Latest news with #Bateel
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Saudi Arabia's Luxury Brand Bateel Has a Plan to Take Dates Global
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Date chocolates, date coffee, date (flower) tea, date olives, date vinegar, date syrup and most of all dates as themselves — seven different kinds of them. That's what Saudi luxury date brand Bateel is planning to bring to New York in the coming year as it drives a worldwide expansion with a plan to triple its business by 2029 from 180 outlets in 25 countries to around 500 outlets and to take it from its Middle Eastern origins to make it a global name. Underpinning everything are the dates, which have been described as a superfood for their richness in beneficial ingredients such as fibre and antioxidants as well as for releasing sugars into the blood more slowly than sugary sweets. "Today we are in three continents. And going forward, we are planning to be in five continents," Nurtac Afridi, chief executive of Bateel International, told Newsweek over tea — and dates — at one of its cafés in Dubai. Nurtac Afridi, CEO of Bateel International, at a Bateel outlet in Dubai on June 23, 2025 Nurtac Afridi, CEO of Bateel International, at a Bateel outlet in Dubai on June 23, 2025 Matthew Tostevin "In the date world, Bateel has the pioneering position among any business, the best standard of dates, and that's related to our attention to detail, the different farming practices and making sure that each date is treated like a jewel," she said. Bateel's origins are in Saudi Arabia, where its organic farms are home to the palm plantations where it grows its dates — over 5,000 tonnes a year. In the Middle East, dates have had a cultural significance for thousands of years and they are often offered to guests with coffee. They are traditionally the first food to be eaten when breaking the Ramadan fast during the Muslim holy month. They have increasingly been taken up by some of the health conscious in the rest of the world, either eating them as they are or incorporating them in recipes — something that has become very visible on TikTok videos. Healthier Snack Option A 2022 study found different date varieties had glycemic indexes — a measure of how quickly they release sugar into the blood — of well below 50 for some types, although others topped 70. For comparison, pure glucose has an index of 100 and white bread around 90. In moderation, they can be a sweet snack alternative for some diabetics. "It is a healthier option for gifting and a healthier option for yourself too, for nutrition, snacking and indulgence," Afridi said. Bateel pioneered presenting dates in the same way as fine chocolates, including in designer boxes, rather than in the sacks where they might be piled in the souks. The company started in Saudi Arabia in the 1930s, but only launched its first boutiques in the 1990s and opened Café Bateel in Dubai in 2007. Bateel cafe at a shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 23, 2025 Bateel cafe at a shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 23, 2025 Titas Basu Afridi, a former CEO of chocolate company Godiva, was also quick to leap on the viral Dubai Chocolate trend, which has raised the region's profile for sweet things. Bateel makes its own Dubai chocolates with a pistachio cream and kunafa filling. "It has grown exponentially since we launched, and we had to increase our capacity for the white chocolate several times, and now our team is working in three shifts in our factory to cope up with the demand," she said. And of course there is a date option too — with the dates having the same kunafa filling. Bateel prides itself on constantly coming up with innovative new ways to turn dates into gourmet foods. Young dates are pickled and eaten like olives and it's the date seeds that are turned into a decaffeinated drink for "date coffee". Not everything has dates in it in the cafes that are competing with other high-end brands, however. There are lots of other food options, although there will be plenty of dates on the menu too. The plan for New York is to open by 2026 at the latest with both a café and a retail store. While Bateel will be dipping its toe in the New York market, a bigger part of the expansion will be in Asia, where it already has outlets in South Korea and Singapore. Next up are Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. In Europe, it plans to expand from several southern European countries as well as in Britain and France. Among Bateel's shareholders is French luxury brand conglomerate LVMH, whose brands include Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon and Tiffany & Co. Bateel is a private company and reliant on its own funding resources for its expansion, but it could consider selling shares at some point if the conditions were right, Afridi said. For now, her goal is to keep expanding Bateel and position it as a luxury lifestyle brand. "What we focus on is to keep ourselves developing with innovation, not losing our attention to detail, not compromising the quality," she said. "The whole lifestyle experience is luxury in wellness, luxury in health, luxury in taking care of yourself, luxury of having high quality products."
