Top Desert Pop-Up Cafes to Visit in the UAE This Winter
Pop-up cafes bring a unique charm to the winter season. These temporary spots create cozy spaces where you can savor limited-edition menus, enjoy themed décor, and experience something truly special. The cooler months make them the perfect escape, offering a mix of warmth, creativity, and community.
These cafes go beyond being just a place for coffee or snacks—they offer moments to relax, connect, and embrace the season. With scenic setups, seasonal treats, and activities for all, they provide an ideal setting for families, friends, or even a peaceful solo retreat. Each visit to a pop-up café adds a little extra magic to winter days, making them an experience to remember.
This guide takes you through some of the top pop-up cafes to visit this winter in Dubai, where you’ll find not just great coffee and treats, but also memories waiting to be made.
One Degree Winter Café
What Makes It Special:
This unique winter pop-up combines the charm of traditional Arabian culture with a cozy winter vibe. Visitors can relax in Bedouin-style tents while enjoying live performances and a welcoming ambiance. It’s the perfect spot for families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones entertained.
The Experience:
Stepping into One Degree Winter Café feels like a blend of tradition and seasonal cheer. The Bedouin tents provide a warm, authentic setting, enhanced by the glow of soft lights and the sound of live performances. Guests can savor a variety of treats and beverages while children enjoy interactive activities, making it a great outing for everyone.
- Location: Umm Suqeim, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Rating: 4.1 (1,153 reviews)
- Price Range: AED 50–100
My Space Coffee
What Makes It Special:
My Space Coffee offers a tranquil escape in the Al Madam desert, blending the simplicity of nature with a touch of modern charm. You can unwind in cozy outdoor seating or step into mirrored boxes for a unique desert-view experience. The wooden swing set against the golden dunes adds a playful element, making it a favorite spot for families and friends.
The Experience:
Spending an evening at My Space Coffee feels like a peaceful getaway. The setting is perfect for watching the desert sunset while sipping on a hot chocolate or enjoying a refreshing pistachio milkshake. Sweet treats like molten chocolate and fresh cheesecake add to the indulgence. The calm ambiance and warm hospitality make it a memorable place to relax and connect with loved ones.
- Location: Al Qasimiah Nazwa desert, Al Madam, Sharjah
- Operating Hours: Daily from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Contact: +971 52 729 6666
- Rating: 4.0
- Price Range: AED 50–100
Hidden Café
What Makes It Special:
Hidden Café offers a serene desert escape with its bohemian-style decor, featuring rope deck chairs, cozy campfires, and earthy woven bean bags. The surrounding palm trees provide dappled shade, creating a tranquil setting to enjoy as the sun sets. A standout feature is the mirrored installation that reflects the picturesque desert landscape, offering perfect photo opportunities.
The Experience:
Upon arrival, you're welcomed by the peaceful ambiance of Al Marmoom Heritage Village. Relax in comfortable seating while sipping on specialty coffees or warming hot chocolates topped with cream and marshmallows. The menu also includes delicious burgers with juicy patties and a decadent tray of desserts, featuring tiramisu and brownies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Location: Al Marmoon Heritage Village, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM; Friday and Saturday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Rating: 3.8
- Price Range: AED 50–100
Limited
What Makes It Special:
Sometimes, a break from the city’s pace is all you need, and this peaceful retreat delivers just that. By the calm waters of Al Marmoom Lakes, Limited Café creates a space where nature and comfort come together. The thoughtful collaboration with Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Buns means you’ll find more than just coffee here—there’s something to satisfy every craving, from truffle burgers to the intriguing inverted cheesecake.
The Experience:
Arriving here feels like stepping into a slower, simpler world. The lake view sets the stage, whether you’re catching the sunset or dining under the stars. You can sip on a creamy iced matcha or warm Arabic coffee while sharing a plate of guacamole with friends. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet there’s always something happening—pop-up workshops, live performances, or just quiet moments to soak in the desert air.
- Location: Al Marmoom Lakes, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Ratings: 4.2
- Price Range: AED 50–100
Sadeem
What Makes It Special:
In the serene Al Marmoom Reserve, Sadeem Café offers a magical escape with its stunning light installations and open-air design. Plush seating, soft candlelight, and a starry desert sky create an unforgettable setting to unwind and savor the beauty of the surroundings.
The Experience:
Sadeem combines the simplicity of the desert with touches of elegance. Midnight blue lighting and soothing Arabian oud music set the tone, while the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air. The menu is a delightful mix of bold and indulgent flavors, featuring dishes like Truffle Arancini and Rose Baklava Cake, perfectly paired with a Cortado or Affogato.
- Location: Al Marmoom Reserve, near Al Qudra Lakes
- Operating Hours: Daily from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM; weekends until 12:00 AM
- Rating: 4.5
- Price Range: AED 50–150
Dubai’s pop-ups remind us to slow down and enjoy the season, offering more than just food or ambiance. They bring people together, spark conversations, and leave lasting impressions that you’ll carry long after the winter months fade.
This winter, make the effort to step away from the routine, explore these unique spots, and let the charm of these pop-up cafes fill your days with warmth and joy. It’s a chance to see the city—and the desert—through a new lens, one cup of coffee at a time.