
Best library cafés in Dubai 2025: 6 cosy spots to visit next
We've rounded up some of the best spots in the city to dive into a page turner — they're literally designed for it.
From pre-loved bookstores to cosy corners inside art galleries, these are all of the best library cafés in Dubai.
The best Library cafés in Dubai
Book Hero
The seaside Umm Suqeim spot is technically a bookstore rather than a library, but you can pick up pre-loved books for as little as Dhs10.
Browse the shelves, pick a brand new story and get stuck into the pages over a coffee and an oven-baked Napolitana pizza (lush).
Open daily 6am-11.30pm. Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim, bookhero.ae (056 736 8862).
Fiker Institute
Ok, so this is more of a library than it is a café but hear us out. Not only is the gorgeous Alserkal Avenue spot a great place to work or study, if you purchase a day pass it also comes with unlimited coffee.
Keeping you caffeinated all day long, you have to add this to your to-visit list.
Open Tue-Sun 9am-9pm. Al Quoz, fikerinstitute.org
Foundry
The gallery, library and co-working space not only gives you free entry to see some incredible art, but there's also a gorgeous little café inside.
Serving up coffee, pastries and some simple savoury bites, you can (carefully) wander around with a cup in hand as you take in the stunning installations.
Or grab a latte and climb into a library pod for some cosy and undisturbed reading.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Downtown Dubai, emarmalls.ae (04 367 3696).
Forma
Say hello to Forma, the latest must-visit spot in Jumeirah. This new pizza place can be found in Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai and has all the arty vibes any creative could want.
Try the miso corn, six cheese pizza (capture the cheese pull) and desserts such as the pretzel ice cream and pistachio cookie tiramisu.
Open daily, 8am. Al Safa Art & Design Library, Jumeirah @formauae
Kefi Books, Boardgames and Specialty Coffee
This adorable spot is packed with over 200 boardgames to play and 6,000 different books for you to get stuck into.
While you're lost in the story, you can also tuck into everything from a butter chicken risotto to lasagne or pizza, all washed down with the special tiramisu latte.
Open Sun-Thu 9.30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 9.30am-1am. Al Mamzar, kefi.ae (04 385 2888).
Lulu & The Beanstalk
The independent bar, café and bookstore is not your traditional library, but you can still choose a new novel, grab a matcha and chill for a few hours.
Hosting live DJs and drinks deals as day turns to night, this is the kind of place you really could stay for hours.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri 8am-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight. ICD Brookfield Place, lulusbean.com (04 268 8664).
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
70 of Dubai's coolest cafés and coffee shops
Your essential caffeine guide, from Jumeirah to Al Khawaneej
13 places to go in Dubai if getting a matcha is your whole personality
From some of our favourite cafés in the city
8 cool Palm Jumeirah cafés to try in Dubai
From busy bakeries to beachside hangouts

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time Out Dubai
6 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
Naïa Island: Dubai announces new luxury development
We've got Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters, the World Islands and soon to be Palm Jebel Ali, but now there's a brand new island to add to the mix. Launched by Shamal Holding, the futuristic development, named Naïa Island, will be built in the water at Jumeirah beachfront. Located in between Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah 3, the sprawling low-rise project will host the region's first Cheval Blanc Maison, an exclusive set of residences, suites and private villas. If you like this: Here's what Dubai will look like in 2040: From flying taxis to new metro lines Sharing details about the new development, the Dubai Media Office shared that a limited number of branded beachfront residences and estate plots will be available. Each coming with its own private beach access, plans have shown the island to be all about lush greenery and stunning sea views, but the design for each villa is still under wraps. Featuring only low-rise buildings, the development will ensure that you can always see the city's landmarks no matter where on the island you are. An extremely luxe new neighbourhood, it's unclear if we can expect any new restaurants or beach clubs as of yet, but we'll be the first to let you know when that changes. Early works are now underway for the project, however a completion date is still to be confirmed. Shamal Holding unveils Naïa Island Dubai Dubai's New Jewel of Hospitality — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 6, 2025 Speaking about the project, Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding said: 'This marks a defining chapter in our vision to create meaningful experiences, and an exciting step forward for Shamal as we continue to curate pioneering firsts that reinforce Dubai's position as a global benchmark for exceptional, world-class living. 'Naïa Island Dubai offers an enduring address, one that invites presence and lives beautifully overtime.' Want to know what else is next for Dubai? Check out all of the city's ongoing mega-projects that are going to change up the skyline. In other Dubai news GCC Railway Project: Route, launch date and all the latest What to know and what to expect How to dine at 190+ Dubai restaurants for just Dhs10 this August All participating restaurants revealed A brand-new luxury hotel is opening in Dubai And it's huge


