Picture this: golden-tiered stands piled with rose-shaped pastries, the clink of porcelain against silver, and a skyline that looks like it’s straight out of a futurist painting. Afternoon tea in Dubai isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual where luxury meets tradition, often with a side of camels or Burj views. Whether you’re a scone purist or an avant-garde flavor chaser, let’s unravel where to steep yourself in Dubai’s finest tea experiences.
Burj Al Arab: Sipping Champagne Amidst the Clouds
Perched on a private island, the Burj Al Arab’s afternoon tea is as iconic as its sail-shaped silhouette. The Skyview Bar, 200 meters above the Gulf, serves tiers of truffle-infused quiche, caviar blinis, and date-filled macarons. Book the “Gold Afternoon Tea” for edible gold leaf-topped desserts paired with rare TWG blends. Dress code? Strictly elegant—leave the sandals at home. Insider tip: Request a window seat at least two weeks ahead. The www.few.ae team swears by their saffron-infused scones; they’re a nod to Emirati heritage with a British twist.
Al Fayrooz Lounge at Raffles Dubai: Arabian Nights Reimagined
Housed in a pyramid-shaped landmark, this lounge blends Arabian charm with Parisian flair. Sip cardamom-spiced karak chai (a local favorite) alongside pistachio baklava and za’atar-crusted sandwiches. The live oud player adds a soulful backdrop, perfect for slow Sundays. Don’t miss their signature “Dubai Date Delight”—a chocolate fondant oozing with date caramel. Fun fact: Raffles’ tea menu was curated by a “tea sommelier” who sources leaves from Sri Lanka’s misty highlands.
The Palm’s Atlantis: Underwater Elegance with a Side of Sharks
Yes, you read that right. At Atlantis’ Ossiano restaurant, afternoon tea happens surrounded by floor-to-ceiling aquarium views. Munch on smoked salmon blinis while stingrays glide past your table. Their “Ocean Tea” includes seaweed-infused scones and coral-shaped petit fours. It’s pricey, but where else can you sip Darjeeling beside a shark tunnel? Pro tip: Visit during “Golden Hour” (3-5 PM) when the tank’s lighting mimics a sunset, casting ethereal glows on your Champagne flutes.
Alserkal Avenue: Bohemian Brews in an Art Warehouse
For a hipster twist, head to Alserkal’s Mirror Room Café. Their “Anti-Tea” rebels against tradition with matcha croissants, labneh tartines, and turmeric lattes served on mismatched vintage plates. The industrial-chic space doubles as an art gallery, so your backdrop might be a neon installation or a clay sculpture. Local artists often host pop-ups here—check their Instagram for themed tea parties, like “Persian Poetry & Pastries.”
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort: Sand Dunes and Silver Trays
Swap skyscrapers for dunes at this desert oasis. Their “Al Hadheerah” tea service includes camel milk shortbread and saffron-infused clotted cream, served on low Bedouin-style tables. Time your visit with the sunset; the dunes turn apricot-orange, creating a magical filter for your photos. After tea, try falconry or henna painting—it’s a cultural two-for-one.
The Dubai EDITION: Minimalist Luxury with a Secret Garden
Tucked inside this sleek hotel, the Library Bar offers a “Silent Tea” experience. No clattering cups here—servers communicate via handwritten notes, letting you savor rose-petal cheesecake in zen-like calm. The hidden terrace, draped in fairy lights and jasmine, feels like a Parisian courtyard. Their tea blends are crafted in partnership with Dubai’s Spill the Bean roasters, featuring rare finds like Omani frankincense-infused black tea.
High Tea at the Dubai Opera: Culture with Your Crumpets
Pre-show tea at the Opera’s rooftop lounge is a symphony of flavors. The “Maestro’s Menu” includes opera cake shaped like piano keys and champagne gelato served in violin bowls. Book a table 90 minutes before a performance to watch rehearsals drift through the air. The www.few.ae editors love their date-and-orange-blossom scones—a melodic fusion of local and European flavors.
The Sum of Us: Melbourne Vibes in the Middle East
This Aussie-style café in Trade Center roasts its own tea leaves in-house. Their “High Tea for Rebels” ditches tiers for sharing boards: miso caramel éclairs, za’atar-spiced popcorn, and activated charcoal scones. Pair it with their famous “Dirty Chai” (espresso + chai latte). The open kitchen lets you watch bakers hand-shape croissants—a perk for foodies who crave behind-the-scenes action.
Qbara: Ottoman Opulence Meets Molecular Mixology
At this avant-garde venue, afternoon tea gets a science lab makeover. Think: levitating tea cups (thanks to magnetic trays) and “smoking” baklava served under cloches filled with applewood mist. The “Sultan’s Spread” includes lamb kofta sliders with saffron foam and rosewater marshmallows. Sit in the lantern-lit courtyard for Instagram-worthy shadows dancing on Arabic lattice walls.
One&Only Royal Mirage: Moroccan Mystique by the Beach
The Beach Bar & Grill here transforms into a Moroccan riad for tea. Mint tea is poured from silver pots into gold-rimmed glasses, accompanied by almond phyllo cigars and harissa-spiced mini burgers. Post-tea, stroll through their date palm groves or dip toes in the private beach. It’s a tranquil escape from Dubai’s buzz—no kids allowed.
The Hamptons Café: Quirky Florals and Farmhouse Feels
This Jumeirah hotspot looks like a Pinterest board come alive. Their “Garden Tea” features edible flowers, beetroot-cured salmon roses, and lavender-infused clotted cream. The mismatched floral teacups and swing chairs make it a hit with influencers. For a hidden gem, ask for the “Secret Garden Blend”—a jasmine-green tea hybrid available only to regulars.
Armani Hotel: Milano Chic in the Burj Khalifa
Located on the Burj’s 38th floor, Armani’s tea service is a masterclass in Italian minimalism. Truffle arancini, pistachio cannoli, and blood orange tarts are paired with rare Marco Polo teas. The real showstopper? Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Dubai Fountain’s dance. Book the “Lounge Experience” for a personal butler who’ll explain each tea’s terroir—yes, tea has terroir now.
Mina A’Salam: Arabian Gulf Views and Vintage Vibes
Part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex, this resort offers a “Dhow Afternoon Tea” on a traditional wooden boat. Sail past the Burj Al Arab while nibbling on camel milk chocolate truffles and cardamom shortbread. The teapots are antique brass, a nod to Dubai’s pearl-diving history. Post-cruise, explore the Souk Madinat’s waterways—it’s like Venice, but with abayas and karak stalls.
The Farm at Al Barari: Jungle Oasis with Organic Bites
Hidden in Al Barari’s lush gardens, this eco-friendly spot serves tea platters on swing tables suspended from trees. Their “Green Tea” menu features quinoa samosas, avocado rose sandwiches, and spirulina macarons. All ingredients are plucked from their on-site garden—even the edible flowers. The trickling streams and butterfly sightings make you forget you’re in a desert.
Final Sip
Dubai’s afternoon tea scene is a tapestry of tradition, innovation, and unabashed glamour. Whether you’re clinking cups in a desert fort or a floating aquarium, remember: reservations are key, and cameras are mandatory. Dress codes vary from “garden chic” to “black-tie optional,” so check ahead. Now, go forth and steep—your Instagram feed will thank you.
then "Add to Home Screen"