Café culture in Dubai has stepped well beyond the glittering towers and mall atriums, reaching into the open arms of the desert itself. Just a short drive from the city’s boulevards, you can sip a Spanish latte or a karak chai while watching the sun dip behind rolling dunes.
This café trend found its footing when Dubai’s first dedicated desert café opened in recent years, starting with pop-ups such as One Degree in the early 2020s. Yet today, several have grown into full-scale destinations offering chef-led menus, mirrored art installations, and even fire shows under the stars. And while the original desert “gahwa” culture dates back centuries – where Bedouins brewed spiced coffee over campfires for travellers and traders – these modern venues blend that tradition with design flair and global cuisine.
Residents and tourists drive 40 minutes out, give or take, into the dunes to enjoy these desert cafés that have turned rugged landscapes into atmospheric venues of lantern-lit tables, live music, and even stargazing sessions.
This is our guide to the very best of them, where you can enjoy the scent of spiced coffee within the stillness of Dubai dunes.
My Space Coffee – A Desert Oasis for Stargazers
My Space Coffee is a unique desert café set roughly a 40-minute drive from central Dubai. Its design combines minimalist elements – seating scattered directly on the sand, rustic rocking chairs, and swings – with stylish touches such as sleek mirrored pods reflecting the surrounding dunes. As dusk falls and the city’s glow is left far behind, lanterns and starlight cast a glow over the scene, creating an idyllic setting for stargazing with a steaming cup in hand. The menu contains a broad selection of brews and bites. Coffee lovers can savour everything from smooth cold brews to velvety lattes, alongside inventive sips like pistachio-infused milkshakes or tangy passion-fruit mocktails to beat the daytime heat. On cooler evenings, guests might opt for a fragrant karak tea or a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, embracing local tastes in luxe style, with homemade cheesecake and molten chocolate cake made all the more indulgent under a desert sky.
Parker’s at Al Marmoom- A Boho Culinary Space in the Desert
Parker’s, a beloved home-grown café brand, has brought its trendy vibe out to the Al Marmoom Desert – and it’s proven wildly popular. This boho-chic pop-up invites you to unwind in a relaxed setting, with sand beneath your feet and a menu of signature comfort dishes to enjoy. Under a rustic canopy and fairy lights, Parker’s serves up its famous all-day breakfast dishes and freshly brewed coffees in a relaxed alfresco setting. The options extend to include fluffy pancakes and truffle eggs Benedict, enjoyed on wooden tables surrounded by woven lanterns and pampas grass décor. The atmosphere is stylish with traditional Arabic touches as families, couples, and influencers alike lounge on low sofas or bench swings, soaking in the sunset. Set within Dubai’s dunes, Parker’s serves its decadent Matilda chocolate cake and barista-crafted latte with the same delight as at their city branches. It’s the ultimate winter café escape, combining the comforts of a modern eatery with the romance of the desert night sky.
Hidden Dubai – Bohemian Vibes and Stargazing
True to its name, Hidden Dubai feels like a secret desert hideaway with a unique experience. Located off a sandy track near Al Qudra, this pop-up café is known for its bohemian, camp-like setup that invites you to unwind the moment you step in. Low rope deck chairs and earthy woven bean bags around a crackling campfire, rattan sofas piled with cushions, and tall palm trees casting dappled shade as the day’s heat fades. At its heart lies a mirrored installation that captures the surrounding dunes and sky – a lovely setting for memorable photographs. The menu at Hidden is simple yet satisfying, offering specialty coffees, karak teas, and indulgent hot chocolates topped with marshmallows, alongside burgers and other hearty snacks. Many visitors come at sunset to watch the sky turn pink over a cup of Arabic coffee, then stay late into the night sharing stories by the bonfire. Hidden Dubai often hosts special events too – from branded beauty launches to acoustic music nights – so there’s always a new reason to visit this desert gem beyond the city lights.
One Degree Café – Bedouin-Inspired Desert Camp
For a more traditional desert experience gently touched by a modern twist, One Degree Café lets you taste Arabian hospitality under the stars. Set near the village of Margham, about 40 minutes from Downtown, this winter-only café recreates the feel of a cosy Bedouin camp. Guests are welcomed by sights and sounds evocative of Emirati heritage – there are camels to greet you at the entrance, rustic Bedouin tents and carpets spread on the sand, and the distant strains of oud music playing as twilight falls. You can sink into cushioned seating around a fire pit, perfect for toasting marshmallows, while enjoying One Degree’s menu of coffees, creamy shakes, and casual eats like burgers, hot dogs, and freshly made desserts. In the evening, the camp truly comes alive, and the café arranges nightly entertainment ranging from swirling Tanoura dancers and live oud performances to spectacular fire shows that illuminate the dunes. It’s family-friendly as well, with activities for kids, making it an ideal spot if you want a taste of desert adventure without booking a full safari. Open from late afternoon to after midnight.
Sadeem – Dazzling Lights and Gourmet Bites
Sadeem (Arabic for “nebula”), one of the newest entrants on the desert café scene, is gaining acclaim for its futuristic flair and gourmet menu. Located in Al Marmoom near the Al Qudra Lakes, Sadeem welcomes visitors with a dramatic display – glowing archways and artful lighting installations illuminate the sand, leading you into a circular open-air dining area encircled by fire pits. It’s a visually striking setting, tailor-made for social media moments after dark. Sadeem, aside from its cosmic-themed décor, has gained a reputation for excellent specialty coffee and a boldly created food selection. Here you’ll find creative twists on casual dining, such as truffle saffron arancini, spicy Korean-style chicken pops, and even “Frosties” cereal soft-serve ice cream for dessert lovers. The mix of international street food and elevated sweets reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan palate. Sadeem’s buzz grew even higher as the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, paid a visit in late 2024.
Hubara Hills Café – Lakeside Desert Chic
Hubara Hills Café has turned a quiet corner of the Al Qudra area into a spot that is now on Dubai’s must-visit list. Resting by a desert lake, this café pairs rare views of water near rolling golden sand, all framed by a vast sky that glows amber and violet at sunset. By day, you might spot wild oryx or flamingos near the shoreline; by night, oil lanterns and string lights transform the sandy lakeside into a warm, inviting haven. The décor leans into boho-chic elegance with knotted rope accents, rustic wooden furniture, and potted desert plants arranged artfully on Persian rugs. It’s a pet-friendly spot, so don’t be surprised to see guests’ dogs lounging happily by the majlis seating. Hubara Hills’ menu sets it apart from the typical coffee pop-up – alongside the expected lattes and Arabic coffee, you’ll find gourmet dishes like a rich lobster pasta that has diners raving. There are also premium burgers, truffle fries, and desserts to satisfy upscale tastes.
Reflections
Dubai’s desert cafés prove that you don’t need city skylines to enjoy an outing or a dining experience – a starry sky and endless dunes can be even a more memorable setting. Each of these destinations offers its own slice of magic in the sands, from the stargazing serenity of My Space and the boho flair of Parker’s to the mirrored art at Hidden. As the winter season beckons and the weather turns perfect for outdoor adventures, consider swapping the usual city brunch for a journey to one of these desert cafés to savour a Dubai-special experience.
