Head to the desert dunes for an idyllic escape and some seriously Instagrammable moments.
Nestled amidst the vast expanse of the desert, whimsical pop-up cafes emerge like oases, offering respite to wanderers and explorers. Vibrant umbrellas and chairs create a colourful contrast against the golden sand dunes. Aromatic coffee wafts through the air as visitors savour freshly baked pastries, street food and sweet treats. With its eclectic decor and welcoming atmosphere, this transient haven becomes a haven for both locals and intrepid travellers, turning the harsh desert into an unexpected haven for connection and community. These are the best desert pop-ups in the UAE to enjoy this winter.
Cafe Âme
Cafe Âme, meaning “soul cafe” in French, is nestled amidst the dunes of the Al Qudra desert. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a serene atmosphere created by the cafe’s rustic wooden structure and lush greenery. Take a seat on the outdoor terrace and soak in the views of the desert landscape as you escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. Cafe Âme’s menu features a selection of light bites and refreshing beverages, perfect for a post-adventure snack. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the resident flamingos.
GO: Follow @cafeame on Instagram for more information.
Calm Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Sharjah, the charming Hideaway by Calm Cafe provides a space to unwind and enjoy delicious food and drinks in a desert setting. The cafe’s menu features everything from light bites and salads to hearty sandwiches and wraps. Their coffee is known for its rich flavour and smooth texture, while their selection of teas includes refreshing iced teas for a hot day and warm cups of herbal tea to soothe your soul.
GO: Follow @calmcafe.ae on Instagram for more information.
Carnival
Carnival is back in Sharjah at Nawza and this time, it’s bigger than before. Open daily, this desert pop-up has some delicious food for you to indulge in, ranging from burgers, desserts and a whole lot of coffee. There’s also a masked bear show, a fire show, a Tanoura dance and a laser man dance to keep you and any little ones entertained.
GO: Visit @carnivalcafe.ae for reservations and more information.
Common
Common, not to be confused with “The Uncommon”, is anything but ordinary when it comes to desert pop-ups. Tucked away in Sharjah’s Al Faya desert of Sharjah, this unique experience offers a captivating blend of nature, community, and creativity. Forget plastic chairs and flimsy tents because Common boasts a chic and contemporary design, with geometric structures seamlessly merging into the sandy landscape. Common takes its brews seriously, and its menu features speciality coffees and teas, as well as light bites and snacks to satisfy your cravings.
GO: Follow @common.ae on Instagram for more information.
Elsewhere
Embrace the cool winter breeze at Elsewhere, a mesmerising winter pop-up experience nestled amidst the rolling dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Step into a wonderland of twinkling fairy lights, plush cushions scattered across the sand, and cosy hammocks swaying gently in the desert breeze. The pop-up’s culinary offerings involve a variety of food trucks, ranging from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to healthy salads and refreshing smoothies. Don’t forget to indulge in their signature hot chocolate, perfect for warming up on a chilly desert evening.
GO: Follow @elsewhere.ae on Instagram for more information.
Hidden Dubai
Hidden Dubai is a pop-up cafe located in the Dubai desert close to Al Lisaili. The cafe is known for its boho-chic vibes, with rope deck chairs, cosy campfires, earthy woven bean bags, and rattan sofas covered in plush cushions. The whole area is surrounded by palm trees, offering dappled shade to curl up with a coffee as the sun sets. The star feature of Hidden Dubai is a mirrored installation that reflects the picturesque setting around you, making it a perfect photo opportunity. The cafe offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks and burgers.
GO: Follow @hidden_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Hubara Hills Cafe
Located on Al Qudra Road, Hubara Hills Cafe is a scenic spot that has become a social media sensation. The pet-friendly spot offers an elevated take on desert dining with its menu of Lobster Pasta and speciality coffee. The boho-chic decor features knotted ropes, wooden furniture and potted plants, making for one of the most popular desert pop-ups in the area.
GO: Follow @hubara_hills_cafe on Instagram for more information.
Klock Cafe
Centred around a large illuminated clock, Klock Cafe is a winter cafe serving marshmallow-topped hot chocolates, Spanish lattes and karak tea. In addition to the Instagrammable beverage options, a selection of appealing desserts includes tiramisu, honey cake, pistachio cake and cookies. With swinging seats and a resident falcon, Klock Cafe is situated approximately a 30-minute drive from Downtown Dubai on the road to Lahbab. Klock Cafe is open daily from 4pm to midnight.
GO: Follow @klock_cafe on Instagram for more information.
Kurtosh
Located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, between Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, is Kurtosh. This desert pop-up is unlike any other offering you a see-through glass tent or cabana to stay secluded yet enjoy the vast desert expanse ahead. With a variety of snacking and sipping options, you’re guaranteed to have a ball of a time. Plus, the kids are going to love it too with the dancing gorillas, pandas, camel petting zoo and much more.
GO: Follow @kurtosh.cafe on Instagram for more information.
Limited
Escape the urban mirage and find solace at Limited, a mirage-like desert cafe nestled on the shores of Al Marmoom Lakes in Al Qudra. This collaborative venture between Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Bun offers a limited menu highlighting quality over quantity. Indulge in juicy Bound Burgers with premium Wagyu beef and homemade sauces. Satiate your sweet tooth with decadent Stuffed Buns, bursting with innovative flavours. Then, refresh yourself with aromatic coffees and vibrant mocktails from Sillage while taking in the tranquil setting.
