Winter in the UAE is more than just a dip in the temperature when you finally get a reprieve from the heat. It’s a whole vibe across the Emirates! While the cool breeze welcomes you into the season, the country transforms into an open-air playground filled with cosy corners and pop-ups that you can’t afford to miss. Whether you’re on the chase for fresh food finds or just want to spend time with friends at scenic hangouts, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a first look at all the winter pop-ups across Dubai.
Also Read: Dubai: 5 Winter/Christmas Market Opening Dates You Can’t Miss This Season
Dubai
1. Balloons At The Palace (From 17th October)
Take dining to new heights with Balloons at The Palace at Jumeirah Al Qasr. Enjoy stunning views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab from a terrace while choosing from three menus inspired by the historical Spice Route: Breakfast in the Clouds, Afternoon Tea in the Sky, or The Spice Route Journey Dinner.
- Date & Time: 17 October 2025 – 24 Apr 2026 | Daily 9 AM – Late Evening
- Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr
- Price: From AED 195 (Breakfast) | AED 295 (Afternoon Tea) | AED 395 (Dinner) – Prices +AED 50 from 19-30 December
- Contact: +971 50 856 4990
- For more information, visit their website
2. Cafe Âme (Opening Date TBA)
Translating to “soul cafe” in French, Café Âme is a hidden gem tucked away in the dunes of the Al Qudra desert. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel a wave of tranquillity wash over you, thanks to the charming rustic wooden structure and the lush greenery surrounding the place. The menu at this spot is a delightful treat. You get to sample from a variety of light bites and drinks, perfect for a post-adventure snack. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the playful resident flamingos, adding a splash of colour to your experience!
- Date & Time: TBC
- Location: Al Qudra/Al Marmoom
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their Instagram page
3. Limited (Open Daily)
Limited is back for another winter season! And this is the perfect place to escape the fast-paced life of Dubai. Nestled in the serene Al Marmoom desert, this cafe provides a tranquil retreat that everyone longs for from time to time. While the allure of nature is hard to resist, the food is equally deliciously inviting! This desert cafe is the collaboration of three fantastic ventures: Bound Burgers, Sillage, and Stuffed Buns. Whether you’re craving some guac and chips, a rich truffle burger, or perhaps an inverted cheesecake, there’s definitely something to suit all tastes! Plus, the menu boasts an impressive lineup of Instagram-worthy drinks, including matcha, iced chocolate, and of course, traditional Arabic coffee.
- Date & Time: Open daily | From 4 PM to 11 PM
- Location: Al Marmoorm Lakes
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their Instagram page
4. The Square At Nad Al Sheba Gardens (Open Daily)
After spending months indoors, it’s finally time to step out and soak up the glorious Dubai winter. Lucky for all of us, the city is brimming with outdoor attractions to explore. Starting off with The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens, this spot is back for its second season and has already opened its doors, offering a plethora of experiences. Designed by Shamal Holding, The Square is home to a collection of gastronomy and cultural experiences. Some of the new foodie joints include Cipriani Dolci, SLRP Ramen & Rolls Bar, and more. Some all-time favourites, including Public, Home Bakery, Asma, and Kokoro, are also expected to return after proving to be popular last year. Expect live shows, cultural activations, and family-friendly events, too.
- Date & Time: Currently open daily from 4 PM until midnight
- Location: Nad Al Sheba Gardens
- Price: Free entry
- For more information, visit the Platinumlist website
5. Parker’s Marmoom (Open Daily)
Known for their popular, heavenly chocolatey Matilda cake, at Parker’s, you can always expect something unique and innovative. This year, Parker’s has taken dining to new heights with its stunning desert pop-up at Al Marmoom – a must-visit for anyone in Dubai this winter. This seasonal venue is serving up its delicious signature burgers and desserts at a gorgeous boho-chic setup. Pairing good food with a semi-casual backdrop makes it the perfect place to unwind with friends or family while enjoying breathtaking sunset views! Adding a playful twist, the pop-up once again features their unique ‘Key Hunt,’ where guests can discover hidden keys around the city. Clues to find these keys are disclosed on their Instagram page and are used to unlock exceptional experiences that reflect the brand’s adventurous spirit.
