The UAE chocolate industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, with an annual growth rate that reflects both increased consumption and variety in offerings. What began as a trade in imported gift boxes is now a full industry: multinational factories in Jebel Ali turning out Galaxy, Snickers and KitKat for dozens of countries, Emirati artisans grinding their own cacao in Al Quoz, distributors supplying every supermarket and hotel mini-bar, and a homegrown bar from Dubai that the whole world copied.
This growth is fueled by high disposable income, a strong hospitality and tourism sector, gift-giving traditions, especially during Ramadan and Eid, and rising interest in premium and artisanal chocolates. Moreover, many local and regional businesses have entered the market, launching unique product lines, such as camel milk chocolates and luxury date-filled sweets.
Overview
The UAE retail chocolate market is worth about USD 567 million in 2026 and is forecast to pass USD 739 million by 2031; broader estimates that include more chocolate-related products put the whole industry at about USD 1.56 billion in 2024, heading for USD 2.35 billion by 2032. The UAE does not grow cocoa, but it makes a great deal of chocolate. Mars has produced chocolate in Jebel Ali since 1998 and can make up to 100,000 tonnes a year there, Nestlé’s Jebel Ali plant makes about one billion KitKats a year for 24 countries, and in 2023 the UAE exported over 80,000 tonnes of chocolate and cocoa preparations.
Alongside these factories, a fast-growing craft sector has taken shape, from Al Nassma’s camel milk chocolate and Mirzam’s bean-to-bar to FIX Dessert Chocolatier, whose pistachio and kunafa bar went viral in 2024. People in the UAE eat about 2.5 to 3 kg of chocolate a year, among the highest rates in the Middle East. The GCC chocolate market is worth about USD 3.4 billion, and the UAE is its main hub for imports, re-exports and new brand launches. Health-conscious recipes, luxury packaging, local flavours, automation and local cocoa processing are the trends shaping the next stage.
In this guide
- The industry in numbers
- From humble beginnings to a confectionery capital
- How the industry is structured
- Made in the UAE: factories and makers
- UAE candy manufacturing trends
- Chocolate consumption in UAE
- Abu Dhabi chocolate companies on the rise
- Middle East demand and the GCC market
- The premium chocolate culture
- Chocolate importers and distribution hubs
- Trending chocolate brands and ideas in Dubai
- Key players to know
- Key insights at a glance
- What’s next for the industry
- FAQs
- Sources and References
Industry snapshot
The UAE Chocolate Industry in Numbers
USD 566.68 million
UAE retail chocolate market, 2026
USD 1.56 billion
Wider UAE chocolate industry, 2024 (broad estimate)
100,000 tonnes
Yearly capacity of Mars’s Jebel Ali chocolate factory
1 billion
KitKat bars made in Dubai each year
80,655 tonnes
Chocolate and cocoa preparations exported by the UAE, 2023
2.5 to 3 kg
Chocolate eaten per person each year
Two ways to size the industry
Retail estimates count chocolate confectionery sold to shoppers, about USD 567 million in 2026. Broader estimates also count chocolate used in other products and channels, and reach about USD 1.56 billion. Both grow at roughly 5 to 6% a year.
History
From Humble Beginnings to a Confectionery Capital
A few decades ago, chocolate in the UAE was largely an imported commodity: a status symbol gifted to friends and clients or served at weddings. Local production was minimal, and supermarket shelves offered few more than global brands.
Then came a shift. As the UAE developed into a global business and tourism hub, demand for unique, high-end chocolate experiences began to rise. Expatriates from Europe, North America, and beyond brought their own chocolate traditions. Entrepreneurs saw opportunities to blend these traditions with local tastes, introducing products like date-filled chocolates, saffron-infused truffles, and camel-milk bars.
Today, Dubai and Abu Dhabi each host a thriving community of chocolatiers, from stalwart luxury names to up-and-coming ateliers. Walk into any high-end mall in Dubai and you’ll find entire boutiques dedicated to chocolates. Brands like Patchi, Godiva, Bateel, Forrey & Galland, and Coco Jalila have flagship stores here. Local companies are now competing on an international level, using world-class packaging, rich ingredients, and innovative flavors.
Milestones in the UAE Chocolate Industry
1998
Mars starts making Galaxy in Dubai
The first major chocolate factory in the Emirates opens in Jebel Ali, producing the Galaxy range for the Gulf.