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Dubai airports sells 2.5 million chocolate bars in 6 months, here are the top brands
Dubai Duty Free saw a surge in chocolate sales, with 2.5 million bars sold in the first half of 2025, driving Dh165 million in revenue/ Image Composite: Instagram Dubai's airports have become a chocolate lover's paradise, with a remarkable 2.5 million bars of locally made chocolates sold in just the first half of 2025. This surge in sales, which has generated an impressive Dh165 million in revenue, underscores the increasing demand for UAE-based chocolate brands. Speaking to local media outlet Dubai Eye, Ramesh Cidambi, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted that these sales have provided a significant boost to the local economy. Cidambi pointed out that, since these brands are homegrown, the majority of the revenue from these chocolate sales remains within the UAE, benefitting the country's economy as a whole. FIX : The Viral Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate FIX has become synonymous with "Dubai chocolates," particularly due to its world-famous pistachio kunafa chocolate. This unique fusion of traditional Middle Eastern dessert flavors with chocolate took the world by storm. Despite various attempts by other brands to replicate it, the authentic FIX taste remains an exclusive treat found only in the UAE. In an exclusive collaboration with Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, FIX crafted a one-of-a-kind chocolate flavor, tailored to his personal preferences, which included Halawt, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The brand has continued to innovate, recently launching a tropical flavor, "Time to Mango," which aims to capture the essence of Dubai's sunny climate. L'ocali: Luxury Meets Heritage The Dubai-born brand L'ocali blends two key pillars of the UAE, heritage and luxury. Its chocolates, which include dates wrapped in 24k edible gold, embody the opulence that Dubai is famous for. L'ocali's offerings also include chocolate-coated dates with various fillings such as pistachio, rose, and orange peel, as well as gourmet chocolates crafted from Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate. The brand's focus is on capturing the essence of Dubai's luxury experience, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Bateel: The Pioneer of Date Chocolate Bateel is more than just a chocolate brand, it's a part of the UAE's culinary heritage. Established in 1992, the brand is deeply rooted in both the UAE and Saudi Arabian traditions, with its headquarters in Dubai. The word "Bateel" refers to the young offshoot of a date palm tree, symbolizing growth and new beginnings, which aligns with the brand's commitment to innovation in chocolate. Bateel revolutionized the chocolate industry when it "invented the date chocolate" in 2000, combining the rich flavors of dates with the decadence of high-quality chocolate. Beyond its signature date chocolates, Bateel also offers artisanal chocolates from regions like Brazil and the Dominican Republic, along with cookies inspired by Middle Eastern flavors like date dhibs and milk chocolate sesame praline. The brand's expansion into the broader food sector, with the opening of Cafe Bateel in 2007, cemented its position as a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike. In 2023, it launched Bateel El'an, a more compact, cafe-focused format. Al Nassma: The Camel Milk Chocolate Pioneer Founded in 2008 by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Nassma is the UAE's first camel milk chocolate brand, and it has become an iconic name in the Middle East. Camel milk has long been a staple in the region, particularly among Bedouins, and Al Nassma uses this unique ingredient to craft chocolates that reflect the traditions of the Arabian desert. The brand has made a mark with its "hollow figures," caravan boxes, pralines, and chocolate bars. Known for its luxurious offerings, Al Nassma has positioned itself as the "Godiva of the Middle East," combining high-quality chocolate with the distinct flavor of camel milk. Samha: Camel Milk with a Twist Launched in 2019 by Prime Chocolate, the parent company of Al Nassma, Samha brings another dimension to the world of camel milk chocolate. While Al Nassma offers a broad range of camel milk-based chocolates, Samha focuses specifically on camel milk-covered dates, which are a local favorite. Samha has also embraced the pistachio kunafa flavor, adding a camel milk twist that brings a unique local touch. The bite-sized treats are a popular choice for birthdays, gatherings, and celebrations, helping people from diverse nationalities in the UAE share a taste of local culture. I Love Dubai: A Fusion of Local Flavors If you thought pistachio kunafa chocolate was the most innovative combination, think again. "I Love Dubai" offers some of the most unique chocolates in the region, including pistachio baklava chocolate and gahwa crunch. The pistachio baklava is a nod to the UAE's rich history of layered desserts, while the gahwa crunch incorporates gahwa, the Emirati term for Arabic coffee, a symbol of the country's legendary hospitality. Another standout is halwa rahash, a Middle Eastern dessert made from sesame seed paste. It has a nutty, fudge-like texture, and when paired with chocolate, it creates a truly distinctive local flavor experience.