- Date & Time: Currently open | Weekdays 4 PM to 12 AM, weekends 4 PM to 1 AM
- Location: Al Marmoom Heritage Village
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their website
6. The Little Fox By Rowley’s (Open Daily)
Rowley’s has officially launched its winter pop-up, The Little Fox, at Alserkal Avenue! A restaurant that serves some of the finest steak & frites, at this pop-up, you can drop in without a reservation and sample dishes that burst with Rowley’s signature flavours. Designed for the bustling pace of Alserkal Avenue, this pop-up offers a light, flexible experience that complements the community’s artistic and hustle-and-bustle vibe. Whether you’re a longtime fan from DIFC or discovering Rowley’s for the first time, this winter pop-up invites you to explore and enjoy the flavours and hospitality of Rowley’s.
- Date & Time: Open daily | From 12 PM to 10:30 PM
- Location: Alserkal Avenue
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their website
7. Marsa Boulevard Season 2 (Open Daily)
Back for its highly anticipated second season, Marsa Boulevard is expanding in a stunning waterfront location that pays homage to Dubai Creek’s rich cultural heritage. This vibrant outdoor hub combines food, wellness, and fashion with a range of exciting cultural events and artistic installations. For food lovers, prepare to be wowed by inventive dining options like Carousel, featuring top chefs. Don’t miss out on the UAE debut of the London-based coffee shop, WatchHouse. Visitors can indulge in beloved local and regional favourites such as The Grotto and Knot. Some of the lineup also boasts unique collaborations between Kurasu x Temple Creamery and TŌRI x Around The Block, making Marsa Boulevard a must-visit destination this season.
- Date & Time: 31st Oct 2025-30 Apr 2026 | Weekdays from 4 PM to 12 AM | Weekdays from 4 PM to 1 AM
- Location: Dubai Creek
- Price: Varies on the restaurants
- For more information, visit their Instagram Page
8. One Degree Winter Cafe (Open Daily)
Nestled in the stunning Mushrif Park, One Degree Winter Café offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and entertainment! Every evening, you get to experience the café come alive with a family-friendly lineup that includes a delightful Kids Show, Fire Show and a captivating Noora Dance. For the adults, sit back and groove along to live music with a singer and band.
- Date & Time: Open daily | From 4 PM onwards
- Location: Mushrif Park
- Price: Varies on the drinks/dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their Instagram Page
9. Hidden Café (Open Daily)
This winter, experience a unique pop-up that combines boho vibes with cosy campfires! A desert oasis that’s decked with comfy rope chairs, woven bean bags, and rattan sofas, all set around cosy fire pits beneath date palms. Here, you can capture stunning photos of the mirrored hut installation at sunset and night. Indulge in warm beverages like speciality coffee, hot chocolate, and karak tea, along with sweet treats like tiramisu, brownies, and eclairs. For the savoury taste buds, enjoy loaded burgers and fries under the stars. Hidden Café is not just a pop-up; it’s an immersive escape, perfect for couples, friends, or solo adventurers looking to relax and capture Instagram-worthy moments.
- Date & Time: Sun-Thurs from 4 PM to 1 AM | Fri & Sat until 2 AM
- Location: Desert area near Al Qudra / Al Marmoom Heritage Village
- Price: Varies on the drinks/dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their Instagram Page
10. Shalwa At The Museum Of The Future (Open Daily)
Experience authentic Khaleeji food at this limited-time pop-up! Dubai’s Museum of the Future has welcomed a new culinary addition. Shalwa, a pop-up dining experience that takes a unique modern spin on Khaleeji street food at the museum’s terrace. This open-air venue perfectly blends culture, cuisine, and stunning city views. Shalwa’s menu showcases a variety of authentic Khaleeji dishes reimagined for today’s palate. Indulge in traditional dishes from balaleet and mutabaq to rich options like wagyu keema paratha. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss their delightful honeycomb-inspired desserts. Plus, coffee aficionados will love their unique beverages, including the Daye Cloud Latte, which is great to sip on any time of day.