2008
Al Nassma launches camel milk chocolate
The world’s first camel milk chocolate brand is founded in Dubai, using milk from the Camelicious farm.
2010
Mars bars, Snickers and KitKat made locally
Mars opens a second Dubai factory for Mars and Snickers, Nestlé starts KitKat production in Jebel Ali, and Emirati founder Najah Al Muntafiq starts Coco Jalila.
2014
Mars expands to 100,000 tonnes
A USD 60 million expansion adds a Snickers line and lifts Jebel Ali capacity by 40,000 tonnes a year.
2021
FIX Dessert Chocolatier is born
A Dubai home-kitchen brand launches the pistachio, kunafa and tahini bar later known worldwide as “Dubai chocolate”.
2024
Dubai chocolate goes global
The bar goes viral, Ferrero opens its regional headquarters in Downtown Dubai, and brands worldwide launch their own versions.
2025
Rules, records and Harrods
Abu Dhabi’s Nutri-Mark labels become mandatory, Dubai Duty Free sells 719 tonnes of Dubai chocolate, and FIX opens a pop-up at Harrods in London.
2026
Cocoa processing comes to Dubai
DMCC announces a Cacao Centre for grading, storing, blending and processing cocoa into liquor, butter and powder.
Dubai also hosts trade events such as Gulfood and Yummex Middle East, the region’s sweets and snacks show, where businesses showcase everything from bean-to-bar processes to gourmet chocolate art. Events like these keep Dubai on the map as a confectionery capital in the region. It’s clear: chocolate has become both a local passion and a tourist attraction.
Trade shows such as Gulfood bring chocolate makers, ingredient suppliers and buyers together in Dubai.
Industry structure
How the UAE Chocolate Industry Is Structured
The industry has four layers that depend on each other. Knowing which layer a business belongs to explains what it buys, where it sells and how it competes:
1. Industrial manufacturers
Multinational factories in Jebel Ali make mass-market bars at scale for the UAE and for export across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
2. Artisans and chocolatiers
Bean-to-bar makers, chocolatiers and gifting brands produce small batches with local flavours, luxury packaging and strong stories.
3. Importers and distributors
Distributors bring in global brands from Europe, the US and Asia and supply supermarkets, hotels, cafés and boutiques, often from free-zone warehouses.
4. Ingredient suppliers
Cocoa mass, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, couverture, nuts, dates and packaging arrive from origin countries and processors to feed the other three layers.
Production
Made in the UAE: Chocolate Factories and Makers
The UAE has no cocoa farms, yet it is one of the Middle East’s most important places to make chocolate. Free zones, ports, reliable power and cold chain, and easy access to markets across three continents make it a natural production base:
Company
Where
What it makes
Scale and reach
Company
Mars GCC
Where
Jebel Ali, Dubai
What it makes
Galaxy (since 1998), Mars and Snickers (since 2010)
Scale and reach
Up to 100,000 tonnes a year after the 2014 expansion; serves about 30 countries
Company
Nestlé
Where
Technopark, Jebel Ali, Dubai
What it makes
KitKat (since 2010)
Scale and reach
About one billion bars a year, up to 100 tonnes of chocolate a day; supplies 24 countries
Company
Notions Group
Where
Dubai
What it makes
Chocodate and other date and chocolate confectionery
Scale and reach
Exports to around 40 markets; Dubai Duty Free is a key channel
Company
Al Nassma
Where
Dubai
What it makes
Camel milk chocolate
Scale and reach
Molding and packaging in Dubai; sold in the Gulf, Europe and Asia
Company
Mirzam Chocolate Makers
Where
Al Quoz, Dubai
What it makes
Bean-to-bar dark and milk chocolate
Scale and reach
Roasts and grinds its own cacao; café and workshops on site
Company
FIX Dessert Chocolatier
Where
Dubai
What it makes
Filled dessert bars, including the original Dubai chocolate
Scale and reach
Stores at Dubai and Singapore airports; about ten bars plus limited editions
Exports show the scale. In 2023 the UAE exported 80,655 tonnes of chocolate and cocoa preparations worth about USD 403 million, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Iraq and India, while importing about 94,000 tonnes. To make chocolate locally, factories and artisans imported about 10,800 tonnes of cocoa mass, 4,400 tonnes of cocoa butter and 7,150 tonnes of cocoa powder that year.
