These 10 desert cafes in Dubai are my kind of oasis!
Winters in Dubai don’t come with snow, but honestly, what we get might be even better. As the weather cools down, the desert transforms into a playground of cozy pop-up cafes.
Picture sitting under the stars with a cup of coffee or karak, the dunes glowing at sunset, and fairy lights twinkling all around.
These seasonal desert cafes in Dubai feel like hidden gems – here for a short time, but leaving you with memories that linger long after the last sip.
1. One Degree Winter Cafe
– Media Credit: @onedegree.ae
Address: Margham Desert
Contact: +971 50 101 0956
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 3pm – 1am
- Friday – Sunday, 3pm – 2am
Pricing: $$ – $$$
One Degree Cafe has several locations across Dubai, but come the winter season, its pop-up desert cafe comes alive.
This cozy setup is the perfect escape from the city with its desert lounges, stylish seating, and warm lighting. You can enjoy sipping on their signature Spanish latte or Pistachio latte while watching the desert sky shift from gold to pink.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or just soaking in the quiet dunes, it’s a must-visit winter spot!
Pro tip:
One Degree isn’t just another cozy desert getaway! It’s also a great place to take the whole family as it features a playground, camel riding, and more.
2. Hidden Dubai
– Media Credit: @hidden_dubai
Address: VCRM+85 Dubai (Off Al Qudra)
Contact: +971 50 152 3864
Hours: Opens in winter
- Sunday – Thursday, 4pm – 1am
- Friday & Saturday, 4pm – 2am
Pricing: $$ – $$$
For true hidden gem-hunters, this cafe lives up to its name. It appears only in winter before disappearing back into the desert the rest of the year (but not literally, of course).
Hidden Dubai, located just off Al Qudra, feels like a secret retreat with its dreamy bohemian vibes and soft desert tones.
Imagine gathering with friends on cozy woven bean bags and macrame folding chairs that are set around a crackling fire as you watch the sunset paint the sky.
Pair this experience with tasty comfort food like burgers and fries with different toppings, pastries, and more, along with sips of their specialty coffee.
Pro tip:
Good news for fur parents – dogs are allowed at the cafe, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
3. Sadeem
– Media Credit: @sadeemdubai
Address: Al Marmoom Desert
Contact: +971 50 919 4393
Hours: Opens in winter
Pricing: $$$
More than a cafe, Sadeem in Al Marmoom Desert truly offers an experience. Unlike other desert spots that adapt neutral desert tones to their design, Sadeem brought the colors of the starry night sky to this cafe oasis.
Aptly called Unseen by Sadeem, the cafe brings a quiet blue glow to the desert and offers a gourmet menu and specialty coffee.
One of its winter highlights was a collaboration with Louis Vuitton, where they featured luxurious touches to the cafe to celebrate the LV Mirage collection. They had a special Ramadan menu which included Modern Meat Harees Bowl, Mezze Trio, and more.
Its regular menu is just as mouthwatering with dishes like Truffle Arancini de Risotto, Spicy Penne Arrabiatta, and their smooth and creamy lattes.
Pro tip:
The cafe is located near Al Qudra Lakes, so you can take a side trip to see the lakes before heading to the cafe. Just be sure to arrive on time for your reservation.
4. Sonara Camp
– Media Credit: @sonara_camp
Website: https://www.nara.ae/sonara/
Address: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Contact: +971 4 223 8011
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5pm – 10:30pm
Pricing: $$$
Sonara Camp offers a full-on desert escape right in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. If you like a combination of food, adventure, and relaxation, this desert destination ticks all the boxes.
Arrive in a Land Cruiser or on camelback, then settle into an eco-chic, solar-powered camp. As the sun dips, you can sip cocktails or mocktails under the twinkling fairy lights while enjoying a three-course meal by the award-winning resident chef.
You can also enjoy live entertainment like fire dances as well as activities for all ages, like sandboarding, archery, and camel rides.
Also, unlike most desert cafes that only open during the winter months, Sonara Camp is open year-round, so you can visit anytime. It’s also good to check the weather before your visit to ensure a more pleasant experience.
Pro tip:
Take note that Sonara Camp isn’t just a cafe, but a complete culinary experience with options to book an accommodation as well. You can book the Sonara Camp and Nest package, which includes a nest suite accommodation, breakfast, and shuttle rides.
5. Hubara Hills Cafe
– Media Credit: @hubara_hills_cafe
Address: Al Qudra Rd
Contact: +971 52 795 9715
Hours: Opens in winter
- Monday – Friday, 4pm – 12am
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Nestled by Al Qudra Lake, Hubara Hills Cafe offers a different kind of desert serenity with refreshing lakeside vistas.
The sand, chirping birds (some endangered!), and even roaming deer provide a peaceful backdrop that’s both soothing and enchanting.
But the real showstopper is the magical sunset views that transform the sky into a dreamy canvas. Imagine soaking it all in while sipping fresh juices, coffee, and cocktails. Then pair them with sumptuous bites like salads, burgers, and pasta.
