Taste the best ice cream in Dubai

This renowned Italian gelato and sorbet spot with branches across the city sculpts each scoop into an intricate rose, creating as much of a visual buzz as a tasty one. And, given each petal is handmade, you can combine as many options as you'd like to create a multi-flavoured bloom. Our top tip is to try their pistachio macaron sandwich for the perfect creamy, crunchy combination.

Enjoy super smooth textures, thanks to homegrown brand Scoopi's use of billowing nitrogen dioxide that fast freezes ice cream. Its original outpost on Jumeirah Beach Road served up the famed Black Diamond delight that featured gold flakes in a handcrafted bowl, but our pick of their signature treats is the Lotus – deservedly a bestseller. Try it at Time Out Market, where you can enjoy your ice cream in the sunshine with views of The Dubai Fountain.

The all natural Italian gelato – with no artificial flavours, additives or colouring – is an authentic treat made with whole milk, free-range eggs and sugar that the whole family can enjoy. Originally from Turin, this indulgent dessert is made the old-fashioned way at Grom in Boxpark, with the rich custard-like Crema Di Grom, hazelnut and Ecuadorian chocolate showcasing quality ingredients. If you're looking for something fruity and refreshing, opt for the pear sorbet.

Fun is firmly centrestage at the Ice Cream Lab, which lets your imagination run wild as nitrogen oxide freezes flavours into one-off, made-to-order confections. If you want to play it safe with a favourite, the Blue Velvet is the one to go for. And, while you're there, get the little ones to try the Dragon's Breath – popcorn dipped in liquid nitrogen that produces vapours from your mouth and nose when you crunch into it.

Promising the ultimate in ice cream experiences – and delivering them for over 25 years – Coldstone Creamery lets you pick your mix-ins and base flavours, before their skilled 'sundae artists' get to work combining them on a frozen granite slab. Whether you want to add chocolate bars, gummy bears or sprinkles, the choices are endless. Their top seller is the Birthday Cake Remix with their signature cake batter ice cream as the celebratory base.

Locals and visitors adore SALT's softies – soft-serve ice cream available in delicious flavours. Whether you go for their all-time favourites like the Lotus or Brownie, or wait for seasonal variations that have included mango coconut, watermelon and lemon in the past, you won't be disappointed. The only thing better than a softie? The 'hybrid' softie, which gives you a blend of two flavours so you don't have to make difficult choices.

Once you have a spoonful of Morelli's dulce de leche caramel serve, or dig into their famous banana split and ice cream sundaes, you'll realise why it's got branches all over the world. Its distinctive purple and white interiors reflect impeccable quality that has been maintained since the brand started way back in 1907. Head to Morelli's Gelato at The Beach opposite JBR to enjoy delicious servings by the shore.

The fact that this traditional dessert brand makes its ice cream from scratch using only camel milk – that's naturally lactose-free – sets it apart from the rest. But what fans particularly love are its innovative flavours. Honey saffron, Arabic mastic, Emirati date and Lebanese baklava are all options, but the biggest hit is always the Alphonso mango version. Pick it up at local supermarkets or give it a go while dining at Arabic restaurants across the city, including Arabian Tea House.

Maurice and Edward started serving up scoops of their now famous Lebanese ice cream in 1936, and the popularity of this family concern continues to grow. Fans love the distinctive taste and slightly chewy texture created by the addition of mastic, with regional flavours like lemon mint and rose loukoum shining through. Don't forget to roll your creation in crushed pistachios and add on some free whipped cream for that final flourish.