Unleash the magic of winter in the UAE by embarking on a desert adventure and immersing yourself in unique winter pop-up experiences. From delightful cafes to luxurious fine dining under the stars, here’s a curated list of winter pop-ups that deserve a spot on your winter itinerary:
1. The Dome
Nestled amidst orange-hued dunes, The Dome offers a tented dining room where you can indulge in coffee, delectable cakes, and comfort food. The transparent sides provide a comfortable desert experience, shielded from the elements.
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Where: Located on the outskirts of Ras Al Khaimah
When: Open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight
2. Mikoko Hut
Transport your taste buds to Zanzibar at Mikoko Hut, overlooking mangroves. Indulge in breakfast favorites, pizza, pasta, and risotto. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as mangrove tours, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Where: Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Beach
When: Open daily from 8am to 10pm
3. Klock Cafe
At Klock Cafe, gather around a large illuminated clock and savor marshmallow-topped hot chocolates, Spanish lattes, and Karak tea. The menu also features delightful desserts like tiramisu, honey cake, pistachio cake, and cookies. With its swinging seats and a resident falcon, it’s a picturesque escape from city life.
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Where: Approximately a 30-minute drive from Dubai
When: Open daily from 4pm to midnight
4. The Uncommon
The Uncommon is a stunning mirrored winter pop-up that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. A large mirror reflects the breathtaking desert landscape, surrounded by cozy seating areas where you can enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages.
Where: Located in the Sharjah desert
When: Open daily from 3 pm to midnight
5. One Degree Cafe
Discover the charm of One Degree Cafe, a Jumeirah coffee house in the Sharjah desert. Their winter pop-up menu features a range of One Degree coffees and shakes, alongside mouthwatering burgers, hotdogs, and tempting desserts. Cozy up by the fire pits for nightly entertainment, including fire shows and live oud music.
Where: Close to the town of Margham in the Sharjah desert
When: Open daily from 3 pm to 1 am
6. Sonara Camp Al Wadi
Embark on an epicurean adventure at Sonara Camp Al Wadi. Enjoy the Sunset and Dinner experience with a curated menu featuring the finest Mediterranean and local Arabic ingredients, resulting in a fusion of delectable dishes. Prices are AED 860 for adults and AED 380 for children aged six to twelve.
Where: Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Ras Al Khaimah
When: Open daily from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm
7. Salt Camp
The renowned pink campsite pop-up, Salt Camp, has returned for another season in Dubai. Indulge in some of the UAE’s best burgers, fries, soft drinks, and desserts. This year, they promise to make it bigger and better with added entertainment and Salt merchandise for purchase.
Where: Beneath the Museum Of The Future, Dubai
When: Open daily from 12 pm to midnight
8. Link by Mara
Link by Mara offers a unique desert experience with plush sofas sunken into the desert sands, bean bags, nightly fire shows, and live oud musicians. The menu boasts mini beef tacos, shakshuka bruschetta, Korean chicken pops, short rib sliders, and a brownie club sandwich.
Where: In the Sharjah desert
When: Open daily from 4 pm to 2 am (3 am on weekends)
9. Not A Space
Not A Space offers a tranquil escape amidst orange dunes and rocky outcrops. It’s a versatile dessert pop-up with a small cafe, nightly entertainment, and a program of activities including art and fitness classes. The themed space features comfortable seating, ample mirrors, and images of the moon, making it ideal for a night out under the stars.
Where: A popular dessert destination in Al Faya, less than one hour from Dubai
When: Open daily from 6 am to midnight
10. My Space Cafe
My Space Cafe offers a unique experience of sipping coffee and indulging in sweet treats while enjoying desert vistas. Whether you prefer outdoor seating scattered across the desert or snuggling into futuristic mirrored boxes, this pop-up has you covered.
Where: Located in the Al Madam area of Sharjah
When: Open daily from 3 pm to 1 am
11. Le Pre: “The Sustainability” Winter Pop-Up in Al Ain
Experience a magical winter wonderland at “Le Pre: The Sustainability” Winter Pop-Up. Immerse yourself in a mystical winter theme with multiple F&B brands, sustainable installations, and 3D design. Groove to live music and enjoy family entertainment.
Sustainability Theme: This winter pop-up pays tribute to the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. It emphasizes eco-friendliness and features recyclable materials, including aluminum, wood, and tiles. The interior blends Western and local aesthetics, highlighting natural elements.
F&B Brands:
- Le Pré: Top-tier quality
- Eight Pizza: Italian perfection
- Popup Burger: Modern fine dining
- Matera: Intimate dining
Where: Historic Al Muwaiji, Al Ain
When: Nov 5, 2023, to Mar 31, 2024 | Weekdays: 4 pm to 12 am | Weekends: 4 pm to 1 am
The Charm of Winter Pop-Ups in the UAE
Embrace the charm of the UAE’s desert landscape this winter and explore these captivating winter pop-ups, each offering a unique experience that will make your winter unforgettable. Capture those Instagrammable moments and create memories to cherish.
- desert activities
- desert cafes
- desert landscape
- desert pop-ups
- Dubai places to visit
- fine dining
- fine dining in the desert
- Instagrammable spots
- Klock Cafe
- Link by Mara
- Mikoko Hut
- My Space Cafe
- Not A Space
- One Degree Cafe
- outdoor adventures
- Ras al khaimah
- Salt Camp
- sharjah
- Social Kandura
- Sonara Camp
- The Dome
- The Uncommon
- things to do in dubai
- UAE
- Unique Experiences
- winter experiences
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