Summer in Dubai often means seeking shade, sipping cold drinks, and searching for places where you can relax in comfort away from the blazing Summer heat. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a dessert lover, or just someone looking for a chilled spot with great vibes, this curated list of one-of-a-kind cafés is exactly what you need. From quirky interiors to icy drinks and serene ambiances, these hidden gems offer an experience that’s more than just your average café visit.
1. The Grey – Where Minimalism Meets Luxury
Tucked in Al Wasl, The Grey is a café that effortlessly blends modern design with relaxing energy. Its cool grey interiors, soft lighting, and wide open spaces make it a calm escape from the heat. The air-conditioned interiors, paired with their signature iced matcha and cold brews, make it a perfect summer hideout. Whether you’re working on your laptop or catching up with a friend, this spot offers elegance and calm in equal measure.
2. Forever Rose Café – A Fairytale in Full Bloom
This café feels like stepping inside a storybook. Every detail – from the black-and-white sketch-style décor to the rose-inspired menu – is made to wow. Located in Boxpark, Forever Rose is not just about aesthetics, it’s also air-conditioned bliss during Dubai’s hotter months. Sip on rose-infused lattes or enjoy a layered dessert as you take in the dreamy atmosphere. It’s an ideal escape for romantics and Instagram lovers alike.
3. Arabica – A Coffee Experience From Kyoto to Dubai
Known for its “%” logo and sleek vibe, Arabica is a go-to for coffee purists. With multiple branches across Dubai, their indoor spaces are always well-designed and perfectly chilled. The glass walls let you enjoy the sunshine without suffering from it, and the view often includes cityscapes or greenery. Their iced Spanish latte is a summer favourite, and it’s the kind of café where each cup is crafted like art.
4. The Sum of Us – Urban, Cool and Comforting
If you’re looking for a creative place to work, think, or unwind with a cold drink, The Sum of Us delivers on all fronts. This café-bakery hybrid located near Trade Center offers a large indoor space, cool industrial interiors, and a smell of fresh pastries that instantly lifts your mood. Their cold brew, paired with a flaky croissant or a power bowl, is an instant pick-me-up.
5. Saya Brasserie – For Pretty Interiors and Prettier Plates
Saya is the definition of “extra” in the best way possible. Think pink walls, neon signs, floral ceilings, and beautifully plated food. It’s like walking into a dream designed for the heat-weary. With several locations, including City Walk and Nakheel Mall, you can find a Saya near you. The indoor spaces are fully air-conditioned and make for a refreshing change from the sun-drenched streets outside.
6. Cassette – Where Art, Music, and Coffee Collide
Located inside The Courtyard in Al Quoz, Cassette is a hidden sanctuary for those who love vintage vibes and calm energy. The café plays mellow music, has high ceilings, and the air conditioning is always just right. They also support local artists and host occasional events, making it a culturally rich spot to spend a few hours away from the heat. Try their iced coconut latte—it’s a summer must-have.
7. Drop Café – Minimalist Cool with Maximum Flavour
Drop Café is not your average coffee shop. Known for its sleek, minimalist interiors and expertly brewed coffee, this spot has become a local favourite in the Al Safa area. It’s quiet, clean, and ideal for people who like their spaces aesthetically pleasing and their drinks ice-cold. Whether you’re grabbing a quick iced Americano or sitting down for a coffee flight, you’ll feel like time slows down here.
8. Brew Café – The Hidden Gem for Creative Souls
This café in Jumeirah is a favourite among students, artists, and freelancers. With cozy air-conditioned corners and unique decor elements like vinyl records and painted murals, it’s both inspiring and relaxing. Brew is not just about coffee—it’s about community. Their iced drinks menu is surprisingly vast, and their signature cold white chocolate mocha is one of the best-kept secrets in the city.
9. Tania’s Teahouse – Whimsical, Airy, and Always Refreshing
Located in a beautiful villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, Tania’s Teahouse is the kind of place that makes you feel instantly lighter. Known for its pastel interiors, pun-filled menu, and inclusive energy, it’s become a haven for locals and tourists alike. Every corner is thoughtfully designed, and the indoors are perfectly cool even on the hottest days. Whether you’re having an iced tea, smoothie bowl, or vegan dessert, you’ll leave feeling refreshed.
10. Rx Coffee Apothecary – A Healing Space with Serious Style
If you’re someone who loves understated luxury and quiet calm, Rx Coffee Apothecary in Jumeirah is for you. This café has a medicinal-inspired aesthetic, with amber bottles, clean lines, and a sense of peace that’s rare in the bustling city. Their cold coffee creations are excellent, and their holistic vibe extends to their menu options as well. It’s a spot where the stress melts away with the heat.
When the Outside World Feels Like an Oven…
Dubai’s summers can be relentless, but the city never fails to surprise with its hidden, creative, and comforting spaces. These cafés aren’t just a way to stay cool—they’re places to feel inspired, to reconnect, and to enjoy simple pleasures. Whether you’re escaping alone for some “me time” or planning a catch-up with a friend, each one of these spots offers more than just good coffee. They offer moments of calm, comfort, and connection in the heart of the city.
So this summer, don’t just hide indoors. Step into one of these one-of-a-kind cafés, grab your favourite iced drink, and let yourself soak in the vibes—without the sunburn.
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