Seven cool and quirky desert pop-ups to try in the UAE: Not a Space to Klock

Open only during the UAE’s winter season, these Instagrammable venues are perfect for those who fancy dining in the dunes

The Uncommon is one of the latest desert dining pop-ups in the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National

The Uncommon features a stunning mirror kitchen that reflects the desert backdrop. Pawan Singh / The National

The Uncommon coffee shop is located on Mahafiz-Al Fayah Road in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National

A blue sky iced latte at The Uncommon in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National

The Uncommon offers speciality coffee and baked goods. Pawan Singh / The National

For a luxury experience, Sonara Camp offers a stunning dining experience on the dunes. Photo: Sonara Camp

After finding success in Dubai, Sonara Camp has expanded to Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Sonara Camp

Sonara Camp Al Wadi is a restaurant concept located on the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Photo: Sonara Camp

Sonara Camp has live entertainment including a fire-breathing show. Photo: Sonara Camp

Sonara Camp Al Wadi is home to local wildlife species including Arabian oryxes, gazelles and red foxes. Photo: Sonara Camp

Not a Space is a cool pop-up location in the Al Faya Desert of Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National

Guests can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National

Comfy bean bags at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National

Not a Space also has activities and workshops. Antonie Robertson / The National

Not a Space in Al Faya desert is known for its sunset views. Photo: Not a Space

One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border. Ruel Pableo for The National

Drinks available at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up, along with hot dogs, burgers and more. Ruel Pableo for The National

One Degree Cafe offers daily entertainment. Ruel Pableo for The National

Most desert dining venues are only open during the winter. Ruel Pableo for The National

Link by mara is another new desert restaurant to open in Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National

The venue has sunken booths. Antonie Robertson / The National

The booths contain firepits for those who want to grill their own meat. Antonie Robertson / The National

Link by mara also has an international menu, with pizzas, pastas and fusion street food. Antonie Robertson / The National

It started with the odd pop-up or two and now, desert dining has become one of the most popular trends of the year. We can see why, too – these picturesque venues take diners far away from bustling city life and into a serene environment.

As well as showcasing the UAE’s natural beauty, many of these pop-ups also offer a variety of unique food, beverages and entertainment. And the lure of a road trip is an added incentive to visit.

Here’s a look at some spectacular desert dining venues that have popped up and are currently open. Most of these are only open during the cooler months, so you might want to hurry if you’re planning to go.

Although you might want to wait until it stops raining.

Not a Space

One of the original desert dining pop-ups, Not a Space quickly gained a cult following when pictures of it emerged on social media. Located at Al Faya, Sharjah, the moon-themed spot features comfy bean bags, beverages and light bites (think cinnamon rolls) out in the desert.

There’s live entertainment in the evenings, and it offers activities from yoga sessions to moon painting workshops. Another bonus? It’s pet friendly.

Open daily, during winter; 6am-1am; Al Faya; https://linktr.ee/Notaspace

One Degree Cafe

Come winter, One Degree opens its pop-up experience, located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.

The venue has garnered a cult following since it first opened in January 2021. The reason for its popularity is its location in the middle of the desert, offering guests some of the best mountain and dune views they can get, all from the comfort of the eclectic seating options – think cushions on the sand and plush sofas.

One Degree has live entertainment such as fire breathers every evening, and has also expanded its food offerings, serving items as varied as Spanish lattes and acai bowls to burgers and hot dogs.

Open daily, 4pm-1am; Dubai-Sharjah border; www.onedegree.ae

The Uncommon

New kid-on-the-block The Uncommon only popped up a few weeks ago, but has already taken the desert dining scene by storm. What’s cool about the space is its unique set-up, which features a lot of mirrors. Even the kitchen area is done up in a cool mirror exterior, ensuring the focus is very much on the beauty of its backdrop.

The menu features mostly beverages, with light bites such as pastries and croissants thrown in.

Open daily, 4pm-1am; Sharjah; Instagram: @theuncommon.ae

Link by mara

Another new desert pop-up, Link by mara is currently in its soft opening launch phase. There’s still plenty to love about the space, which has been inspired by AlUla in Saudi Arabia – especially its excavated cushioned booths.

The venue offers fusion street food, from spiced edamame and mini beef tacos to shakshuka bruschetta. Even better, there is an option to buy meat at the venue and barbecue it yourself over your booth’s firepit. There are only a handful of big dining booths and seating is on a first-come first-serve basis, so get there early.

Open daily, 4pm-3am; Sharjah; Instagram: @linkbymara

Klock

A clock-themed winter pop-up has opened up in Dubai. The pop-up is located on the Dubai-Hatta Road, about a half-hour drive from Downtown Dubai, but offers desert vistas that take you far away from the bustle of city life. Expect comfy bean bags, big Instagrammable installations that light up at night, and speciality coffee. The menu is limited to beverages and sweet treats for now.

Open daily; 4pm-midnight; until March 31; Dubai-Hatta Road; Instagram: @klock_cafe

Coffee House

Another new spot offering coffee with a desert backdrop is Coffee House, located in Sharjah, off the Sharjah-Kalba Road. A number of hot and cold beverages, desserts and baked treats can be picked up from a food truck, and enjoyed in the space that features rattan chairs, gazebos with white curtains swinging in the wind and lit-up trees.

Open daily; 3pm onwards; off the Sharjah-Kalba Road, Mahafiz, Sharjah; Instagram: @coffeehouseae

Sonara Camp

For those looking for a luxe version of desert dining, there’s always Sonara Camp, which has accrued quite a following over the years.

The family-friendly venue offers a fine-dining experience right on the dunes. There are activities such as sandboarding, volleyball, soft archery and an owl show, live entertainment and white tablecloth dining, with dishes such as slow-cooked pulled lamb and black Angus strip loin on the menu.

Sonara is set in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a gorgeous place where you can spot the odd gazelle and oryx, and it’s recently opened a second location at Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Prior booking is required.

Open daily, 4pm onwards; Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Ras Al Khaimah; www.nara.ae/sonara/