Time Out Dubai
04-08-2025
- Time Out Dubai
How to dine at 190+ Dubai restaurants for just Dhs10 this August
Dubai is serving up Dhs10 dishes this summer, offering some of the city's best meals for a fraction of the price. Launched for the first time as part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the initiative will see restaurants all over the city offer up a particular plate for less. Running from Friday August 1 until Sunday August 31, you'll be able to treat yourself to flavours from over 190 unique restaurants for only Dhs10. If you like this: Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 full lineup revealed The bargain event will be spread all across the city as more than 700 outlets from 188 brands will be taking part across the city's malls and dining hotspots. No bookings or vouchers are required, all you have to do is visit a participating outlet and ask for the Dhs10 dish. San Wan Noodles are one of the venues participating in the 10 Dirham Dish event (Credit: San Wan Noodles) Where to find Dhs10 dishes in Dubai for a limited time A full list of participating venues can be found below 1820s Coffeatery, Deira Gold Souq ABC Restaurant, Dubai International City ACKD Restaurant, Qusais 1 Afghan House Restaurant, Dubai International City Al Fatayer Al Dumashqia, Dubailand Al Naser Valley, Al Quoz Mall Alasayel Traditional Kitchen and Restaurant, Al Quoz Anzeera Restaurant, Business Bay Apna Chulha, Al Anz Arheb Restaurant, Dubailand Ashoka Mixolounge, Barsha Heights Aziz Bhai Restaurant, Oud Metha Bangkok City, Times Square Centre Barasti, Dubai Marina Barbecue Delights, The Walk in JBR Baskin Robbins, multiple locations Bay Club, Business Bay Bayt el Haya Restaurant, Al Quoz Mall Bella Chai, Dubai Silicon Oasis Bella Italo Restaurant, Dubailand Best Peak Ice Cream, Mall of the Emirates Big Smoke Burger, Boxpark Bikanervala, multiple locations Bla Bla Beach Café, The Beach JBR BO, The Market Island Bolle Restaurant, Za'abeel 2 Bombay Cartel, Al Quoz Bombay Naan, Al Nahda Bombay Times Restaurant, Al Karama Budget Byte Restaurant, Deira Burger Society, Al Karama Bytez and More, Dubai Media City Café Barbera, multiple locations Café Calicut, Al Karama Café Cocosome, Burjuman Mall Café Kkai, Al Quoz Caffé Divino, multiple locations Caffé Nero, multiple locations Caribou Coffe, multiple locations Cevapi Bosnian Restaurant, Mirdif City Centre Chai and Co., multiple locations Chaiiwala of London, Dubai Hills Mall Chalet Grill Plus, Mall of the Emirates Chicken House, Jumeirah Village Circle Choko Berry, The Market Island Circle of Crust, Dubai Hills Mall Coffee Planet, multiple locations Cold Stone Creamery, multiple locations Costa, multiple locations Cultures, Times Square Mall Curry Pot, multiple locations Delhi Highway, Al Karama Dhaba Lane Restaurant, multiple locations Dicket's Barbecue Pit, JBR District, Wasl 51 Dodo Pizza, multiple locations Downtown Perk, Downtown Dubai Dunkin', multiple locations El Sur, Dubai Marina Faasos, multiple locations Feka, Al Quoz Food Hall at Al Areesh, Dubai Festival City Foodings Restaurant FZCO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Four Square Café and Restaurant, multiple locations Four Way Restaurant, Dubai International City Fowli, Mirdif Gan Bei Restaurant, Circle Mall Gelato ADO, The Market Island Gelato Divino, multiple locations Golden Biryani Restaurant, Burjuman Golden Dragon, Oud Metha Golden Sands, Bur Dubai Gul Khan Restaurant, Oud Metha Gypsy Chinese, multiple locations Häagen-Dazs, multiple locations Haji Ali Express, Dragon Mart Hammer Burger, The Market Island Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken and Wings, multiple locations Hard Rock Café, Dubai Festival City Mall Highway 311 Grill and Eatery, JLT House of Pops, multiple locations iCoffee, Deira It's Desi, Al Karama Iwok Restaurant, Dubai Marina Jamaica Blue, multiple locations Jenan, Al Khawaneej Jubilee, Al Nahda Kailash Parbat, Oud Metha Kapadokya Turkish Kitchen, Al Barsha 1 Karachi Express, Dubai International City Karachi Grill, Jumeirah Beach Road Kelinka, The Market Island Kelly's Cajun Grill, multiple locations Keveneters, Al Quoz Key Town, The Market Island Khana Khazana, multiple locations Khau Galli, multiple locations Kimpo Bar and Restaurant, Conrad Dubai KP Chai, multiple