What if your next ice cream in Dubai didn’t come from a cow, but from the desert’s most iconic animal? Camel milk gelato, once a curiosity, has become a culinary treasure in Dubai’s growing artisanal dessert scene. Creamier than cow’s milk and naturally rich in nutrients, camel milk offers a distinct, lightly salted flavor that blends beautifully with traditional gelato techniques. But it’s not available just anywhere—you need to know which spots carry it, and why they matter.
Camel milk gelato is more than novelty—it’s rooted in tradition
Camel milk has long been part of Bedouin diets, known for its resilience in extreme climates and high nutritional value. It contains more vitamin C and iron than cow’s milk, and it’s often easier to digest for people with lactose sensitivity. Turning this heritage staple into gelato is a uniquely Dubai concept—blending Emirati culture with Italian craftsmanship. You’ll find it mainly in boutique dessert shops or cafes focused on local sourcing and experiential flavors.
City Walk and Boxpark are popular districts for artisanal gelato shops
Both City Walk and Boxpark, located near Al Wasl, are home to upscale dessert spots that experiment with non-traditional ingredients. In these areas, you’ll likely stumble upon gelato shops that feature camel milk options either as seasonal specials or permanent menu items. Flavors may include date and camel milk swirl, saffron-infused varieties, or pistachio blends using Emirati-grown nuts. These locations are frequented by tourists and residents seeking Instagram-worthy and culturally rooted treats.
Souk Al Bahar and Downtown Dubai offer heritage-inspired gelato experiences
Near the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar caters to those interested in traditional Middle Eastern ambiance with a modern twist. Here, several cafes and dessert parlors have introduced camel milk gelato as part of their Emirati fusion offerings. These shops often present the product alongside Arabic sweets like luqaimat or baklava, pairing textures and flavors that appeal to both local palates and international visitors.
Specialty camel product stores lead the way in authenticity
Shops that focus exclusively on camel products—such as camel chocolate, camel soap, or camel milk powder—are usually the best places to find authentic camel milk gelato. Some of these stores are located inside larger malls, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah or the Boulevard at JBR. They typically offer tasting portions and explain the production process, from local camel farms to the final frozen product.
Camel milk gelato is often produced in small batches for freshness
Due to the delicate nature of camel milk and its limited supply, most gelato offerings are made in smaller quantities. This means you’re less likely to find it at high-volume franchises or generic ice cream counters. Instead, look for shops that advertise local dairy partnerships or display “camel milk used” signs at their counters. The texture is usually softer than regular gelato and served slightly colder to maintain its form in Dubai’s heat.

The flavor is distinct—smooth, slightly savory, and subtly sweet
Camel milk gelato doesn’t taste exactly like traditional ice cream. It has a clean finish, with mild saltiness and a hint of earthiness. When blended with flavors like rosewater, date syrup, cardamom, or Arabic coffee, it creates a layered dessert experience that reflects the local palate. For first-time tasters, we recommend starting with simple vanilla camel milk gelato to appreciate the base flavor before exploring more complex infusions.
Some shops combine camel milk with plant-based or low-sugar options
In line with Dubai’s health-conscious dessert trends, many camel milk gelato makers now offer diabetic-friendly, vegan, or keto-compatible versions. Although camel milk itself isn’t vegan, it often replaces cream or egg yolk, reducing fat and cholesterol levels naturally. These modified versions appeal to residents who are dietary-sensitive but still want to enjoy a cold treat in the Dubai heat.
Ask about sourcing and traceability to ensure quality
Because camel milk is still a niche ingredient, not all vendors source it responsibly. Some of the best gelato shops in Dubai partner with regulated UAE camel dairies that follow strict hygiene and animal welfare standards. If you’re curious about where the milk comes from, don’t hesitate to ask the staff—they’re usually proud to explain the origin story behind their products. Transparency is a hallmark of premium dessert shops.
Timing matters—camel milk gelato can sell out quickly on busy days
Given its limited production, camel milk gelato may not be available all day. It’s best to visit popular spots during earlier hours, especially on weekends or public holidays. Many shops post availability updates on their social media pages, letting followers know when fresh batches are being served. If you’re set on trying it, calling ahead or checking Instagram stories can save you a trip.
You’ll remember the texture and taste long after the last bite
Trying camel milk gelato in Dubai isn’t just about cooling down—it’s about tasting the desert in dessert form. Each spoonful carries cultural memory, regional innovation, and culinary curiosity. Whether you enjoy it at a rooftop café overlooking the skyline or in a quiet corner of a heritage souk, the experience leaves an impression far deeper than sugar alone.
According to the www.few.ae team, camel milk gelato is one of Dubai’s most surprising yet satisfying delicacies—fusing ancestral tradition with modern indulgence in a way only this city can.