74-Year-Old Kunafa Master Keeps Abu Dhabi Sweet Tradition Alive
Naeem Youssef Shneik, a 74‑year‑old Jordanian, has been making kunafa in Abu Dhabi for 50 years, keeping the recipe unchanged since he was 16. After closing his first shop, he continued baking at home before reopening in Marsa Mina, drawing crowds with his authentic sweets.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a city that has grown from a handful of buildings into a sprawling metropolis, one sweet tradition has remained unchanged for half a century. Naeem Youssef Shneik, a 74‑year‑old Jordanian, has been crafting kunafa in Abu Dhabi since 1974, and his taste has become a staple of the local culinary scene.
From Jordanian Schoolyards to Abu Dhabi Streets
Naeem was born in 1952 in Jordan’s Irbid region, where his family ran a sweets shop. By the age of sixteen he had already learned the art of kunafa from his uncles, often skipping school to help in the kitchen. He quickly rose from fetching trays to supervising the entire shop, a responsibility that impressed his family but also led him to abandon formal education after the ninth grade.
In 1974, at 22, Naeem moved to the then‑small city of Abu Dhabi with a dream: to introduce his family’s kunafa recipe to a new audience. Together with his brothers, he opened a sweet shop on Hamdan Street, betting an entire trade’s worth of training on a place that had barely started to develop.
Building a Sweet Legacy
For the first 24 years, Naeem’s shop on Hamdan Street became a landmark. When the city’s landscape changed, he didn’t close his doors; instead, he kept baking at home for relatives and friends, ensuring the kunafa never disappeared from the community. His dedication kept the recipe alive even when the shop was temporarily shut.
In 2020, at the age of 70, Naeem reopened Naeem Sweets, this time in the bustling Marsa Mina area. The response was immediate—lines stretched down the street, and both men and women lined up to taste the authentic kunafa that had been a family tradition for decades.
Celebrating Emirati Culture Through Sweetness
On the UAE’s 18th National Day, a delegation from the Ministry of Culture and Information visited Naeem’s shop. He seized the opportunity to honor the nation by baking a special cake with 18 layers, each representing a year of the UAE’s independence, and placing a miniature UAE flag on the top layer. The event was a proud moment for Naeem, who sees his craft as a contribution to the country rather than just a business.
Why the Taste Endures
Naeem attributes the enduring popularity of his kunafa to the quality of ingredients and the consistency of the recipe. He sources cheese from Denmark and flour from Balkan countries, ensuring that every bite delivers the same rich, melt‑in‑your-mouth experience that his customers have come to love for 50 years.
Despite his children urging him to retire, Naeem continues to work from three to nine in the afternoon, maintaining the same rhythm he had when he was a teenager sneaking out of a Jordanian classroom. His commitment has made him a living legend in Abu Dhabi’s culinary history.
Today, Naeem’s five children—four sons and a daughter—live and work in the UAE, with careers ranging from banking to real estate. Their presence in the country further cements the family’s deep ties to the Emirati community.
From the humble beginnings on Hamdan Street to the modern storefront in Marsa Mina, Naeem Youssef Shneik’s story is a testament to perseverance, cultural exchange, and the power of a single, well‑made dessert to bridge generations and nations.
Key facts
- Naeem Youssef Shneik has crafted kunafa in Abu Dhabi for 50 years
- He began his career in Jordan, learning the recipe at 16
- Opened first shop on Hamdan Street in 1974
- Reopened shop in Marsa Mina in 2020
- Uses premium ingredients from Denmark and Balkan countries
Why it matters
Naeem’s story illustrates how culinary traditions can serve as cultural bridges, preserving heritage while enriching a rapidly modernizing society.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Naeem’s kunafa special?
The recipe has remained unchanged since 1974, and he uses premium ingredients from Europe.
Where can I buy his kunafa?
It is sold at Naeem Sweets in Marsa Mina, Abu Dhabi.
Does Naeem still work in the shop?
Yes, he works daily from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Has Naeem received any awards?
He has been honored by the UAE Ministry of Culture for his culinary contributions.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “How a 74-year-old kunafa maler helped shape Abu Dhabi”