GO: Follow @limited.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Link by Mara
This is one of several desert pop-ups in Sharjah’s Aljada area. Link by Mara offers an appealing street food menu. Here, plush sofas are sunken into the desert sands, or you can sit on comfy bean bags. No matter which you decide, you’ll have the ideal vantage point from which to watch the nightly fire shows and oud musicians. Link by Mara’s menu includes mini beef tacos, shakshuka bruschetta, Korean chicken pops, short rib sliders and a brownie club sandwich. Link by Mara is open daily from 4pm to 2am (3am on weekends).
GO: Follow @linkbymara on Instagram for more information.
Mikoko
A taste of Zanzibar has arrived in the Northern Emirates with the opening of Case Mikoko at Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Beach. The beautiful restaurant overlooks the mangroves and the menu features breakfast favourites, pizza, pasta and risotto. Adventure activities such as mangrove tours, kayaking and stand-up paddleboards are also available. Mikoko Hut is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
GO: Follow @casamikoko.uaq on Instagram for more information.
My Space Coffee
My Space Coffee is a unique spot for caffeination in Sharjah’s Al Madam desert. The cafe features al fresco seating scattered across the sand, with rocking chairs, swings, and mini-enclosed stalls. This allows guests to enjoy the beautiful desert scenery and starry night sky while sipping hot and cold speciality coffees. They also have a selection of sweet treats, such as molten chocolate cake and coconut cake.
GO: Follow @myspace.cafe on Instagram for more information.
Not A Space
This popular desert destination in Al Faya offers a tranquil escape less than one hour from Dubai. Nestled amidst orange sand dunes and rocky outcrops, Not A Space (as the name suggests) is a versatile desert pop-up that’s home to a small cafe, nightly entertainment and a programme of activities that includes art and fitness classes. The themed space has comfortable seating, plenty of mirrors and images of the moon – just perfect for a night out under the stars. Not A Space is currently open 24 hours a day.
GO: Follow @notaspace on Instagram for more information.
Obeli
Immerse yourself in a desert oasis at Obeli, a new desert pop-up experience located in the dunes of Al Marmoom. The popular City Walk cafe has moved outside for the winter months, offering delectable bites and beverages beneath the vast desert sky. Step into a world of bohemian bliss and enjoy gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, crisp salads and refreshing smoothies. Plus, their signature hot chocolate is perfect for warming up on a chilly desert evening.
GO: Follow @obelidubai on Instagram for more information.
One Degree Cafe
Jumeirah coffee house, One Degree Cafe, has taken up residence in the Sharjah desert close to the town of Margham. The menu at this winter pop-up features all of your favourite One Degree coffees and shakes, alongside burgers, hotdogs and tempting desserts. With cushioned seating, carpets and fire pits to toast marshmallows, it’s a beautiful spot to watch the daily entertainment, including a fire show and live oud music. One Degree Cafe is open daily from 3pm to 1am.
GO: Follow @onedegree.ae on Instagram for more information.
Sadeem
“Sadeem ” is an Arabic word for “nebulae” and this new desert pop-ups concept embodies the idea of communal dining under the stars. Situated in the Al Mamoum Desert, Sadeem is identifiable by its illuminated archways leading to a circular dining area surrounded by firepits. The desert popup has quickly gained a reputation for speciality coffee and a menu of casual classics such as Chicken Satay Baos, Chilly Honey Yuzu Chicken Sticks, Corn Cheese Cubes, Fried Mac N Cheese and Truffle Arancini. The restaurant has been attracting crowds, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
GO: Follow @sadeemdubai on Instagram for more information.
Sonara Camp Al Wadi
Instagrammable desert hotspot Sonara Camp has opened a second location in Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning Al Wadi Nature Reserve. An epicurean adventure awaits guests who partake in the Sunset and Dinner experience, where a curated menu featuring the finest Mediterranean and local Arabic ingredients creates a medley of fusion dishes. Sonara Camp Al Wadi is open daily from 4:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 690 for adults and AED 300 for children aged six to twelve.
GO: Follow @sonara_camp on Instagram for more information.
Tea Lounge
Step beyond the sand dunes and into an oasis of tranquillity at Tea Lounge in the Al Madam desert. Sit on a swing chair amidst a sea of plush, low-lying tables and beanbags, each adorned with delicate teacups and glowing lanterns. Savour a meticulously curated selection of loose-leaf brews and light bites, from floral Darjeelings to sandwiches, salads, and scones. And for a touch of decadence, don’t miss their signature dates dipped in rich Belgian chocolate.
GO: Follow @tea.lounge.ae on Instagram for more information.
The Uncommon
One of several stunning mirrored desert pop-ups in the Sharjah desert, The Uncommon seemingly appeared out of nowhere two years ago and has become one of the most popular desert pop-ups in the UAE. A large mirror reflects the beauty of the desert landscape and is surrounded by cosy seating areas where guests can enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages. The Uncommon is open daily from 3pm to midnight.
GO: Follow @theuncommon.ae on Instagram for more information.
Zuma Ras Al Khaimah
While local desert pop-ups are a rage in the UAE, this time around, things have taken a luxurious turn as Zuma has just launched a limited-time pop-up. Located in The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, this new winter destination in the middle of the desert and the backdrop of the luxurious property, will give you a chance to enjoy modern Japanese izakaya-style cuisine in the middle of the dunes.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
