Finding Winter's Heart in UAE's Desert Pop-Up Cafés
As the scorching heat of the UAE gives way to the cooler embrace of winter, the vast deserts – once too hot to tread – beckon with renewed allure. It's during these months that the desert transforms into a serene haven, with its golden sands cool to the touch and the horizon painted with hues of twilight.
But the beauty isn’t just in the landscape itself; it’s also in the innovative desert cafés that have sprung up amidst these dunes. These unique establishments offer the perfect escape for those craving an intimate rendezvous with nature.
It's like having the charm of desert camping but without the hassle. Visitors need not carry a thing; these cafés have it all. Imagine sinking into the soft sand, surrounded by nothing but vastness, as you dine under a starlit sky, enjoying music, food, and the company of loved ones.
These cafés create an experience that redefines outdoor relaxation in the UAE. Go ahead. Check them out!
One Degree Winter Café
Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in a traditional Arabian experience at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up in the Margham desert, Dubai.
Initially launched in January 2021, this unique venue quickly garnered a following thanks to its mesmerizing desert location, providing unparalleled mountain and dune views.
Reopened for a limited time during the cooler months, the cafe offers an authentic ambiance with camels, Bedouin tents, and traditional live music performances, including tanoora and fire shows. Kids aren't left out, with activities tailored for them.
While the cafe previously focused on beverages and desserts, like the renowned Spanish latte and tiramisu, they've now expanded their offerings. Their menu, designed with inputs from owner Ahmad Abdulla Alketbi, includes a range of high-quality meats, featuring dishes like the Wagyu burger, fried chicken burger, and various hot dogs.
The setting evokes nostalgia with a modern touch, reminiscent of old Emirati structures, and includes Instagram-worthy spots like a giant heart frame against the desert backdrop.
Located just a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, near the Dubai Outlet Mall on the Al Ain road, this winter pop-up promises a memorable experience combined with the traditional beauty of the UAE.
Open Daily from 5 pm - 1 am.
Sonara Camp
Sonara Camp is a unique eco-conscious venue in the Arabian Desert. Upholding a commitment to sustainability, the camp uses solar energy, believes in ethical sourcing, and boasts a zero-waste policy.
But Sonara is more than just an eco-retreat; it's an oasis where gourmet dining meets adventure. Here, beneath a canopy of stars, guests can savor exquisite dishes like the slow-cooked pulled lamb and Angus strip loin, all while being serenaded by the wild calls of gazelles and oryxes from the nearby Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The thrill-seekers can ride the dunes with sandboarding, test their aim with soft archery, or even engage in a friendly game of volleyball.
As dusk falls, the camp comes alive with the majestic sights of falcon and hawk shows, captivating fire performances, and enchanting movies screened under the vast desert sky.
And for those who wish to carry a piece of Sonara with them, the camp offers a treasure trove of experiences, from aromatic shisha and crafted mocktails to intricate henna artistry and picturesque sunset photography sessions.
Sonara Camp is truly where the heart of the desert beats in harmony with luxury and sustainability and the camp also has another location at Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
Packages:
- Sunset and Dinner Experience:
- High Season (Oct-May): AED 890 (Adult), AED 380 (Child)
- Low Season (Jun-Sep): AED 690 (Adult), AED 280 (Child)
- Inclusions: Desert drive, seasonal menu by resident chef, activities, soft drinks, live musician, camel ride, and various shows.
- Sunset Experience:
- High Season (Oct-May): AED 480 (Adult), AED 190 (Child)
- Low Season (Jun-Sep): AED 380 (Adult), AED 120 (Child)
- Inclusions: Desert drive, activities, appetizers, soft drinks, camel ride, and falcon show.
- Dinner Experience:
- High Season (Oct-May): AED 690 (Adult), AED 290 (Child)
- Low Season (Jun-Sep): AED 520 (Adult), AED 200 (Child)
- Inclusions: Desert drive, dining menu by resident chef, soft drinks, hawk show during dinner, fire show, and entertainment.
All experiences are toddler-friendly (up to 5 years) and exclusive of taxes. Some offerings might require an additional fee. Prior booking is necessary for a visit.
Here's a link to their website for bookings and information regarding all packages and their offerings in detail: Sonara Camp
My Space Cafe
Located in Sharjah, Al Qasimiah Nazwa, My Space Cafe offers a unique desert dining experience, blending outdoor and indoor elements. Guests can enjoy their evening under the stars, sipping specialty coffees and indulging in delectable treats like homemade cheesecake and molten chocolate, while seated on dunes, rocking chairs, or Instagram-worthy wooden swings. Alternatively, they can relax inside the cafe's futuristic mirrored boxes that offer panoramic desert views.
The ones mentioned have already commenced operations, but during the last winter season, there were numerous other desert pop-ups that garnered a lot of admiration, and we are hopeful that they will make a comeback soon. Below is a list of those that have indicated they will be reopening in the near future.
Opening Soon...
Not A Space
In the winter of 2022, Not a Space introduced a captivating pop-up location in Sharjah’s Al Faya Desert. Quickly becoming an iconic destination, thanks in part to its exposure on platforms like TikTok, it offered visitors an enchanting experience under the stars.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Al Faya mountain, this space provided a serene setting with bean bags, food truck-style cafes, and a circular stage, all immersed in the natural beauty of the desert. Solar-powered globe lamps added a touch of magic to the evenings, while a variety of performances by local talents further enriched the experience.
For those who couldn't visit the pop-up or wanted a more urban experience, Not a Space maintained its year-round facility in Muwaileh. This venue is more than just a cafe. It serves as a communal hub with a barbershop, salon, and spaces for events such as music, art, yoga, and other meetups. Founded by entrepreneur Najla Al Ansari, the Muwaileh location continues to foster local community interactions.
In conclusion, if last year was any indication, the Al Faya pop-up promises to be an experience not to be missed this winter.
The Uncommon
Established in 2022, The Uncommon began its journey as a groundbreaking pop-up dining experience in Al Faya, Sharjah. With its signature reflective mirror café, inspired by California's 'The Invisible House', The Uncommon quickly took over regional social media, making it a viral sensation. This unique café effortlessly blended with the desert, magnifying the surrounding beauty by reflecting it in its mirror exteriors. As visitors relaxed under the sun, the picturesque desert backdrop offered them unmatched serenity and countless photo opportunities.
The year was filled with collaborations and activations, with the brand teaming up with various entities from CHEF HK to CALIFEST. The Uncommon's presence was felt throughout the UAE, from Liwa Village to DIFC, and even graced events like the HAI RAMADAN EXPO. With each collaboration and pop-up, The Uncommon reiterated its commitment to offering unique, mesmerizing experiences.
Fast forward to the present, and The Uncommon has reinvented itself with the Beach Edition. Situated on Sunset Beach in Dubai, this 24/7 open pop-up offers an amalgamation of beach vibes with the signature mirror aesthetics. Guests can now lounge on transparent inflatable sofas, sipping their favorite drinks while gazing at the mirrored reflection of the ocean waves.
In a nutshell, The Uncommon started its journey reflecting the desert's vastness and is now capturing the rhythmic waves of the beach. It's an invitation to experience the fusion of nature and design, from the heart of the desert to the shores of the ocean.
As for what's next? The anticipation is as thrilling as their past endeavors, and there's no doubt they'll continue to surprise and captivate.
Desert pop-up cafes have added a fresh charm to UAE's winters. As the season nears, there's growing excitement about what these unique spots will bring next. They've truly made winter in the UAE a time to look forward to.