Manufacturing trends
UAE Candy Manufacturing Trends
Manufacturing trends in the UAE have shifted toward innovation and sustainability. There’s been a rise in homegrown chocolate companies that emphasize locally-sourced ingredients, natural flavorings, and ethical production. Some noticeable trends in UAE candy and chocolate manufacturing include:
Health-conscious chocolates
Low-sugar, keto, vegan, and gluten-free variants are growing in popularity. Abu Dhabi’s Nutri-Mark grades and the UAE’s sugar-based tax on sweetened drinks push makers further toward reduced-sugar and high-cocoa recipes.
Luxury packaging
Presentation is just as important as taste in the UAE market, from engraved boxes to personalised corporate gifts.
Camel milk chocolate
A uniquely regional specialty, produced by companies like Al Nassma.
Artisan small-batch chocolates
Local chocolatiers are gaining ground with high-end, handcrafted sweets, and bean-to-bar makers roast and grind their own cacao.
Filled and dessert bars
Since the Dubai chocolate craze, makers have added kunafa, pistachio, tahini, dates and other fillings, which changes what they buy: more couverture and cocoa butter, and far more nuts.
Smart machinery and automation
With smart machinery and automation, many UAE-based factories are now able to produce large volumes efficiently while maintaining premium quality.
Small-batch and artisanal products are the fastest-moving part of UAE chocolate making.
Consumption
Chocolate Consumption in UAE
Chocolate consumption in the UAE is among the highest in the Middle East. On average, a person in the UAE consumes around 2.5 to 3 kilograms of chocolate annually. Several factors influence this:
A large expat population
Especially from Europe and Asia, where chocolate is a staple treat. The UAE had about 11.3 million residents in 2024.
Luxury and premium goods
A cultural preference for luxury and premium goods, supported by GDP per capita of about USD 54,000 in 2025.
Gifting and tourism
Gifting culture during religious and national holidays, plus a record 19.59 million international visitors to Dubai in 2025.
You’ll find chocolate served at weddings, corporate events, and even in government offices. It’s part of the everyday lifestyle and a favorite across all age groups. Milk chocolate still sells the most, but dark chocolate is the fastest-growing type as shoppers look for higher cocoa content and less sugar.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Chocolate Companies on the Rise
While Dubai often gets the spotlight, Abu Dhabi is not far behind. The capital city is witnessing a quiet revolution in luxury confectionery. Several homegrown brands have emerged in Abu Dhabi, such as Bostani Chocolate, focusing on sustainable practices, organic ingredients and modern Arab fusion recipes.
Abu Dhabi’s emphasis on quality over quantity has allowed boutique chocolate houses to flourish, catering to VIP clients, embassies, and private events. The Emirate is also investing in agri-tech, which may one day lead to local cocoa cultivation experiments in controlled environments.
Hotels and luxury launches
In May 2025, a luxury Abu Dhabi hotel launched a limited-edition chocolate bar collection with local flavours such as pistachio kunafa and Arabic coffee toffee.
Travel retail
In July 2025, a pistachio kunafa chocolate bar from a regional gourmet brand launched at Abu Dhabi Duty Free, bringing the Dubai chocolate trend to the capital’s airport.
Industrial base
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) is an emerging manufacturing and distribution center for food businesses, with port access through Khalifa Port.
Health labelling
Abu Dhabi introduced the Nutri-Mark A to E nutrition grades, mandatory for its first product groups since June 2025, which encourages reformulation across the food industry.
Regional demand
Middle East Chocolate Demand and the GCC Chocolate Market
Zooming out, the Middle East chocolate demand is rising rapidly. With growing populations and youthful demographics, there is a steady appetite for sweet snacks and indulgences. The UAE is often the launchpad for chocolate brands entering the region, thanks to its global connections, infrastructure, and international audience. From Dubai, brands expand into neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
The GCC chocolate market includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Collectively, these nations represent a lucrative market for both mass-produced and high-end chocolate. Earlier reports projected the GCC chocolate market would surpass USD 2 billion by 2027; it has already gone well beyond that, at about USD 3.37 billion in 2025, and is forecast to reach about USD 5.24 billion by 2034, growing around 5% a year. Saudi Arabia is the largest market, while the UAE is the fastest-growing in the region.
The UAE acts as the distribution hub for chocolate sold across the GCC.
Trends Across the Region
Organic and sugar-free
A rise in organic and sugar-free options across all six GCC countries.
Luxury packaging
Growing demand for luxury packaging, especially for gifting.
Seasonal peaks
Strong sales during Ramadan, Eid, and National Days.