Khaleej Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai chocolate mania: 2.5 million bars sold at airports in 6 months; top brands revealed
Grabbing a quick treat at the Dubai Duty Free before flying out? As millions of travellers pass through the airports, they consume millions of chocolates, in turn generating millions of revenue. In just the first half of 2025, Dh165 million worth of Dubai chocolates were sold, Dubai Duty Free CEO Ramesh Cidambi told Dubai Eye. As much as 2.5 million bars of these UAE-based chocolates were sold, which accounted for 40 per cent of all confectionery. As these brands are UAE-based, the money goes back into the economy, Cidambi pointed out. Take a look at the main brands that consumers got their hands on in the first six months of 2025 – L'ocali, FIX, Bateel, Al Nassma, Samha, I love Dubai. FIX The brand became synonymous to the term "Dubai chocolates" when it launched the viral pistachio kunafa chocolate which took the world by storm. Globally, customers clamoured for a taste of the dessert sensation, several brands created dupes, but the authentic taste remains a UAE exclusive. Fix once teamed up with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan to craft a 'one-of-a-kind chocolate flavour tailored to his personal taste and love for a special ingredient, Halawt, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. The brand has since gone on to launch a new tropical flavour, named 'Time to Mango.' L'ocali This Dubai-born brand combines two key elements of UAE — heritage and luxury. With a collection of dates covered in 24k edible gold, it captures the UAE experience of finesse through-and-through. The brand sells a range of chocolate coated dates, dates with fillings such as pistachio, rose, and even orange peel. It also boasts a range of gourmet chocolate which "captures the essence of Dubai opulence," along with Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate. Bateel While Bateel opened its first cafe in Riyadh in 1991, it subsequently opened its first one in UAE in 1992. Much like the historical bond between Saudi Arabia and UAE, this chocolate brand is closely linked to the Emirates, with its headquarters located in Dubai. According to its website, the word 'Bateel' refers to the young offshoot of a date palm that can be used to grow into a new tree. True to name, the brand is one of the pioneers of art of mixing the dry fruit with sweets, and Bateel says it "invented the date chocolate" in 2000. From Gold Leaf date set to a Gulf Map set, the brand wraps dates in decadence; but it does not focus only on the dry fruit. Bateel has a range of artisanal wrapped chocolate from Brazil to the Dominican Republic, suitable for gifting, along with cookies that draw inspiration from flavours such as date dhibs and milk chocolate sesame praline. Beyond chocolates, the brand forayed into the broader food sector with Cafe Bateel in 2007, now a popular spot among UAE residents. The menus "combine Middle Eastern essence with Mediterranean diversity." In 2023, Bateel launched Bateel El'an, a new culinary concept with cafe culture in a more compact format. Al Nassma Al Nassma's chocolate is famously made from a specific ingredient steeped in UAE tradition – camel milk. As Bedouins rode on the ship of the desert, these creatures became their companions and source of food too, with camel milk long serving as an important source of nutrition in the sands of Arabia. Founded in 2008, Al Nassma is the UAE's first camel milk chocolate brand, established by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, according to Reuters. In its early years, the brand said it aimed to be "the Godiva of the Middle East". It boasts a range of uniwue, "hollow figures" along with "caravan boxes", pralines, and chocolate bars. Samha Samha's chocolate-covered dates are also made from camel milk. The brand was launched in 2019 by Prime Chocolate, the parent company of Al Nassma, to diversify Al Nassma's travel retail offerings. The bite-sized portions are a common sight at birthdays, gatherings, and children's parties – creating a core 'UAE' memory for the multiple nationalities that call the Emirates their home. Samha has also embraced the pistachio kunafa