UAE’s New Wave Pastry Chefs

Gone are the days when dessert menus were afterthoughts. In today’s UAE, pastry chefs are center stage—pushing creative boundaries, blending tradition with innovation, and gaining global acclaim from Paris to Dubai.

This new wave is marked by:

• International technique meets local ingredient
• Instagram-worthy aesthetics with depth
• Artisan craftsmanship over mass production

Let’s meet the talent behind the transformation.

‍1. Chef Sahar Al Awadhi – The Modern Muse of Emirati Pastry

Formerly the first Emirati female pastry chef at Burj Al Arab, Sahar is a trailblazer. She seamlessly incorporates dates, cardamom, rose, and Arabic coffee into refined desserts that rival European patisserie.

Signature Style:

• Minimalist aesthetics, bold local flavor
• Baked creations with cultural storytelling

Where to Try:
Her work often appears in exclusive pop-ups and collaborations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

‍2. Chef Karim Bourgi – Parisian Precision in the Gulf

A French-trained chef of Lebanese origin, Karim blends classical French techniques with regional ingredients like pistachio, rose, and za’atar.

Signature Creations:

• Rose-scented Paris-Brest
• Saffron pistachio éclairs
• Pistachio croissants crowned with gold

Where to Try:

• KAYU Bakehouse – Dubai
• Maison Sucrée – Abu Dhabi

‍3. Chef Gregory Doyen – Artistic Vision Meets Flavor Engineering

Internationally recognized for his sculptural desserts, Chef Doyen’s work in Dubai is redefining pastry as edible art.

Signature Style:

• Mousse-based desserts
• Mirror glaze domes with delicate floral accents
• Valrhona chocolate mastery

Where to Try:

• LPM Dubai and guest dessert showcases across DIFC

‍4. Chef Khulood Atiq – Reviving Traditional Sweets

Khulood isn’t just a pastry chef—she’s a culinary preservationist, reimagining luqaimat, balaleet, and aseeda into modern plated desserts.

Signature Style:

• Deconstructed classics
• Edible storytelling of Emirati childhood flavors

Where to Try:

• Culinary pop-ups, cultural festivals, and curated Hi Tours experiences

5. Chef Dina Ghandour – The Plant-Based Patissière

Dina is leading UAE’s plant-forward pastry scene, crafting beautiful desserts that are vegan, gluten-free, and indulgent.

Signature Creations:

• Coconut mango basbousa
• Rose tahini brownies
• Date caramel layer cakes

Where to Try:

• Wild & The Moon, Just Vegan, and boutique wellness cafés in Dubai

Cultural Insight: Why It Matters

In a region where sweets are woven into hospitality, this movement is more than just food—it’s a new language of cultural expression. The blending of:

• Old (saffron, dates, halwa) with
• New (matcha, yuzu, freeze-drying)
  …is a sweet metaphor for the UAE’s evolving identity—rooted, ambitious, and globally relevant.

Where to Indulge: Dessert Destinations Across the UAE

The UAE is home to an eclectic mix of dessert spots catering to every palate. In Dubai, KAYU Bakehouse offers a modern luxury pastry bar experience, perfect for those who appreciate elegant craftsmanship in sweets. Also in Dubai, Brix by 3 Fils takes dessert to the next level with its curated tasting experiences. Over in Abu Dhabi, Maison Sucrée blends classic European desserts with Gulf-inspired flavors, creating a unique fusion. For a stylish bite, The Lighthouse in Dubai and Yas Island serves Mediterranean treats in a chic café setting. In Sharjah, Huna by the Pond offers a cultural ambiance with contemporary twists on traditional desserts.

Sweet Indulgence: Cost Guide

Artisan pastries are a popular pick, typically priced between $6 and $10 per item. If you're looking to explore a range of flavors, dessert tasting menus range from $25 to $40. For those leaning towards mindful indulgence, plant-based pastry boxes are available between $12 and $20. Meanwhile, dishes that creatively combine traditional and modern elements are generally priced at $8 to $12, offering a fusion of heritage and innovation in every bite.

UAE’s new wave pastry chefs are more than trendsetters—they’re cultural ambassadors, memory-makers, and innovation champions. Their creations don’t just satisfy a sweet tooth; they tell stories, evoke nostalgia, and spark joy. Let Hi DMC craft a bespoke dessert tour—featuring chef meet-and-greets, pastry tasting menus, and behind-the-scenes patisserie experiences.

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