The current situation has unexpectedly created a new normal for those in the Gulf. On the surface, the city has forced itself to adjust and move on. But within, there is an undercurrent of unease. Not quite panic, but anxiety for what’s to come. Despite all that, empathy for the people and the country continues to run deep as businesses keep their doors open and communities lend an ear to those looking for support. So in reverse, it’s only right to support small and local businesses wherever we can. If you find yourself exploring the city in search of new places to shop, dine, or just be, here are the spots worth supporting.
Cafés
BAGERI FORM | Dubai Design District
A Scandinavian-inspired bakery, this spot is all about small batches and fresh bakes. With their workstation in full view, you can watch the bakers create yeast-free breads, flaky pastries, and soft cakes from scratch. And of course, coffees and matchas on the side are a must!
Daughter and Dad Coffee | Meliá Desert Palm Estate and Equestrian Centre
A family-run plant-focused coffee shop, what makes Daughter and Dad Coffee a fun place to visit is the unexpected community that you can find here. Sometimes a workshop, sometimes a book club, Daughter and Dad Coffee keep their doors open for both communities to convene and for soloists to relax on a fresh brew.
Gato Bakehouse | Dubai Creek Harbour
A small business that brought the Korean cafe charm to the Gulf, this spot is quaint, perfect for those days to get lost in a book with a coffee and a pastry. This cafe is also home to the viral Korean Dubai Chocolate Chewy cookies, where mochi meets kunafa, blending the two textures and flavours together in harmony.
Gérard Café
With branches all across the UAE, Gérard Café has been serving coffee enthusiasts in the UAE since 1981. With a French flair, their brews and bites make for easy casual gatherings, where all you need is good company and good conversation.
Matcha Vibes | Jumeirah 1
Dubai’s first dedicated matcha cafe, Matcha Vibes, was built with the original Japanese matcha ceremony in mind. Blending with Dubai’s modern cafe culture, you can expect a space built to reflect, connect, and thoroughly indulge in ceremonial graded matcha.
Oath Cafe | Al Wasl Rd
Hidden by a garden, the Emirati-owned speciality coffee shop is perfect to unwind with nature as you sip on an iced Americano. With homey wooden interiors inside and lush greenery outside, it’s a serene spot where you can easily get lost in time.
Fashion Retail
Datecrete Studio & Lab
For those looking to participate in slow, sustainable fashion, Datecrete Studio & Lab creates bespoke handmade items using Datecrete, a date-pit-based material. Their pieces are mainly architectural, while their accessories feature a similar sculptural shape.
Fashion Rerun | Goshi Warehouse, Al Quoz
A thrift store centred on retro and Y2K styles. If thirfting isn’t your thing, you can also take a look at Efaar, their upcycled fashion brand that creates artistically reworked fits from tapestries, curtains, and other fabrics.
Orient 499 | Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Defined by ethical fashion, the Lebanese brand works with artisans across Lebanon to create thoughtfully designed, handcrafted garments as well as preserve Levantine craftsmanship. Their collections are rooted in modest fashion, with silhouettes, patterns, and embroidery akin to most Arabian fashion.
THE MELTED ARTISAN STUDIO
A small independent business based in Dubai, THE MELTED ARTISAN STUDIO works on creating natural hand-poured candles made from soy and coconut wax. Offering unique designs and custom-made pieces, their work lends itself to be a fun accent piece of decor.
The Charms Atelier
With two branches across Dubai, The Charms Atelier brings charm customisation to a range of jewellery items. A fun girlfriend date, you can take your pick between bracelets, bag charms, keychains, phone charms, and more.
Art Galleries & Spaces
Foundry | Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai
A hybrid progressive art space that is as nuanced as the city itself! On one hand, you have a gallery space and a micro library to engage in art. While on the other hand, there are working stations and a podcast room for those looking to create art instead. You can also find a cosy cafe among the facilities, where the fresh coffee scents the air.
Green Art Gallery | Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Operating since 1995, Green Art Gallery’s journey itself is as interesting as the artwork it holds. Moving from a small Jumeirah villa to the robust Alserkal art community, the space reflects this change. Exhibitions here are both contemporary and cosmopolitan in nature, where artists from different cultures work across a range of media, allowing for idea-led artistic representation.
The Majlis Gallery | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Arguably one of the oldest art galleries in Dubai, The Majlis Gallery has had their doors open since 1989. Featuring both regional and international art as well as workshops for like-minded creatives to understand different art forms, this gallery works as a haven for artists in the city, far away from the glass and concrete that we’re all too familiar with.
Tabari Artspace | DIFC Gate Village
Founded in 2003 with the goal to give MENA artists a voice and representation on the international stage, you can find the artspace at the heart of the DIFC district. Showcasing regional contemporary artists, it’s a space to best find out what the regional creatives are up to.
XVA Art Hotel & Cafe | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
XVA is a unique Dubai secret that we’re surprised hasn’t been outed yet. Established in 2003 in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, this spot is an art salon for creatives to unwind in, away from the bustling city. Within the salon are 15 individually designed rooms, 3 wind towers, and 2 courtyards. The gallery hosts regional artists while the cafe serves up Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian options in one of the courtyards.