- Date & Time: Open daily | From 9 AM to 11 PM
- Location: Museum of the Future’s Terrace
- Price: Free entry
- For more information, visit their Instagram Page
11. e& MOTB (Opens On 3rd January)
Get ready for the Dubai Shopping Festival’s flagship alternative! e& MOTB is returning to the Dubai Design District in 2026. While celebrating DSF’s 30th anniversary, this popular outdoor market is free for all. A fun mix of vintage vibes and modern flair, you do not want to miss out on the freebies, activities, makeup stalls and more! Food lovers, you are in for a treat! Popular food delivery company, Talabat, joins the festival with an exclusively curated dining experience. From healthy options to delicious Asian fusion dishes, every meal is sure to be a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.
- Date & Time: 1st-11th Jan 2026 | Mon-Thurs from 4 PM to 10 PM | Friday from 4 PM to 12 AM | Sat & Sun from 12 PM to 12 AM
- Location: Dubai Design District
- Price: Free entry
- For more information, visit their website
Abu Dhabi
12. Salt Camp (Open Daily)
Back again for this winter season, Salt Camp has reopened under an exciting theme, ‘Be An Outsider’! Escape the hustle of the city at Manar, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, where stunning mangroves set the scene for a magical outdoor retreat. Here, you can experience nature’s beauty while digging into hearty signature burgers, loaded fries, creamy shakes, and delightful desserts! With its chill vibe and Instagram-worthy spots, Salt Camp invites you to unplug from the hustle, explore, and truly enjoy the great outdoors.
- Date & Time: Open daily | From 5:30 PM to 12 AM
- Location: Manar, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their website
Sharjah
13. My Space Coffee (Open Daily)
Looking for a cosy spot to unwind with your friends? Then you need to check out My Space Cafe in Al Madam, Sharjah! Perfect spot for the winter season, expect comfy seating scattered throughout the desert. Don’t forget to hop into one of their cool mirrored boxes for stunning views while staying cozy indoors. And of course, you cannot miss out on treating yourself to their delicious homemade cheesecake, fresh Cinnabon, or a gooey molten chocolate dessert!
- Date & Time: Open daily | From 4 PM to 1 AM
- Location: Al Madam / Maleha desert area
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their Instagram page
Ras Al Khaimah
14. Zuma (Open Daily)
Zuma has just raised the bar with a fabulous new pop-up at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah located in the stunning Al Wadi Desert! For a limited time only, get ready to indulge in modern Japanese izakaya-style dishes while soaking in the luxe desert vibes. It’s the perfect winter getaway in the dunes!
- Date & Time: Open Daily | Mon-Thurs from 6 PM to 12 AM | Fri from 12 PM to 5 PM, 6 PM to 1 AM | Sat from 6 PM to 1 AM | Sun from 12 PM to 5 PM, 6 PM to 12 AM
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton Al Mazrae, Ras Al Khaimah
- Price: Varies on the dishes ordered
- For more information, visit their website
Ajman
15. The Seat Cafe (Open Daily)
Ajman’s FIRST desert cafe pop-up is a must-visit this winter! Tucked away among the sand dunes, this cozy getaway offers a delicious menu with pizzas, burgers, pastas, and desserts, all perfect for warming up by the heaters. While the adults can relax, the little ones have a designated area to keep them entertained! Don’t miss out on trying the beef burger, Alfredo pasta or tiramisu. Don’t miss out on the ultimate seasonal spot!
- Date & Time: Open Daily | From 4 PM to12 AM
- Location: Al Heliow, Ajman
- Price: Dishes starting from AED 14
- For more information, visit their Instagram page