locations Lahori Karahi, Dubailand Lahori Sweets, Dubai International City LDC Kitchen + Coffee, multiple locations Little Italy, Al Karama Liwan Restaurant, Deira M Society, multiple locations Maestro Pizza, multiple locations Magnolia Bakery, multiple locations Mamma Italia, multiple locations Manbhavan Premium Thali Restaurant, Al Karama Mandarin Oak, multiple locations Mandi and Madhbi Zaitoon Restaurant, Al Quoz Mall Masala Wok, Al Nahda 2 Matter by iCoffee, Dubai Hills Mall Messy Burger, multiple locations Minus Eighteen, multiple locations Mirdif Fish and Chips, Mirdif City Centre Mumbai Junction Restaurant, Al Karama MyGovindas, multiple locations Nablu's Traditional Kanafeh, Al Hamriya Nasooh Restaurant, multiple locations Naughty Pizza, The Market Island Nawab Restaurant, multiple locations Oporto, Dubai Hills Mall Pancake House, Burjuman Mall Peet's Coffee, multiple locations Pret A Manger, multiple locations Raj Mahal Restaurant, Bur Dubai Rajan Sweets and Snacks, Al Quoz Mall Revelry, Dubai Hills Estate RSR Restaurant, Burjuman Rukn Al Jood Mandi, Dubailand Sabra Cafeteria, Dragon Mart Saigon – Taste of Vietnam, multiple locations San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, JLT Sandwich Square, Business Bay Sarhad Punjab Restaurant, Dubai International City Savour Foods Pulao Kabab, Dubai International City Seoul Street Café (1004 Gourmet), multiple locations SFC Plus, multiple locations Shanghai Kitchen Restaurant, Al Jaffiliya Sharief Bhai –Bangalore Biryani, multiple locations Shawa Shawa Restaurant, Dubai International City Shawarma Al Karmel, multiple locations Slice, Dubai Media City Soul, The Market Island Spice Hut, Mirdif Spice N Nice, Dubailand Sthan, Al Karama Street Menu, Al Quoz Street Menu, Al Quoz Streetery, multiple locations Sumo Sushi and Bento, multiple locations Sushi Fashion, Gate Avenue Mall Taco Taco, Time Square Centre Taqueria Freedah, Jumeirah Street Taste of Malabar, Al Quoz Tea Drop, Umm Ramool Tea Spot, The Villas Dubai Tent Jumeirah Restaurant, multiple locations The 500 Calorie Project, Business Bay The Biryani Life, multiple locations The Chickery, multiple locations The Choco Monarch, Deira The Coop House Restaurant, Mirdif The Desi Firangi Restaurant, WASL Port Views The Executive Lunch Box, Deira The Falooda Shop, Al Karama The Food Villa Restaurant and Café, Bur Dubai The GBF, Al Quoz The Golden Thali Restaurant, Al Karama The Noodle House, multiple locations The Permit Room, Bur Dubai Tum Tum Asia, Oud Metha Vasai Local Restaurant, Al Karama Venus Restaurant, multiple locations Villa Beirut, Sheikh Zayed Road Violet Sweets, Dubailand We Desi, multiple locations Wet Black Burger, Business Bay Wok N Roll Café, Deira Wok Wok, The Market Island Yalla Momos, multiple locations Yasmine Lounge, Deira Yogashi Bakery, Mall of the Emirates Yoko Sizzlers, multiple locations Yummy Dosa, Business Bay ZAK Foods, Arjan Zest Loungge, Sheikh Rashid Road Bargain bites include a range of Pan-Asian options such as the bang bang cauliflower bao at The Noodle House, chicken ramen at Yum Noodle Bar and the chow mein noodles at San Wan Noodles. The New York flat-top hot dog from Shake Shack, the mini maverick at Big Smoke Burger, the brisket sandwich from Bla Bla Beach Café and the Cheddar and pickle sandwich with an americano from Pret A Manger are also included in the sale. Street food eats include the samosa chaat from Samboosa Factory, the katsu chicken slider at Revelry, the chicken kathi roll at Mumbai Express and the chicken shawarma at Feka. Those with a sweet tooth can cool off with the classic cup from Gelato Divino, a frozen yoghurt from Yoghurtland, a matcha or mango bingsoo from Seoul Street Café or grab a scoop and coffee from Häagen-Dazs. And that's just a selection of the outlets taking part in the 10 Dirham Dish sale, you can expect more bargain bites at outlets located at the likes of Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Walk. Dhs10. Aug 1-31. Various locations. Hungry for more? New Dubai restaurants 2025: The just-opened spots you need to try next The new dining spots you need on your radar The best casual dining restaurants in Dubai to have on your radar Where dinner for two is under Dhs400 A huge new arts venue has opened at Mall of the Emirates It's going to bring top live entertainment to one of the city's biggest malls


Time Out Dubai
01-08-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai news: The week's big headlines; Asia Cup, DXB operations to DWC, new Emirates route
