The UAE’s dining scene is as diverse as the melting pot of diners within it. From dining in the sky to tasting gold-flavoured coffee, there’s always a new concept to look forward to. Over the past 5 years, desert cafes and pop-ups have become one of those concepts to look forward to every winter. A long drive to sandy dunes, a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate!), and a crackling bonfire—what’s not to love?
It’s a concept born out of practicality. Take a drive through the Emirates (especially the Northern ones) and you will find local stalls perched in the middle of nowhere. Offering tea, fruit, and snacks for the journey, these local entities provide the foundation for the current desert cafe.
Some stick by the simplicity—no-nonsense, just drinks and a majlis sofa and an open bonfire once the sun sets. Whereas others have spurred a new life in the desert with curated menus, live entertainment, fire shows, activities, and Instagrammable spots.
As the temperature cools, here are the desert cafes to check out, and are favourites set to reopen soon.
Hidden | Al Lisali
You know the place is good when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pays a visit. Located in Al Lisaili near Al Marmoon Heritage Village, this space is what we were talking about when we mentioned simplicity. Shades to protect you from the sun, camping chairs, a gigantic cubed mirror, and that crackling bonfire all come together, creating a cosy and peaceful mood.
My Space | Nazwa Desert
This cafe in Nazwa desert is the brand’s third branch and their most fun one! Arcade games, billiards, swings, camel and horse rides, live entertainment, and a strange yet friendly gorilla mascot—it’s a family-friendly spot with something for everyone. Their menu is just as indulgent as their space, going beyond hot drinks and serving up American platters, pizzas, pastas, and decadent sweet treats.
Carnival Cafe | Nazwa Desert
Another spot at Nazwa desert, in fact, it is right next to My Space. With a Roman concept, you can find pillars and busts by the sand dunes and spaces focused on community connection. Their menu is complemented by their live entertainment, which especially turns up the energy during the night, making dinner a spectacle every night.
Link by Mara | Aljada, Sharjah
Set to open next week on October 27, this spot at Aljada, Sharjah, lets you sit at eye level with the sand. Staying true to their motto of being a flavourful oasis by the desert, you can expect a Japanese-Italian fusion menu, as well as grills and other international staples here.
Limited | Al Marmoom
Another cafe that has been frequented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Although temporarily closed, we’re certain that this cafe will open up again once the weather gets a teeny bit colder. Set in Al Marmoom, this cafe overlooks the desert lakes, offering a soothing ambience of birdsong and stunning views while you eat. Speaking of, this spot is the lovechild between three local businesses—Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Buns, so the range of food options here are anything but Limited.
The Uncommon | Al Marmoom
Also located at Al Marmoom (though not with the lake views), Uncommon has been doing pop-ups since 2022. Most desert cafes have mirrors everywhere as a common design option, and that’s thanks to Uncommon, which chose mirrors to reflect and highlight the natural beauty of the UAE. Hot drinks and a bonfire in the norm here, whereas live entertainment is usually comprised of soulful Arabic tunes sung with an Oud. Once again, this spot is temporarily closed, but we’re certain that it will reopen further down the winter months.
One Degree Winter Cafe
With 5 branches under their belt, One Degree’s Winter Cafe is their desert iteration. Making desert dining unbelievably luxe, you can choose to sit and relax on their plush sofas or explore the rest of the space. Temporarily closed yet expected to reopen soon—Pan-Asian inspired bites, arcade games, fire shows, a massive wooden swing (that’s safe to swing in), and a Hollywood-style sign of the cafe are some of the few things that you can expect here.