Collaborations
International collaborations between Middle Eastern chocolatiers and European brands.
The regional hub
The UAE often acts as the regional distribution hub, meaning many chocolates sold in GCC countries are first imported into Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Premium segment
The Premium Chocolate Culture in the UAE
One of the most interesting aspects of the UAE chocolate industry is the premium chocolate segment. This includes not only expensive brands but also chocolates that offer unique experiences, whether it’s the packaging, taste, or story behind the brand.
Brands like Forrey & Galland, Patchi, Bateel, and Al Nassma offer chocolates that could easily be considered luxury items. Prices can range from AED 100 to over AED 1,000 per box, depending on the customization and exclusivity. The UAE premium chocolate market was worth about USD 137.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach about USD 198 million by 2029, growing about 7.5% a year, with milk chocolate the largest product and dark chocolate the fastest-growing.
UAE consumers, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, don’t just buy chocolate: they invest in it as part of hospitality, branding, or celebration.
Imports and distribution
Chocolate Importers and Distribution Hubs in the UAE
Given the desert climate and the absence of local cocoa farming, the UAE imports a significant portion of its chocolate and raw materials. In 2023 it imported about USD 564 million of chocolate and cocoa preparations, led by Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Türkiye and Germany.
Chocolate importers in the UAE bring in products from Switzerland, Belgium, France, and Italy. Some of the most well-known imported brands include Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, Godiva, Neuhaus and Ghirardelli. At the same time, local brands repackage or mix imported ingredients with regional flavors like saffron, cardamom, dates, rose water, and nuts.
The import market is quite competitive, with distributors working with both supermarkets and boutique chocolate stores to meet rising consumer demand.
Import and Distribution Hubs
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
The major import hub for international chocolate brands, and home to the Mars and Nestlé chocolate factories next to Jebel Ali Port.
KIZAD, Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, an emerging manufacturing and distribution center.
DMCC, Dubai
The free zone behind the planned Cacao Centre, with dozens of companies already trading cocoa, chocolate and confectionery.
Trends
Trending Chocolate Brands and Ideas in Dubai
In 2025 and 2026, some of the most trending chocolate ideas in Dubai include:
Dubai chocolate
Milk chocolate filled with pistachio cream, tahini and crispy kunafa. More than 40 brands worldwide now sell a version, and Dubai Duty Free treats it as its own category.
Chocolate-covered dates
A modern twist on a traditional Arab snack, often infused with orange, almond, or coffee flavors.
Choco Bombs
Hot chocolate bombs that explode into cocoa and marshmallow goodness when dropped into hot milk.
Personalized chocolate boxes
With names, logos, or messages engraved.
Chocolate delivery services
Especially popular for birthdays, proposals, and business gifts, now often within the hour through quick-commerce apps.
Gourmet chocolate cafes
Offering handcrafted treats alongside high-end coffee and teas.
Instagrammable chocolate creations
Think 24K gold-dusted truffles and edible chocolate sculptures.
New dessert-bar flavours
Mango, berry, coffee and date fillings follow the pistachio bar, with frequent limited editions and pop-ups.
Who’s who
Key Players to Know
Local Artisanal Champions
Mirzam Chocolate Makers (Dubai)
A pioneer in bean-to-bar craft, Mirzam experiments with cocoa from around the world while nodding to regional flavors like cardamom and date. Their café and workshop space in Al Quoz offers tasting flights and hands-on classes.
Al Nassma Chocolate (Dubai)
Famous for camel-milk chocolate, Al Nassma blends European chocolate-making expertise with local ingredients. Founded in Dubai in 2008, it is a must-buy for travelers looking for a true “taste of the Emirates”, sold in malls, hotels and duty-free shops.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier (Dubai)
Creator of the original Dubai chocolate, launched in 2021 and viral since 2024, with airport stores in Dubai and Singapore.
Coco Jalila (Dubai)
Started in 2010 by Emirati entrepreneur Najah Al Muntafiq, known for chocolates with less sugar and more cocoa butter.
Established Regional and Luxury Names
Patchi
This Lebanese chocolatier operates elegant shops across the UAE. Known for handcrafted pralines wrapped in luxurious packaging, Patchi appeals to the gift-market and high-end consumer.
Godiva Chocolatier
A global brand with strong local presence. Godiva’s iconic gold boxes and café counters in major malls serve as a beacon for shoppers seeking Belgian chocolate classics.
