Are you yearning for a unique dining experience this winter, surrounded by the serene beauty of desert dunes? The UAE has you covered with charming desert café pop-ups that allow you to immerse yourself in the desert’s allure without the hassle of setting up a tent. This guide will introduce you to the coziest desert café pop-ups that are a must-visit this season. Get ready to savour speciality coffee, delectable desserts, and much more amidst the stunning desert landscapes.
Hidden Café: Where Palms and Coffee Unite
Hidden Café, nestled near Al Marmoon Heritage Village, offers a warm and inviting ambience. It is the perfect spot to sip an iced coffee while gazing at idyllic palm trees swaying in the desert breeze. This UAE desert gem boasts an array of delights, including hot chocolate and mouthwatering doughnuts. Plan your visit around sunset to capture picturesque moments for your Instagram feed.
Opening Hours: Daily from 4 pm onwards
Location: Unnamed street – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Limited: A Culinary Collaboration Overlooking Al Marmoom Lakes
If you haven’t heard about it yet, Limited is the latest desert café that provides breathtaking views of Al Marmoom Lakes. This culinary venture is the brainchild of a collaboration between small businesses like Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Bun. Here, you can indulge in various treats, from hotdogs and burgers to perfectly brewed coffee and delectable desserts. Watch for a painting signed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
Opening Hours: Daily from 4 pm onwards, located in Al Marmoom
Link by Mara: Street Food Paradise in the Desert
Calling all street food enthusiasts! Link by Mara is a dessert café beyond just coffee and dessert. Located in Aljada, Sharjah, this café offers an enticing menu featuring international fusion cuisine. From loaded fries to sushi and pizza, there’s something for every foodie. Reservations are currently unavailable, so it’s first come, first served.
Opening Hours: Daily from 4.30 pm to 3 am
Location: Al Jada – Muwaileh Commercial – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Not a Space: Beyond a Desert Pop-up
Not a Space is not your typical desert pop-up; it’s a destination for unique experiences. Whether you’re planning a creative date, a fun outing with friends, or a solo adventure, this place has it all. Besides its desert charm, you can partake in art classes, fitness activities, and live entertainment. Night owl? Not a problem – they offer a 24-hour drive-thru service.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
One Degree: Where Coffee Meets Arabian Adventure
For serious coffee connoisseurs seeking an Arabian twist, One Degree’s desert pop-up in the Margham Desert is a must-visit. Located 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai, it offers a scenic drive to a dune-side backdrop. Savour speciality coffee paired with delightful sweet bites amidst the desert’s tranquillity.
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 pm to 1 am, situated in Al Margham Desert, Dubai
Uncommon: The Mirror Café Amidst Al Faya Dunes
Uncommon, known as the mirror café, promises chill vibes and a delectable menu. Located between the Al Faya Dunes, this café boasts a highly Instagrammable setting with a massive mirrored wall and breathtaking desert dunes as the backdrop. While you relish your meal, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to traditional tunes.
Now that you’re acquainted with these delightful desert café pop-ups in the UAE, let’s delve deeper into what completes each unique and worthwhile destination.
Location: Mahafiz-Al Fayah Rd – Tawi Mahafiz – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
FAQs About Desert Café Pop-ups in the UAE
Q: Are reservations available at Hidden Café?
A: Reservations are not required at Hidden Café. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can simply drop by and enjoy the delightful ambience.
Q: What are the operating hours of Link by Mara?
A: Link by Mara is open daily from 4.30 pm to 3 am, making it a perfect spot for evening and late-night cravings.
Q: Is Not a Space only a desert pop-up, or does it offer more?
A: Not a Space is more than just a desert pop-up. It hosts various activities, including art classes, fitness sessions, live entertainment, and even a 24-hour drive-thru for late-night munchies.
Q: How can I reach One Degree in the Margham Desert?
A: One Degree is located approximately 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. You can enjoy a scenic drive to reach this desert oasis.
Q: Is Uncommon suitable for Instagram enthusiasts?
A: Absolutely! Uncommon, also known as the mirror café, features an Instagrammable mirrored wall and stunning desert dunes, making it a favourite spot for capturing memorable moments.
Q: Can I enjoy traditional tunes while dining at Uncommon?
A: Yes, Uncommon offers a unique experience with traditional tunes playing in the background, enhancing your dining experience amidst the desert landscape.
Conclusion
The UAE’s desert café pop-ups offer a delightful escape from the ordinary, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert while enjoying delectable treats, speciality coffee, and a range of activities. From Hidden Café’s idyllic charm to Link by Mara’s international street food, each desert destination has something special to offer. So, this winter, venture beyond the cityscape and explore the enchanting world of desert café pop-ups in the UAE. Your taste buds and senses will thank you for it.
