The United Arab Emirates, with its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, has experienced a coffee revolution in recent years.
Across its cities, from the bustling streets of Dubai to the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, a myriad of coffee shops have emerged, each offering a unique experience. Prices for a cup of coffee in Dubai vary, generally ranging from AED 15 to AED 30.
The city hosts several top coffee roasting companies, known for their unique blends and quality beans sourced globally. The number of coffee shops in Dubai is continually growing, catering to various preferences and tastes.
Drive-thru coffee places offer convenience for those on the go, while many cafés provide a comfortable environment for studying or working, complete with free Wi-Fi.
In Abu Dhabi, specialty shops sell a range of high-quality coffee beans for home brewing enthusiasts.
Arabic coffee, a symbol of hospitality and tradition, remains a staple in the region, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. The coffee culture here caters to everyone from espresso aficionados to those who cherish traditional brewing methods.
Whether you’re a connoisseur in search of the perfect espresso or a casual drinker looking for a cozy spot to relax, the UAE’s coffee scene offers something for everyone.
Nightjar Coffee Roasters
Nightjar Coffee Roasters in Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai, stands out as a unique blend of a coffee house and a late-night dive bar.
Founded by coffee aficionado Leon Surynt, Nightjar is renowned for its specialty beans sourced directly from Rwanda, Brazil, and Colombia, ensuring top-notch quality and consistency.
The beans are roasted and brewed on-site, offering a range of innovative drinks like cold brew teas and nitro-infused coffees.
The ambiance, with its exposed breeze block walls, DJ booth, and camel skin-covered banquettes, attracts a trendy crowd.
The food menu adds to the charm with options like freshly roasted chicken and pancake stacks. Additionally, there’s excitement about a new branch opening in City Walk in 2023.
Nette
Nette, nestled within the aesthetically pleasing Matcha Club in Al Quoz, is a part of Dubai’s chic wellness community.
This community encompasses yoga studios and outdoor padel courts. Nette’s courtyard is a popular spot for a diverse crowd, including yoga enthusiasts and remote workers, who enjoy iced matcha lattes in a serene environment.
The café’s menu is infused with Japanese influences, featuring items like avocado toast with yuzu and roasted sesame seeds, seaweed salad sandwiches, and miso seared tuna salad bowls, offering a unique culinary experience.
Boon Coffee Roaster
Boon Coffee Roasters in Dubai is a remarkable example of passion meeting expertise.
Orit Mohammed, the founder, brings a unique touch by sourcing and roasting Ethiopian beans herself, creating distinctive custom blends.
You can experience these unique flavors at their Mall of the Emirates outlet, located inside Crate & Barrel, where delicious treats like pecan pies and croissants complement their coffee offerings.
Qahwaty Coffee
Qahwaty Coffee, deriving its name from the Arabic word for coffee, ‘qahwa’, specializes in skillfully crafted brews.
The café, nestled in Huna by the Pond at Al Quoz Pond Park, boasts sleek industrial interiors with copper accents and a traditional majlis seating area, ideal for social gatherings over various coffee selections like lattes, cortados, and cold brews.
Nusantara Coffee Roastery
Nusantara Coffee Roastery puts a spotlight on Indonesian Arabica beans. At their flagship location in Nad Al Hamar, a lit staircase leads to an upscale, dimly lit space.
Here, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy unique brewing methods like the V60, which involves a drip-down brew at a 60-degree angle, paired with their signature cake.
RoR Roastery
RoR Roastery, named after the ‘rate of rise’ in bean roasting, merges craft and coffee expertise.
The roastery, situated in Al Quoz, stands out not just for its sophisticated grey interiors but also for its range of over 30 single-origin coffee options.
Catering to both coffee enthusiasts and professionals, they also offer specialized courses, making it a haven for coffee connoisseurs.
RAW Coffee Company
RAW Coffee Company, located in Al Quoz, Dubai, stands as one of the city’s pioneering coffee spots.
It offers an array of choices with five custom blends and 15 single-origin coffees sourced from various global locations like Mexico and Myanmar.
Catering to all coffee preferences, including nitro-infused cold brews, and equipped with the latest brewing and espresso gear, RAW Coffee Company is more than just a café; it’s a comprehensive coffee experience.
The Climbing Goat Coffee
The Climbing Goat Coffee, known for its rigorous quality standards, serves only coffee that scores above 86, ensuring each cup is either Excellent or Outstanding.
This commitment to quality is complemented by thoughtful touches like biscotti and sparkling water, enhancing the coffee-tasting experience.
Visitors can enjoy this exceptional coffee along with delicious chocolate brownies at their slow brew bars located in Nakheel Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, and JLT.
The Espresso Lab
The Espresso Lab, founded by Emirati owner Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, reflects a deep passion for coffee, rooted in family tradition.
Located in Dubai Design District, The Espresso Lab not only caters to coffee enthusiasts but also focuses on educating visitors about coffee.
They regularly update their selection with beans from micro-lot farms recognized as ‘Cup of Excellence’, showcasing a commitment to offering unique and high-quality coffee experiences.