Bateel
A premium date and chocolate brand known for chocolate-covered dates and gourmet gift boxes.
Forrey & Galland
Luxury handcrafted chocolates with sophisticated packaging, popular for corporate gifting.
Industrial Manufacturers
Mars GCC
Makes Galaxy, Mars and Snickers in Jebel Ali for markets across the region.
Nestlé
Makes KitKat in Jebel Ali for 24 countries in the Middle East and Asia.
Notions Group
Dubai maker of Chocodate, exported to around 40 markets.
Distributors and Importers
Treasure Islands™
A major importer, Treasure Islands™ brings global chocolate brands, from mass-market to premium, into local supermarkets and hotel mini-bars.
Olmec Chocolates
Focusing on bulk and wholesale, Olmec supplies hotels, caterers, and retailers with everything from basic bars to bespoke corporate gifts.
Truebell and Transmed
Large distributors that import chocolate from Europe, the U.S., and Asia and supply retail chains and boutique stores.
Key insights
UAE Chocolate Industry: Key Insights
Market
Size
Forecast
Yearly growth
Market
UAE chocolate market (broad scope)
Size
USD 1.56 billion (2024)
Forecast
USD 2.35 billion (2032)
Yearly growth
5.3%
Market
UAE retail chocolate market
Size
USD 566.68 million (2026)
Forecast
USD 739.39 million (2031)
Yearly growth
5.47%
Market
UAE premium chocolate
Size
USD 137.9 million (2024)
Forecast
USD 198 million (2029)
Yearly growth
7.5%
Market
GCC chocolate market
Size
USD 3.37 billion (2025)
Forecast
USD 5.24 billion (2034)
Yearly growth
5.04%
Market
Middle East chocolate market
Size
USD 3.0 billion (2026)
Forecast
USD 3.94 billion (2031)
Yearly growth
5.61%
Top product
Milk chocolate leads in revenue, while dark chocolate is the fastest-growing segment.
Growth drivers
Rising disposable incomes, cultural gifting traditions, and increasing demand for premium products.
Where it is made
Jebel Ali for industrial production; Al Quoz and other Dubai districts for artisan makers; KIZAD as an emerging base in Abu Dhabi.
Comparing estimates
Each estimate covers a different scope and period, so compare growth rates rather than mixing sizes from different studies.
Outlook
What’s Next for the UAE Chocolate Industry?
The future looks sweet. As more consumers lean toward ethically produced, health-conscious, and luxury chocolate, we can expect even more diversification. There’s also a big push toward eco-friendly packaging and digital gift solutions, such as e-gift cards that include chocolate delivery.
Startups and smaller chocolatiers are receiving support from local business hubs like Dubai SME and Khalifa Fund in Abu Dhabi. And as the UAE positions itself as a global hub for food innovation, chocolate will surely remain one of its brightest stars.
Local cocoa processing
The planned DMCC Cacao Centre could let Dubai grind cocoa into liquor, butter and powder, shortening supply chains for local makers.
More exports
Homegrown brands are following FIX and Al Nassma abroad, using airports, department stores and duty-free as launchpads.
Reformulation
Nutri-Mark and the sugar tax will keep pushing lower-sugar, higher-cocoa and plant-based recipes.
Ingredient resilience
After the cocoa and pistachio price spikes, makers are spreading suppliers and agreeing clearer price terms.
For UAE chocolate makers
Cocoa Ingredients for UAE Chocolate Production
Every factory and artisan in the Emirates runs on imported cocoa. Radad International supplies bulk cocoa from African origins to chocolate makers in Dubai and across the UAE:
Cocoa mass
Cocoa Mass (Liquor)
The base of chocolate, for factories and bean-to-bar makers.
Work with Radad International
Source Bulk Cocoa for Your Chocolate Factory in the UAE
For bulk cocoa supply in Dubai and across the UAE, contact Radad International. Tell us your product, volumes and grades, and we will send a specification, a sample and a market-linked quote on FOB or CIF terms.
Or email info@radadinternational.com · +971 522 501 039
Questions
FAQs: UAE Chocolate Industry
Is chocolate made in the UAE or only imported?
Both. The UAE imports raw cocoa and finished chocolate, but many local companies manufacture, process, and package chocolate in the country. Mars and Nestlé run large factories in Jebel Ali, and popular local producers include Al Nassma, Mirzam, FIX Dessert Chocolatier and Coco Jalila.