It's been another big week of Dubai news. With the start of August coming this week, it's all change in Dubai with several new initiatives and sales now underway. In air travel, Dubai's main airport revealed record-breaking traffic for the first half of the year and we found out when all operations will eventually move to Al Maktoum International Airport. Some new rules have been introduced that you'll need to know about too, with paid parking set to be introduced at mosques and influencers will now need an advertising permit. It's going to be a lot to take in, so maybe it's best you read this all while you lie down on the sofa. The major Dubai news you may have missed this week Eat for Dhs10 at 188 different restaurants in August (Credit: Canva) Dubai is serving up Dhs10 dishes this summer, offering some of the city's best meals for a fraction of the price. Launched for the first time as part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the initiative will see restaurants all over the city offer up a particular plate for less. Running from Friday August 1 until Sunday August 31, you'll be able to treat yourself to flavours from over 190 unique restaurants for only Dhs10. The bargain event will be spread all across the city as more than 700 outlets from 188 brands will be taking part across the city's malls and dining hotspots. No bookings or vouchers are required, all you have to do is visit a participating outlet and ask for the Dhs10 dish. To see all the restaurants taking part, head here. Record-breaking passenger numbers at DXB (Credit: DXB) Dubai International Airport has revealed it has had a record-breaking year, welcoming an impressive 46 million passengers so far. Only counting the first half of 2025, DXB confirmed this is its busiest year on record, already beating 2024 by 2.3 percent. The busiest month of the year so far was January, welcoming an impressive 8.5 million guests passing through the terminals. This was closely followed by April, which saw 8 million passengers throughout the month. Catering to flights from all over the world, the airport also confirmed that in the first six months of the year, 220,000 flights were handled coming into and out of the city. Dubai Mallathon is here Mall of the Emirates (Credit: Mall of the Emirates) A huge new fitness initiative, which will convert Dubai's biggest malls into running tracks, has now got underway. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, launched the unique Dubai Mallathon project on Thursday July 24. The Dubai Mallathon has set up dedicated walking and running tracks inside seven Dubai shopping malls, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Deira City Centre, Springs Souk, City Centre Mirdif and Dubai Marina Mall. These malls will be transformed into organised health and fitness tracks during morning hours, from 7am until 10am, all throughout August. More people are using public transport than ever before Credit: Supplied More people are using public transport in Dubai than ever, according to the latest figures. According to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), an impressive 395.3 million riders have used public transport in the first half of 2025. Explaining why your commute on the Dubai Metro might be feeling a little busier, the RTA confirmed this is a nine percent increase on the same time last year. In the first half of 2024, there were 361.2 riders, which works out at around nearly 2.18 million daily. Counting the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, maritime transport, taxis and on-demand buses, there are plenty of ways to get around the city without having your own car. Asia Cup to be played in the UAE The UAE will host some big matches during the Asia Cup (Credit: Dubai International Cricket Stadium) The Asian Cricket Council has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates will host the 2025 Asia Cup. Following a meeting in Dhaka on Thursday July 24, ACC president Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the tournament will officially be held in the UAE. The biennial cricket tournament will be played between Tuesday September 9 and Sunday September 28. While venues have not officially been confirmed, it's likely that the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host some of the biggest matches, which could include Pakistan vs India. All DXB operations to move to Al Maktoum International Airport by 2032 The exterior of Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Coop Himmelb(l)au) Every single service at the world's busiest international airport will eventually move to Al Maktoum, according to the Dubai Airports CEO. And the latest target states that Dubai Airports bosses plan to move all operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as DWC, by 2032. As DXB continues to break its own record passenger numbers, the capacity of the airport can only stretch to a maximum of about 110-115 million per year – even with the many technological advancements introduced in recent years. In contrast, DWC will eventually have the capacity for 260 million passengers annually once it has been completed. While all operations are expected to move to DWV by 2032, the full megaproject is unlikely to be completed until the 2050s. Dubai Airports is encouraging airlines to make a phased migration from DXB to DWC, with airlines taking up slots at DWC when DXB isn't available. Free ice cream at DXB (Credit: Canva) Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, handed out