The UAE has become more than just a global destination for luxury, skyscrapers, and sunshine — it’s now a thriving hub for café culture. Whether you’re a connoisseur of finely brewed specialty coffee or someone who enjoys aesthetic spaces and delicious pastries, the UAE’s café scene is bursting with charm and character. From minimalist hideaways to Instagrammable gems and artisanal coffee houses, here are the top 10 cafes across the Emirates that every coffee enthusiast must visit.
1. % Arabica – Dubai and Abu Dhabi
With its roots in Kyoto, Japan, % Arabica has become a worldwide icon, and its branches in the UAE are no exception. The brand’s emphasis on high-quality beans and clean, modern aesthetics has made it a fan favorite. The Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi Corniche locations both offer stunning views — one facing the Burj Khalifa and the other the serene sea — paired with impeccable cortados and single-origin espressos.
2. The Sum of Us – Dubai
Located in Trade Center Dubai, The Sum of Us is more than just a café; it’s a bakery, a coffee roastery, and a culinary lab all in one. It serves ethically sourced coffee roasted in-house and pairs it with artisan bread and healthy, flavorful dishes. The industrial-chic vibe and the dedication to quality make it a hotspot for brunchers and coffee lovers alike.
3. Drop Coffee – Dubai
Drop is a specialty coffee haven for those who take their brews seriously. With an urban, minimalist design and a menu curated for bean variety and flavor extraction, Drop is ideal for the coffee geek in you. Their baristas are highly skilled and always happy to share their knowledge on pour-over, siphon, or cold drip methods.
4. Forever Rose Café – Abu Dhabi
Step into a café where every corner looks like a page out of a fairy tale. Forever Rose Café in The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi, combines elegant black-and-white 2D design with floral charm. Though famous for its floral lattes and luxurious desserts, its specialty coffee lineup is equally enchanting. It’s a romantic and artistic experience that transcends a typical coffee stop.
5. Boon Coffee – Dubai
Founded by Ethiopian entrepreneur Orit Mohammed, Boon Coffee is known for bringing authentic African coffee to the UAE. Their beans are sourced directly from Ethiopian farms and roasted fresh in-house. With a branch in Jumeirah Lake Towers and another in Dubai Design District, Boon is an ideal café for those looking to explore bold, fruity, and heritage-rich flavors.
6. Rx Coffee Apothecary – Abu Dhabi
A café that mixes the concept of wellness with coffee craftsmanship, Rx Coffee Apothecary in Abu Dhabi is a sleek and serene space where science meets style. The coffee menu is curated for health-conscious consumers, including organic and decaf options without sacrificing flavor. Their matcha and turmeric lattes are also popular alternatives for non-coffee drinkers.
7. Brunch & Cake – Dubai
Hailing from Barcelona, Brunch & Cake in Jumeirah and The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, has brought its love for beautifully messy, wholesome food and top-notch coffee to the UAE. With sunlit interiors, boho-chic décor, and a creative coffee menu, this café is ideal for long brunches, aesthetic Instagram shots, and coffee breaks with flair.
8. %100 Specialty Coffee – Sharjah
One of Sharjah’s best-kept secrets, %100 Specialty Coffee is a minimalist café that delivers maximum flavor. With a team trained in the art of coffee brewing, they offer V60 pour-overs, AeroPress, Chemex, and more. The café’s clean design and cozy atmosphere make it a favorite for students, freelancers, and those looking to savor their coffee without distraction.
9. The Espresso Lab – Dubai Design District
Founded by Emirati coffee expert Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, The Espresso Lab is a pioneer in the UAE’s specialty coffee movement. Nestled in Dubai Design District, it offers rare micro-lot coffees brewed by passionate baristas. Every detail — from bean origin to water temperature — is calibrated to perfection. This is a must-visit for purists who appreciate the art and science behind each cup.
10. Café Bateel – Nationwide
For a taste of Arabian luxury combined with European café culture, Café Bateel offers a refined experience. Known for its signature date-infused beverages, organic teas, and exclusive coffee blends, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. With multiple locations across the UAE, including malls and business hubs, it’s a dependable choice for a classy coffee break or a quiet meeting spot.
Why UAE’s Café Scene Is Booming
The explosion of café culture in the UAE is no coincidence. The nation’s cosmopolitan population, appetite for culinary innovation, and thriving digital culture have created a perfect ecosystem for cafés to flourish. Coffee is no longer just a morning ritual — it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and a means of social connection. From Emirati-owned gems to global boutique brands, cafés in the UAE have embraced diversity, quality, and design like never before.
What Sets These Cafes Apart
Each café in this list stands out not just for its coffee but for the complete experience it offers:
- Design and Ambience: From the artistic flair of Forever Rose to the minimalism of Drop Coffee, these cafés create memorable atmospheres.
- Quality and Craft: Baristas are highly trained, and many cafés roast their own beans or source them from sustainable farms.
- Innovation: Whether it’s a lavender-infused flat white or a charcoal latte, experimentation is encouraged.
- Community: Many of these cafés also serve as cultural spaces for art exhibits, workshops, and events, making them pillars of the local creative community.
Conclusion: A Coffee Journey Worth Taking
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, exploring the UAE’s café culture is a journey of taste, texture, and inspiration. These ten cafés represent the pinnacle of what the Emirates has to offer — quality, innovation, and hospitality brewed into every cup. So the next time you’re looking to unwind, work remotely, or simply enjoy a good espresso, consider one of these top spots. Your perfect coffee moment awaits in the UAE.
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