Dubai may be famed for its glittering skyscrapers, opulent lifestyle, and a skyline that rivals fiction, but at the heart of its identity lies something far more grounded—its deeply cherished traditional beverages. From the rich notes of Arabic coffee to the creamy comfort of Karak chai, the city’s drinks are more than just refreshments—they’re cultural rituals. Whether you’re a wide-eyed visitor or a seasoned local, these beverages offer a sip of Dubai’s soul. So, what are the most iconic traditional drinks? Where can you find them? And why do they matter so much? Let’s dive in.
The Cultural Role of Traditional Beverages in Dubai
Across the Middle East, hospitality begins with a drink. In the UAE, the art of preparing and serving Arabic coffee was recognised by UNESCO in 2015 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—a title that hints at just how significant these traditions are.
Rooted in Bedouin hospitality and shaped by Dubai’s cosmopolitan past, the beverage culture here blends Arabian legacy with Indian, Pakistani, and global influences. The result? A drinks menu as diverse as the city itself.
Dubai’s Must-Try Traditional Beverages
1. Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Arabic coffee—or qahwa—is a quintessential Emirati experience. Made using lightly roasted green coffee beans and delicately infused with cardamom, it’s brewed in a traditional dallah and served in dainty handle-less cups, usually alongside dates. This isn’t just coffee—it’s a symbol of respect, hospitality, and community.
Where to try: Arabian Tea House, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
2. Karak Chai
If qahwa is the ceremonial drink, Karak chai is the daily ritual. Bold, creamy, and deeply spiced, it’s Dubai’s beloved answer to Indian masala chai. With cardamom, saffron, and condensed milk in the mix, Karak is equal parts comfort and caffeine kick. It’s served on street corners, in car queues, and at high-end cafés—with every cup telling its own story.
Where to try: Karak House near the Burj Khalifa offers a perfect balance of authenticity and flair—at just 1 AED a cup.
3. Laban
This yoghurt-based drink is Dubai’s answer to sweltering heat. Cooling, protein-rich, and naturally refreshing, laban is often enhanced with crushed dates or a touch of salt. It’s the unsung hero of the Emirati summer diet.
Where to try: Widely available in supermarkets and traditional cafés.
4. Fresh Local Fruit Juices
Before the days of smoothie bars, Bedouins refreshed themselves with juices made from locally available fruits. The tradition lives on in vibrant juice stalls across the city, offering everything from sugarcane elixirs to tamarind concoctions.
Popular picks include: Watermelon juice, Pineapple and papaya blends, Tamarind (tamr-hindi) juice, Classic lemonade
Where to try: Local juice stalls in Old Dubai, or Arabian Tea House for a more curated experience.
5. Jellab
Sweet, floral, and deeply refreshing, Jellab is made from grape molasses, rose water, and dates, garnished with pine nuts and raisins for texture. During Ramadan, it becomes the drink of choice to break the fast with style.
Where to try: Most Arabic restaurants, particularly during the holy month.
6. Qamar al-Din
A rich, nectar-like drink made by soaking sheets of sun-dried apricot paste. Qamar al-Din is bursting with natural sugars and nutrients—ideal for re-energising after fasting. It’s especially beloved during Ramadan and usually served chilled.
Where to try: Traditional cafés and Ramadan tents across the city.
Where to Sip Traditional in Style
You’ll find these drinks in every corner of the city—from historic quarters to sleek modern spots. A few unmissable places include:
Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi District)
A serene, heritage-rich café perfect for Arabic coffee, laban, and Jellab.
Karak House (Downtown Dubai)
Stylish yet authentic, and right by the Burj.
Old Dubai’s Tea Shops
Wander the souks and stumble upon hole-in-the-wall gems serving strong Karak and ice-cold juices.
Street Juice Stalls
Keep an eye out for humble shacks offering sugarcane or tamarind juice—especially welcome on a hot afternoon.
A Tradition Steeped in Culture
In the UAE, traditional beverages are strictly non-alcoholic and often hold religious or cultural significance. From the meticulous preparation of qahwa to the relaxed, daily indulgence of Karak, there’s a reverence to the act of drinking here. These rituals speak of community, warmth, and an intrinsic connection to heritage.
The Final Sip
Dubai’s traditional beverages aren’t just drinks—they’re storytellers. Each cup carries a whisper of the past, a splash of cultural identity, and a whole lot of flavour. Whether it’s the heady scent of cardamom, the rich comfort of Karak, or the bright punch of fresh juice, there’s a taste for every moment—and every mood.
