Dubai’s Chocolate Boom: 2.5 Million Bars Sold at Airports in Six Months

Food, Drinks & Beverage

Dubai’s Chocolate Boom: 2.5 Million Bars Sold at Airports in Six Months

Dubai Duty-Free has recorded a surge in confectionery sales, with 2.5 million chocolate bars sold in the first six months of 2025 alone, according to Ramesh Cidambi, CEO of Dubai Duty Free. Valued at Dh165 million, these sales represent a booming segment of Dubai’s airport retail and highlight the global appeal of homegrown UAE chocolate brands.

The popular chocolates, all UAE-based, accounted for 40% of total confectionery sales during this period. Cidambi noted that such strong sales not only reflect consumer preferences but also support the local economy, as the revenues remain within the UAE.

Top-Selling UAE Chocolate Brands

FIX

FIX has rapidly become a staple in Dubai’s chocolate scene, particularly known for its viral pistachio kunafa chocolate, a blend of regional dessert tradition and modern confectionery. The brand gained international attention, even collaborating with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan on a limited-edition chocolate flavoured with Halawt, a traditional Middle Eastern sweet. FIX recently expanded its range with a tropical flavour, Time to Mango.

L’ocali

Merging heritage and luxury, L’ocali offers an array of date-filled chocolates, some adorned with 24k edible gold, epitomising the elegance often associated with Dubai. With flavours like pistachio, rose, and orange peel, the brand encapsulates the UAE’s culinary sophistication, alongside its Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate offerings.

Bateel

Originally founded in Riyadh and launched in the UAE in 1992, Bateel is a luxury date and chocolate brand headquartered in Dubai. It is credited with pioneering the date chocolate concept in 2000. Beyond its famed Gold Leaf date set and Gulf Map gift boxes, Bateel’s range includes artisanal chocolates from Brazil and the Dominican Republic. The brand also operates Café Bateel, a well-known restaurant concept that blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and recently introduced Bateel El’an, a compact culinary concept.

Other Popular Brands

Additional consumer favourites include Al Nassma, known for its camel milk chocolate; Samha, which focuses on regional flavours; and I Love Dubai, a souvenir-friendly line celebrating the city’s identity.

A Treat for Travellers and the Economy

The spike in chocolate sales at Dubai’s airports reflects not just the global demand for unique and high-quality sweets but also the role of airport retail in promoting UAE-based brands. As millions of tourists and residents pass through DXB, these chocolates serve as both a quick indulgence and a cultural souvenir.

With the summer travel season peaking, chocolate continues to be one of the most sought-after items at Dubai Duty Free, offering visitors a literal taste of the UAE's creativity, tradition, and opulence.