Arabic bread pudding only works well with stale or tossted bread that is brittle and crumbly.
Instead of going with plain sugar syrup, add flavors like rose and cardamom to make it arabic.
Make sure the bread is neither undersoaked nor oversoaked.
To make the cream topping thick and creamy, add some cornstarch.
Contrast the creamy and juicy texture of soaked bread pudding with a crunchy topping or shell.