate space. From sugar-free options to dark chocolate blends, Dubai chocolatiers are tapping into a growing demand for guilt-free indulgence.
With dates offering a natural sweetener, local brands have a unique edge in creating wholesome alternatives without sacrificing flavor. Popular ingredients like pistachio and saffron continue to dominate while seasonal product lines for occasions such as Ramadan and Diwali reflect the city’s multicultural identity.
Texture and format are also evolving, with brands exploring layered bites, filled pralines and new presentation styles that surprise and delight.
Inspiring a new generation of makers
The panel closed with personal insights and advice for aspiring chocolatiers and pastry professionals.
“Stay true to your roots,” urged Omamalin, encouraging young talents to draw on their own heritage and experiences. Bagherzadeh echoed this sentiment, reflecting on her own journey — starting small in Dubai and growing Vivel into an international brand. “Be original, be persistent. It’s the only way to stand out.”
Dubai’s chocolate scene is quickly earning global attention — not just for its flavors but for its bold spirit and cultural depth. By blending innovation with identity, these makers are putting UAE chocolate on the world map.
Panel insights from “Made in Dubai: The Brands Reshaping the UAE’s Chocolate Scene” at Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai 2025. Moderated by Lisa Jerejian, Communications Manager at Hospitality Services.
