Key Takeaways
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Specialty cafés across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are launching limited-edition cold coffee menus for Summer 2025
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Popular offerings include Emirati-inspired cold brews, nitro coffee taps, and dessert pairings
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Café culture is thriving among residents seeking relaxed indoor experiences during the hottest months
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Local roasters and baristas are collaborating on new trends, from date-infused lattes to saffron-spiced cold foam
Cold Coffee Craze Takes Over UAE’s Summer Scene
With scorching temperatures outside, cafés across the UAE are transforming into creative laboratories of cold caffeine. From artisan nitro brews to Arabic twist lattes, Summer 2025 is all about cooling down with culture-rich beverages. Residents looking for trendy indoor escapes are flocking to specialty cafés that are blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.
Hotspots Redefining the Cold Coffee Experience
Several UAE cafés are making headlines — and Instagram feeds — with their signature summer menus:
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Rx Coffee Apothecary (Jumeirah): Offers a lab-style experience with bottled cold brews infused with cardamom and miswak
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EL&N London (Dubai Mall): Launches a rose saffron iced latte with 23k edible gold for DSS 2025
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Qahwaty (Abu Dhabi): Combines specialty beans with Emirati dates and spices in a chilled espresso tonic
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The Grey (Al Wasl): Introduces nitro coffee on tap with cinnamon foam and pistachio biscotti pairings
These cafés are also offering coffee-tasting flights, pairing cold brews with seasonal pastries and ambient lounge settings.
Cultural Fusion Through Coffee
The rise of local ingredients in cold coffee menus highlights a growing trend: bridging tradition and innovation. Baristas are experimenting with:
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Luqaimat syrup cold lattes
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Date-sweetened espresso shots
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Camel milk affogatos
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Sidr honey espresso lemonade
This fusion resonates with both Emirati locals and expat residents looking to connect with regional identity through flavor.
Why Café Culture Is Booming in Summer
During the UAE’s peak heat months, cafés become social hubs where people work remotely, meet friends, and attend pop-up events. With curated playlists, minimalist interiors, and barista-led workshops, cafés offer climate-controlled escapes that are more lifestyle destination than just food stop.
Some cafés, like Drop Coffee and The Sum of Us, are even integrating scent experiences and art exhibitions into their summer programming.
Cool Trends to Watch
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Cold foam artistry: Baristas layering flavored foam over espresso-tonics
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Bottled brews with local designs: Limited-edition bottles featuring Arabic calligraphy or Emirati folklore motifs
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Coffee mocktails: Citrus espresso spritz and carbonated date cold brews gaining traction among younger audiences
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Midnight café hours: Extended openings until 1:00 AM to match nighttime social patterns
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