So the other day, I was innocently sipping on an overpriced latte and going into a fit of existential crisis (like most 90s kids these days do), when I realised – I don’t want to party, I don’t want to network, and I definitely don’t want to queue for a table somewhere that plays remixed 2000s R&B at ear-bleed volume. No. What I want… is to sit somewhere cosy, beat someone I love at Scrabble, and order fries shaped like smiley faces. Is that too much to ask? Apparently not. Because Dubai is quietly brimming with little board game cafes that are exactly what the serotonin doctor ordered. Here’s where to go when you want to chill, snack, and become wildly aggressive over a friendly game of Uno.
Unwind Cafe
First of all, yes, the name is painfully accurate. You will unwind here. You may also wonder why you ever left this board game cafe. With 800+ games to either play or take home (I’m looking at you, impulsive buyers), you can go from Taboo to Risk to something German-sounding that’s all about farming. Classic games like Uno and Monopoly are totally free to play, while the fancier stuff comes with a little hourly fee.
Location: Hessa Street, Al Barsha
Gaming Rates:
1 Hour: AED 20 per person (AED 15 for students with ID)
2 Hours: AED 30 per person (AED 25 for students with ID)
All Day: AED 40 per person
Murder Mystery Game Package: Starting at AED 89 per person, includes a 3-course meal and a drink.
Hive Board Game Cafe
This one’s a triple threat: games, books, AND art workshops. Honestly, it’s giving wholesome chaos. You could start your day with Scrabble, stumble into a sketching class, then end up deep in conversation with someone reading Murakami.
Location: The Greens, Dubai
Gaming Rates:
1 Hour: AED 15 per person
2 Hours: AED 25 per person
All Day: AED 35 per person
Dice Board Game Café, JVC
Let me paint the scene: over 1,000 games, mandala colouring for when your brain needs a break, and a food menu full of shakes, burgers, and pizza that may just make you cry a little (in a good way). And no, you’re not imagining it, this board game cafe is built for max comfort and minimum existential dread. Perfect for breaking up with your phone for a bit.
Location: Circle Mall, JVC
Gaming Rates:
Deal 1 (for two): Unlimited games, crispy platter, and 2 soft drinks for AED 99
Deal 2 (for two): Unlimited games, 2 pizzas, and 2 soft drinks for AED 12
Unlimited Gaming: AED 40 per person.
Also read: 5 Car Themed Cafes in Dubai You Must Check Out
The Hungry Monkey
Equal parts bar, dance floor and board game have! Yep, it’s as chaotic as it sounds and yes, you need to book in advance because everyone wants in. You can either pay AED 25 per hour to play, or just order from the menu and game away for free. Cocktails + Cluedo = the real Dubai combo.
Location: Donatello Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, near Mall of the Emirates
Gaming Rates:
1 Hour: AED 25 per person
Free Game Play: If you order anything from the menu, you can play for free
Happy Hour: Offers deals starting from AED 25
The Six
Over 1,000 board games, game-expert staff who’ll match you with the perfect one (like a gaming Tinder), and an actual breakfast menu worth waking up for – Full English, acai bowls, waffles, the works. Go with friends, leave with enemies. Or vice versa.
Location: Burj Vista, Downtown Dubai & Sunrise Bay Marina
Gaming Rate: AED 45 per person for unlimited time
Brain Game Cafe
Need coffee? A snack? An escape room where you can prove you’re the smart one in your group? Game Over has everything. You can play 100+ board games for free as long as you order something to eat or drink. And honestly, their milkshakes alone are worth the trip.
Location: Burj Vista, Downtown Dubai & Sunrise Bay Marina
Gaming Rate:
1 Hour: 20 AED per person (minus escape room) or 10 AED per person (if you sign up for the escape room package)
The Workshop
This is not just a board game cafe. It’s also a boutique art gallery and community space, like the cool sibling of your favourite hangout. They’ve got a wild mix of board games like Pictionary, Guess Who, and something called the 300 Revenge Burger Puzzle (?!), all while you snack on truly excellent food and contemplate becoming an artist.
Location: Jumeirah 2, Dubai
Gaming Rate:
Unlimited Gaming: AED 130 per pair
Kefi Books, Board Games & Cafe
Books + games + coffee = emotional support trifecta. Kefi is all about cozy vibes, wooden shelves, and the soft sound of someone accidentally flipping a table during Jenga. For just AED 35, you can game for hours. Bring your besties, a loose idea of time, and possibly snacks.
Location: Al Safa, Dubai
Gaming Rate:
Unlimited Gaming: AED 35 per person
Public Cafe
Tucked away in JLT, this is your weekend go-to for chill hangs. Grab a cappuccino, dig into the hundreds of available games, and pretend you’re not about to dramatically accuse someone of cheating at Scrabble. It’s giving chill-but-competitive, which is really a personality type at this point.
Location: One Lake Plaza, G5, 06 Cluster T, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Price: AED 50-100
Now that you’re weekend plans are almost sorted (you’re welcome), go on, ring your folks, gather the gang, and make some borderline-chaotic-but-wholesome plans.
You may also like: Unlock Secret Discounts With These 2 UAE Privilege Cards – Check Your Eligibility Here!