The place is laid-back, pet-friendly, and ideal for winding down amidst the beauty of nature.
Pro tip:
You can level up the relaxation by joining a yoga class by Al Qudra Lake! Be sure to follow Hubara Hills Cafe for schedule updates during the winter season.
6. Link by Mara
– Media Credit: @linkbymara
Website: https://www.maralounge.com/linkbymara
Address: Al Jada – Muwaileh Commercial – Sharjah
Contact: +971 50 871 9882
Hours: Opens in winter
- Monday – Sunday, 4:30pm – 2am
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Link by Mara may be a bit farther out in Sharjah, but trust me, it’s totally worth the drive! This desert pop-up welcomes you with sunken sand-dug booths, each centered around a firepit that’s perfect for a little DIY grilling or cozying up as the night cools down.
The menu brings international street food vibes with everything from pizzas and sliders to Japanese grilled corn and Korean chicken pops. They also serve soothing cups of soup to warm you up, plus a variety of creative hot drinks.
Open from 4:30 pm until late, it’s ideal for sunset chill-outs and movie or live game viewing outdoors on their big screen.
Pro tip:
Take note that Link by Mara doesn’t accept reservations and is walk-in only. So if you wish to snag one of the sunken booths, it’s best to go early!
7. Al Namoos Cafe
– Media Credit: @almnamoos_cafe
Address: Al Ain – Dubai Rd
Contact: +971 50 322 2101
Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm
- Friday – Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Pricing: $$
Just 30 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, Al Namoos Cafe offers more than just coffee, but a complete desert escape not too far away from the city.
The cafe is located at Sky Adventures Aviation Club, so you might catch hot air balloons drifting by or even a parachute competition overhead.
For thrill-seekers, there are various activities available. You can enjoy dune buggy rides, horseback riding, and camel treks.
At the cafe, you can enjoy Italian-style espresso and some local sweet bites like luqaimat. They also serve mouthwatering burgers alongside a selection of breakfast favorites like shakshuka and avocado toast.
Pro tip:
Unlike other desert cafes, Al Namoos operates all year-round and opens early at 8 am. So you can start your day with a hearty breakfast before your desert adventure.
8. Badaya Camp & Cafe
– Media Credit: @badaya_dxb
Website: https://badayatravel.com/
Address: Dubai-Hatta Rd – Al Qasimia City – Industrial 1
Contact: +971 52 740 9794
Hours: Opens in winter
- Monday – Sunday, 4pm – 12am
Pricing: $$ – $$$
What if there’s a desert cafe so cozy you’ll wish you could spend the night? Well, good news is, you actually can at Badaya Camp & Cafe!
It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a family outing with cozy tent accommodations that can accommodate 2 – 4 people.
Tucked away amidst Dubai’s golden dunes, you’ll stay not just for the coffee, but for your very own Arabian escape. You can go camel riding, dune bashing, and by evening, enjoy a private barbecue while listening to a live DJ set.
Pro tip:
If you wish to stay overnight, they have a bed and breakfast glamping package starting at AED 599. They also have packages that include desert safari experiences, private barbecues, and more.
9. Caia Bamboo
– Media Credit: @caiabamboo.ae
Website: https://www.instagram.com/caiabamboo.ae
Address: Flamingo Lake, Al Marmoum
Contact: n/a
Hours: Opens in winter
- Monday – Friday, 4pm – 11pm
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Caia Bamboo is a desert cafe that feels like it came straight out of a storybook. Located by Flamingo Lake, this pop-up cafe brings a dreamy, garden-in-the-desert vibe. It has twinkling fairy lights, bamboo accents, and cozy seating under the stars.
At the center, a glowing fountain sets the mood, making it a magical spot for sunsets or late-night hangouts.
The menu is a treat too. They offer fresh grills, pastas, decadent desserts, and refreshing juices or coffee.
It’s no wonder that Caia Bamboo caught the eye of HH Sheikh Mohammed (Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE) himself. It’s truly a hidden gem that beautifully blends desert charm with cafe culture.
Pro tip:
You can also enjoy breakfast/brunch by the lake on weekends from 9am to 1pm. No need for reservations.
10. Limited
– Media Credit: @limited.dubai
Address: Al Qudra Lake Road
Contact: n/a
Hours: Opens in winter
- Monday – Sunday, 4pm – 11pm
Pricing: $$ – $$$
For a cafe named Limited, it sure offers endless good vibes! Nestled by Al Qudra Lake, this pop-up gem combines cafe chic with a serene nature setting inspired by the beauty of the desert and the flow of the river.
Their menu was born from a collaboration between Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Buns. They deliver everything from truffle burgers and guac and chips to inverted cheesecake and creamy lattes.
Add in live music nights and creative workshops, and you’ve got one of Dubai’s most irresistible winter escapes!
Pro tip:
No reservations are needed, but it’s best to come early since seating is limited (pun totally intended).