Living in the UAE means having the best of both worlds—stunning beaches and vast desert landscapes. While summer is perfect for cooling off by the pool, winter invites us to embrace the outdoors and explore the golden dunes.
Lately, more unique cafes and restaurants have been emerging in the heart of the desert, offering a magical setting for an evening under the stars. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy coffee and great company, here are eight must-visit desert pop-ups in the UAE.
Hidden Café
Hidden Café is a seasonal desert pop-up in Dubai, offering a boho-chic ambiance with rope-decked chairs, woven beanbags, rattan sofas, and cozy campfires. Surrounded by palm trees near the Al Marmoom Heritage Village, it provides a serene setting under twinkling fairy lights. The menu includes hot beverages, burgers, and desserts like tiramisu and brownies. A notable feature is the mirrored installation that adds a touch of magic to the space. Open daily from 4 PM to 1 AM, and until 2 AM on weekends, it's an ideal spot to enjoy the desert landscape.
Hidden Café is a seasonal desert pop-up in Dubai, offering a boho-chic ambiance with rope-decked chairs, woven beanbags, rattan sofas, and cozy campfires. Surrounded by palm trees near the Al Marmoom Heritage Village, it provides a serene setting under twinkling fairy lights. The menu includes hot beverages, burgers, and desserts like tiramisu and brownies. A notable feature is the mirrored installation that adds a touch of magic to the space. Open daily from 4 PM to 1 AM, and until 2 AM on weekends, it's an ideal spot to enjoy the desert landscape.
Zuma Ras Al Khaimah
Zuma has launched an exclusive pop-up at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, offering its renowned modern Japanese izakaya dining amidst the serene desert landscape. Guests can savor signature dishes like miso-marinated black cod and fresh sushi, complemented by bespoke cocktails. The open-air, two-level setting provides breathtaking views of the rolling dunes, enhanced by live DJ performances. This unique dining experience is available until April 30, 2025.
The Uncommon
The Uncommon is a pop-up dining experience established in 2022, first launched in Al Faya, Sharjah. Its iconic reflective mirror café quickly became a viral sensation, capturing the attention of local and regional social media. The inspiration for the space came from The Invisible House, a mirror-clad house in California, designed to reflect its surroundings. The Uncommon aimed to highlight the natural beauty of the UAE through its unique design.
Caia Bamboo
Caia Bamboo is a bohemian-inspired desert pop-up café, extending from Box Park's Caia Café, situated near Flamingo Lake by the Al Qudra camping area. Open daily from 4 PM to 1 AM, it offers serene lakeside lounge seating under billowing canopies, with tables arranged around a central water fountain and a raised deck adorned with twinkling fairy lights. The menu features mixed grills, pastas, burgers, and delectable desserts. Notably, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited shortly after its opening.
One Degree Cafe
One Degree Café is a seasonal desert pop-up located in Margham, approximately a 45-minute drive from central Dubai. Open daily from 5 PM to 1 AM, it offers a traditional Arabian experience with Bedouin tents, camel and horse rides, and live performances like Tanoura dances and fire shows. The menu features sliders, hot dogs, fries, and a variety of coffees. The ambiance is enhanced by illuminated trees and lanterns, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.
Limited
Limited is a seasonal desert café located along the shores of Al Marmoom Lakes in Dubai. Now in its second winter season, it offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The café is a collaboration between Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Buns, providing a diverse menu that includes truffle burgers, inverted cheesecake, and a variety of specialty coffees. Open daily from 4 PM to 11 PM, Limited also hosts pop-up events, workshops, and live performances, enhancing its serene lakeside atmosphere.
Sadeem
Sadeem is a desert pop-up café located in Dubai's Al Marmoom Reserve. It offers a celestial experience under the stars, allowing visitors to enjoy their favorite coffee amidst the enchanting glow of twinkling stars. The café provides an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the desert, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and serene environment.