What makes chocolate in the UAE unique?
The combination of Middle Eastern flavors (like dates, saffron, cardamom, pistachio and kunafa), luxury packaging, and gifting culture gives UAE chocolate a distinctive identity.
Which chocolates are manufactured in the UAE?
Galaxy, Mars and Snickers are made by Mars in Jebel Ali, KitKat by Nestlé in Jebel Ali’s Technopark, Chocodate by Notions Group, camel milk chocolate by Al Nassma, bean-to-bar chocolate by Mirzam, and the original Dubai chocolate by FIX Dessert Chocolatier.
Where can I find premium chocolate in Dubai?
Premium chocolates are available in malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, in specialty boutiques, and online through luxury gifting platforms.
Are there vegan or sugar-free chocolate options in the UAE?
Yes, several local and international brands offer vegan, sugar-free, and keto-friendly chocolate products, especially in organic stores and high-end supermarkets.
Who are the major chocolate importers in the UAE?
Large distributors like Truebell and Transmed import chocolate from Europe, the U.S., and Asia, supplying it to retail chains and boutique stores. Treasure Islands™ supplies supermarkets and hotel mini-bars, and Olmec focuses on bulk and wholesale.
What are the top chocolate brands in the UAE?
Top international brands include Lindt, Godiva, Ferrero Rocher, Galaxy, KitKat and Ghirardelli. Local and regional favorites include Patchi, Bateel, Al Nassma, Mirzam, FIX and Forrey & Galland.
Is there a chocolate factory I can visit in the UAE?
Yes. Mirzam’s bean-to-bar factory and café in Al Quoz, Dubai, offers tastings and workshops, and there are chocolate-making workshops and experiences across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
When is chocolate demand highest in the UAE?
During religious holidays like Ramadan and Eid, as well as Valentine’s Day, National Day, and the winter festive season (December to January).
How big is the chocolate market in the UAE compared to other GCC countries?
Saudi Arabia is the largest chocolate market in the GCC, but the UAE leads the region in chocolate imports, consumption per person and production innovation, and is the fastest-growing market. It acts as a distribution hub for the broader GCC region.
How much chocolate does the UAE export?
In 2023 the UAE exported about 80,655 tonnes of chocolate and cocoa preparations worth about USD 403 million, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Iraq and India.
What’s the future of chocolate in the UAE?
Expect more local innovation, luxury collaborations, sustainable packaging, local cocoa processing, and tech-driven chocolate experiences, like digital gifting and personalization.
Keep reading
More Guides from Radad International
UAE demand
UAE Cocoa and Chocolate Demand
What importers should know: data, seasons and buyers.
Business
Start a Craft Chocolate Business in the UAE
Business models, sourcing, licences and costing.
Chocolatiers
UAE Chocolate Market: What’s Next for Chocolatiers
Trends and opportunities for chocolate makers.
Sources and References
- Verified Market Research, UAE chocolate market size, share, scope, trends and forecast
- Mordor Intelligence, United Arab Emirates chocolate market
- Grand View Research, UAE premium chocolate market outlook
- IMARC Group, GCC chocolate market size, growth and forecast
- Mordor Intelligence, Middle East chocolate market
- IMARC Group, UAE chocolate market (2025 industry developments)
- Khaleej Times, Mars opens new factory in Dubai (May 2010)
- ConfectioneryNews, Mars spends $140m on GCC factories expansion (December 2014)
- The National, Take a sweet tour of Dubai’s KitKat factory
- ConfectioneryNews, Can chocolate-covered dates become a UAE national export? (Notions Group)
- Wikipedia, Al Nassma Chocolate
- Curly Tales, Homegrown chocolate brands in the UAE
- The National, FIX founders on creating the Dubai chocolate phenomenon (July 2026)
- The National, FIX Dubai chocolate arrives at Harrods (October 2025)
- Moodie Davitt Report, Dubai Duty Free record 2025 sales
- World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade), UAE exports of HS 1806 chocolate and cocoa preparations, 2023
- World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade), UAE imports of HS 1806, 2023
- DMCC, DMCC to launch Cacao Centre (April 2026)
- Lexis Middle East, Abu Dhabi mandatory Nutri-Mark labelling
- Gulf News, UAE population hits 11.3 million in 2024
- Gulf News, Dubai tourism record 19.59m international visitors in 2025
- FocusEconomics, UAE GDP per capita
- Neventum, Yummex Middle East
