Cafes In Dubai: Laptop Havens For Busy Bees

by Alexandra Mansilla

Cafes In Dubai: Laptop Havens For Busy Bees

14 Feb 2024

Remote workers can relate: sometimes, you grow weary of working from home and crave a change of scenery. The solution? Head over to a coworking space or, as we prefer, work in cafes filled with other like-minded individuals. With plenty of cafes to choose from, we have handpicked five of our favourites, where some of The Sandy Times team enjoy working.

Nomad Day Bar

Are you a nomad who prefers working from anywhere in the world? If yes, you should visit Nomad Day Bar in the heart of the super-stylish 25hours Hotel. This venue serves as both a cafe and a spacious coworking space, offering speedy Wi-Fi and power sockets. If you tire of staring at your screen, you can take a break and grab one of the 10,000 books from the library.

Instagram: @nomaddaybar

There is no "mad" here — except the madness for high-quality coffee, thanks to the award-winning local baristas from Nightjar Coffee who have crafted Nomad Day Bar. It is an experience you won't want to miss out on.

Location: 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Center Street

The Grey

The Grey is often described as “Where Creative Minds Meet” — and that is absolutely accurate. The place buzzes with creative energy as patrons sip coffee and type away on their laptops. Bring yours along, order some truffle scrambled eggs, an acai bowl, or something hearty, and delve into their Shades of Grey coffee menu, offering cold brew, matcha latte, or whatever you feel for. Once you are fueled up, you are good to rock your day!

Instagram: @thegreydxb

The interior, deserving of its own paragraph, truly catches the eye. It is pretty obvious which colour dominates the design — yes, it is grey. Crafted by XO Atelier, the design “is clean, modern and reduced, with geometric lines". Stripped of unnecessary distractions, it allows you to focus entirely on your tasks.

Instagram: @thegreydxb

This spot in the Al Safa neighbourhood is trendy, and on weekends, you might find yourself queuing up for a seat, but on the bright side, you might run into some friends while you wait.

Location: Al Safa 1

Neighbors

Located in the Jumeirah district, Neighbors is a cosy cafe that believes “Life is too short for ordinary coffee; we only serve speciality brews”.

Instagram: @neighborsdubai

Swing by for a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, indulge in some freshly baked sourdough bread, and take your pick from their breakfast menu, available all day long. Plus, if you are tired of working from home and need a change of scenery, this place offers all the cosy vibes of home without actually being there.

Location: Al Thanya St, Dubai

Lulu & The Beanstalk

Filmmaker sisters Wafa Tajdin and Amirah Tajdin have created a cosy café as a tribute to their grandmother, Lulu. Step into this charming space, and you will feel like you have entered your own little sanctuary. With a wavy green Verner Panton Cloverleaf at the centre, a mocha de Sede DS-600 sofa tucked at the back, a library, pink chairs and green tables, every detail is a nod to the natural beauty and colours of Lamu Island, Mamu Lulu's homeland.

Instagram: @lulus.bean

Amirah explains, “There’s a minimalism to our architecture that was a direct reference to the island’s signature style.” By the way, you can explore the details on the website of Bofink Design Studio, the masterminds behind the café's interior.

Try Mama Lulu’s samosas, Mama Lulu’s Favourite Pudding, or something else you might enjoy. Working here is a beautiful opportunity to feel inspired, creative, and dreamy.

Location: Icd Brookfield Place, DIFC

Myocum

Are you looking for a piece of Australia in Dubai? Well, look no further than Myocum, named after the hinterlands of Byron Bay in Australia, where the co-founders Khalid bin Hadher and Pascal Moser first met.

Instagram: @myocum_dubai

Come here to get lost in the work — the environment is perfect for it. Wood, plants, indigenous art and beautiful little details such as dried orange slice decorations will surround you. Try the speciality coffee, matcha, or raspberry lemongrass iced tea here (Barista Rap says it is the best!).

Location: Dar Wasl Mall, No. 45

by Alexandra Mansilla