Dubai’s Viral Chocolate Becomes A Global Sensation And The UAE’s Sweet New Soft Power

Image Credits: Canva Stock Images
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When people think of Dubai, they picture world records, architectural marvels, luxury shopping, and global events. But in recent years, something far smaller — and sweeter — has become one of the city’s most surprising cultural exports.

Enter the Dubai chocolate — a viral dessert born from the kitchens of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, now making waves across the world.

The creation is deceptively simple yet irresistibly indulgent: thin, crispy kunafah wrapped in creamy pistachio, then coated in smooth milk chocolate. It’s a fusion that feels both distinctly Middle Eastern and universally appealing — a perfect reflection of Dubai’s modern identity as a crossroads of cultures.

Image Credits: Canva Stock Images

Launched quietly in 2021, the dessert began as a local favorite before exploding on TikTok and Instagram in 2023. By early 2024, it had taken over global taste buds, inspiring countless DIY recipes and brand spin-offs. Chocolate giants like Lindt, Galaxy, and even Ghirardelli have since created their own pistachio-kunafah twists, proving just how far the Dubai chocolate phenomenon has spread.

Meanwhile, Fix Dessert Chocolatier is expanding its reach beyond the UAE — with a London pop-up running until November 23, giving global dessert lovers a chance to experience the treat firsthand.

What makes this story remarkable isn’t just the flavor — it’s what it represents. As Time magazine noted, this chocolate has become a symbol of the UAE’s “soft power” — the ability to win hearts and shape perceptions through creativity, culture, and taste rather than politics.

In just a few years, one small dessert has managed to do what no campaign could — turn the UAE’s sweetness into a global talking point, one bite at a time.