free scoops of soft-serve ice cream and refreshing drinks to people arriving at DXB. The giveaway finished on Tuesday July 29, as part of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign. Ice cream trucks were stationed at various points near the arrivals area at Terminal 3 of the world's busiest international airport. The trucks were operated by the homegrown brand KUHP, shining a spotlight on the emirate's traditions of local hospitality. Influencers now need an advertising permit New rules for influencers have been introduced (Credit: Canva) Here's a swift heads-up for content creators and influencers – the UAE has just introduced new rules affecting online content. The UAE Media Council has issued new regulations which require content creators to get an advertiser permit if they're posting promotional content on social media – regardless of whether their content is paid or unpaid. The policy, introduced on Wednesday July 30, seeks to provide greater transparency and professionalism in the influencer space. Advertising permits will be free for the first three years, and any existing permits will remain effective until expiry, with renewal applications available thereafter. Content creators visiting the UAE will also be required to grab a visitor advertising permit, authorising them to create promotional content online. This one will be valid for three months and renewable once for a further three months. Huge one day sale at Dubai Hills Mall (Credit: Dubai Hills Mall) One of Dubai's most popular malls is hosting a mega sale this Saturday, and you could get up to 90 percent off. As part of the final month of the annual Dubai Summer Surprises event, Dubai Hills Mall is having a special one-day-only sale. A whopping 47 brands are participating in the Saturday August 2 sale, including the likes of Calvin Klein, Abercrombie and Fitch and Barbour. You can grab up to 90 percent off at American Rag Cie, F5 and Home Centre as part of the event. New Dubai exit to cut travel time by over 50% on major road (Credit: Dubai Media Office) The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced it will be opening a new exit that will cut travel time by over 50 percent on a major city road. Opening in early August 2025, the exit will open towards Ras Al Khor Road from Financial Centre Street to allow for better traffic flow. Open to vehicles travelling from Financial Centre Street near the Bu Kadra Interchange, the improvements are some of a series happening in the Ras Al Khor area. Bordering several major developments and industrial areas, peak hour travel time on the road should be reduced by an impressive 54 percent. Paid parking to be introduced at mosques The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Parkin sign first-of-its-kind partnership to organize smart parking around mosques in Dubai. In phase one, Parkin will operate and manage approximately 2,100 parking spaces across 59 sites, providing free parking for… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 31, 2025 The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has entered a strategic partnership with Parkin. As part of the agreement, Parkin will operate and manage 2,100 parking spaces across 59 places of worship in Dubai. Paid parking will be rolled out by August at these sites and will be chargeable 24 hours a day, seven days a week outside of prayer hours. During prayer time, mosque visitors will be able to park free of charge for up to one hour. The agreement aims to make it easier for worshippers to find a parking space during prayer and improve access to mosques at all times. Parking spaces will be designated as Zone M for standard spaces and Zone MP for premium spaces, 41 sites will be located in Zone M and 18 in Zone MP. This means that tariffs will be Dhs2 for 30 minutes in Zone M sites and in MP at off-peak times, but will be Dhs3 in MP at peak times. For a full hour, tariffs will be Dhs4 in Zone M and in Zone MP at off-peak times. During peak times, Zone MP parking will be Dhs6 for an hour. For more parking changes head here. Emirates launches flights to Hangzhou Emirates will fly daily to Hangzhou (Credit: Canva) The world's largest international airline has officially launched a brand new daily non-stop route. Flying out of Dubai International Airport, the new Emirates service travels to Hangzhou – one of China's biggest cities. Emirates' latest expansion, which was first announced in May, is the airline's fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Emirates' newest route flies with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and took off for the first time on Wednesday July 30. This route will provide 2,478 weekly seats to the largest city in Zhejiang province. Things to do in Dubai Where to get the viral FIX chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't) Get that sweet tooth satisfied 50 free things to do in Dubai You won't believe what you can do 47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE For you and the little ones