flavour, with its own camel milk twist. While Al Nassma focuses on broad camel milk-based chocolate products, Samha is a specific niche, capitalising on the country's love for dates, camel milk, and pistachios. Thought pistachio kunafa was the most unique combination? You might have to think again. The 'I love Dubai' brand offers pistachio baklava chocolate, along with gahwa crunch and halwa rahash. The brand offers local UAE flavours, with gahwa – the Emirati dialect word for Arabic coffee – being a symbol of UAE hospitality. Rahash, also known as halwa, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from sesame seed paste, and found in various forms, such as plain, with pistachios, or as a filling in chocolates. It has a nutty, fudge-like texture and is a popular dessert to combine with tea or coffee. Meanwhile, baklava is a sweet made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and syrup or honey.
ILoveQatar.net
02-07-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar Central Bank announces update to the 1 Riyal banknote
On 2 July 2025, the Qatar Central Bank announced a change in the fifth series of banknotes, specifically the 1 Riyal denomination, to align with the laws in force in the State of Qatar. The Official State Emblem Arabic Numerals Issue Date The previous edition of the Qatari riyal (Fifth Series) will remain in circulation; this change will be applied to the other currency denominations at a later time. The current 1 Riyal bill is green in colour, and shows the traditional dhow (Bateel) and the Oyster and Pearl Monument that you can find along the Corniche.
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Bateel gives back to customers with new loyalty program
Bateel International has launched Bateel Rewards, the company's loyalty program designed to offer exclusive benefits to its customers. Spanning across Bateel Boutique, Café Bateel, and El'an in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the program provides members with rewarding experiences across both online, app and in-store purchases and in cafes, adding an extra touch of appreciation. According to recent market data, 84 percent of consumers say they are more likely to stick with a brand that offers a customer loyalty scheme. Bateel has accordingly introduced its loyalty program to ensure customers not only receive exclusive benefits but also meaningful engagement. The Bateel Rewards program is now live, reinforcing the company's commitment to providing all customers with unparalleled value. Bateel is always looking for new ways to enhance its customers' experience, with innovation at the heart of everything it does. The brand's loyalty program is a testament to this commitment, designed to go beyond just rewards and create a deeper, more personal connection with its valued customers. Nurtaç Afridi, CEO at Bateel, said: 'We wanted to give back to our loyal customers whose happiness is our biggest motivation. We want to ensure that every interaction with our customers is as rewarding as it is exceptional.' Designed to integrate effortlessly with customers' shopping journeys, Bateel Rewards offers a smooth omnichannel experience, allowing members to earn and redeem points both in-store and online. Whether visiting a Bateel Boutique, Café Bateel, Bateel El'an, or shopping via the Bateel online store, members enjoy the same seamless benefits. Bateel Rewards is a three-tiered membership program designed to offer increasing benefits as customers engage with the brand via three options: • Silver membership, where customers earn 10 percent back in points on their purchases. • As they continue to shop, they progress to a Gold membership, earning 15 percent back in points. • Customers ultimately reach Platinum status, where they receive 20 percent back in points. Points can be accumulated and later redeemed for discounts on future purchases, ensuring that every interaction with Bateel is both rewarding and enjoyable. The Bateel Rewards program is now live and free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play, reinforcing the company's commitment to providing all customers with unparalleled value. The program will be rolled out to other countries where Bateel operates in the next phase.
