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.

8th Cafe

Set against the dunes of Margham, 8th Café pairs desert calm with cosy, design-led corners for Dubai’s winter crowd. The menu leans into speciality coffee and matcha, with sweet bakes and indulgent desserts alongside savoury bites, from burgers to spiced comfort food. Expect sunset hangouts, drive-thru ease and regular pop-ups, including a Night Market that turns the sand into a social scene after 4pm. Come for the photo-ready cups; stay for warm lighting and ambience.

GO: Follow @8th.cafe on Instagram for 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, 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.

Hidden

Hidden 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 surroundings, 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.

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, which has now also expanded to Al Ain. 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 offer a selection of sweet treats, including 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, just under an 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.

One Degree Cafe

The popular 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.

Parker’s

Casual dining spot Parker’s has opened in the Al Marmoom Desert and offers a menu that combines comfort food with creative twists. The cafe serves Instagram-worthy dishes, including burgers, loaded fries, and decadent desserts. Don’t miss the Insta-worthy Matilda Cake with layers of fudgy chocolate cake generously filled with a thick, smooth chocolate ganache, creating a truly indulgent experience. Parker’s unique “key” concept adds an element of fun, encouraging diners to unlock special menu items or experiences. 

GO: Follow @parkers 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 pop-up 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.

The Uncommon 

One of several stunning mirrored desert pop-ups in Sharjah, The Uncommon seemingly appeared out of nowhere two years ago and has since become one of the most popular 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.