Writers or literature lovers, creatives in general, will thrive in the U.A.E. Whether you’re in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you can always find refuge in writer or book cafes in these bustling cities. If you’re looking for peace to unwind, drink your favorite coffee and carve in some time to read or write, check out our list of writer and book cafes you should visit! Book cafes and writer cafes sound like a dream come true for creatives who constantly beat the deadline and running on caffeine but want to keep their fuel too by food!
1. Forever Rose Cafe
Every writer or fairytale enthusiast will rush to see the Forever Rose Cafe in Abu Dhabi since it will bring out the fantasy and romance of every story you know!
At the Forever Rose Cafe in The Galleria Mall, diners can pretend to be part of a 2D illustration by moving around in a space designed to provide that impression. Forever Rose, a luxury florist with U.A.E. roots, has opened a new cafe concept that seems like it was fashioned entirely of paper and ink, complete with cartoon pictures decorating the walls and a variety of UAE-themed decorations.
The café is one-of-a-kind because you’ll be the center of attention no matter where you snap a picture. You’ll be astounded by their food and drinks are presented in vibrant color; the room, their cups, and their plates are all depicted in black and white. If you ever take a picture in the cafe, you’ll be the main character! According to Forever Rose’s C.E.O. and Founder Ebraheem Al Samadi, “this brings back the magical feeling of being in a fairy tale.”
Forever Rose Café features a wide variety of delectable desserts and specialty dishes that will make your stay memorable and enchanting! The café will include rose tea lemonades as part of a limited summer menu.
2. Circle Cafe
If you’re a fan of art workshops, Circle Cafe should be on your list! You can also quietly write or read the day away in this restaurant; you’ll see you’re not the only one devouring a book while munching on delicious meals since most of their guests are bookworms! You’ll never know; you might make some friends there! With multiple branches across the city, Circle Cafe is one of the best library cafes in Dubai, and its Business Bay branch is probably the most popular Circle Cafe in Dubai.
Two Emirati women had the idea to open up this lively cafe to popularize reading among the locals of Dubai. Now, readers all over the emirate consider it a must-read. Donations of books are gratefully accepted, but the cafe’s real goal is to provide a comfortable place for visitors to read and relax with a snack or drink. Shorooq Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Healthcare City are just a few other well-known branches!
3. Art House Cafe
Do you have a creative rut? Don’t fret since you can destress and allow yourself to be inspired in the Art House Cafe located in Abu Dhabi! You can do plenty of fun activities, from plate painting to hand casting.
Comfortable seating and cozy design constructed from reused materials complement the restaurant’s excellent food and varied coffee offerings. It’s possible you won’t want to leave the Art House Cafe after settling in with a healthy salad or a delicious burger meal and a cappuccino. They are located in Al Bateen, which is open from 9 am to 11.30 pm, and in Al Bandar is open from 7 am to 11.30 pm.
4. BookMunch Café
BookMunch Cafe is another gem in the U.A.E.; bookworms and wordsmiths shouldn’t miss it! There is a bookstore café called Book Munch right next to Safa Park, and it’s a beautiful spot for the whole family to have a good time and get some food. This restaurant has a broad menu that includes breakfast all day, salads, and meals that combine Arabic and western flavors, such as chargrilled chicken breast marinated in sumac and zaatar and shrimp cooked in ginger, pepper, and caramel.
In addition, the restaurant serves limitless tea from a massive pot at their Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea Party. The cafe, conveniently located close to Safa Park, offers picnic baskets to the park’s visitors. While waiting for your meal, you can peruse the bookstore and watch for upcoming events such as author readings and book signings.
5. Kuttab Cafe
The name of this cafe comes from the Arabic word for books, and inside you’ll find a wide variety of Arabic literary works and some simple English selections to satisfy your reading needs.
The friendly Kuttab Café in Dubai’s Uptown Mirdif is the place to meet like-minded people and be inspired by their company. Kuttab Café, a venture of the Kuttab Publishing House, is a bookstore, cultural salon, and coffeehouse. During the store’s regular talk and book signing events, an excellent opportunity to network with other authors and bounce story ideas off of them.
6. The Magazine Shop
The Magazine Shop still has all its original character and charm despite being in the middle of the city’s financial district. A curated playlist plays, unique brews are available, and indie magazines are on display! They also host a wide range of one-off activities, such as Scrabble competitions and speeches from museum curators. They are located in Bldg 2, DIFC. You can check out their social media pages for updates!
7. A4 Space
Imagine a trendy spot in Dubai where you can get some good nutrition (including vegan alternatives) and some peace and quiet to get some work and reading done. Young folks who value sophistication tend to like A4 Space. If you’re someone who is looking for your own tribe then you can find a community here!
The cafe’s modern aesthetic includes various carefully curated sitting options, from mismatched floor cushions to old-school community tables. If the seating areas are occupied, don’t worry; you can always find a quiet nook to read in. It’s located in Al Serkal Avenue and is open Sat-Thurs from 10amto 7 pm.