It's pumpkin spice season, here are new autumn coffees and drinks to try in the UAE

Baristas around the country are embracing the cosy months with plenty of cinnamon, syrup and squirty cream

Pumpkin spice season is a growing hospitality trend marking the colder months across the northern hemisphere. Getty Images

The region's year-round sunshine might not lend itself to the traditional autumn cliches – or fall aesthetics, as the phenomenon is called on social media – but that doesn't mean we can't lean in where we can.

And switching up our morning coffee order is one way to join the seasonal fun. While the autumn equinox will take place on September 23 in the UAE, officially welcoming in the new season, coffee shops and cafes across the Emirates have already begun rolling out themed flavours and beverages.

Pumpkin spice may be the first that comes to mind, but there are plenty more options to try.

Caribou introduces Spiced Okinawa

Caribou is keeping it simple this year with two new flavours to mark the season. First up is Spiced Okinawa, a blend of cinnamon and black sugar (unrefined cane sugar), which is available in hot or iced lattes.

Despite the temperatures dropping over the next few months, the autumn season in the UAE will still be a warm-weathered one – perhaps why the American coffee chain has added a yuzu matcha cooler to its autumn menu, too. Matcha green teas is blended with the Japanese citrus fruit, for a more refreshing caffeine pick-me-up.

Caffe Nero opts for salty and sweet

First invented in the 1970s, salted caramel didn't hit its peak until the 2000s. Between 2018 and 2021, every confectionery had received its salted caramel makeover: ice cream, chocolate and, of course, coffee.

Now, Caffe Nero is bringing back the trend with its salted caramel oat latte, available hot or iced, being the drink of the season. Sticking with the sweet and savoury theme, the coffee chain recommends the drink be enjoyed alongside its new bambolinis sweet mini doughnuts filled with chocolate or pastry cream.

Juan Valdez's take on pumpkin spice

Spilling well beyond the coffee world, pumpkin spice has become a scent and flavouring in its own right. There are pumpkin spice latte candles from Bath & Body Works, Dove cinnamon pumpkin pie bar soaps and Two Faced pumpkin spice eyeshadow palettes.

So, we can't fault Juan Valdez for sticking to a classic. The coffeehouse's seasonal reveal shared on Instagram includes a pumpkin spice latte, cold foam latte, milkshake and Nevado, the latter is a cold blended drink with espresso, non-dairy milk, flavoured syrup and whipped cream.

Located in Dubai's Jumeirah Beach, having opened earlier this year, it is the Colombian coffee chain's first in the UAE.

Jumeirah Beach 2, Dubai. Open 8am - 11pm daily.

Floral coffee twist at Pret

Making sure it has something for everyone, sandwich and coffee chain Pret has not only added a fail-safe pumpkin spice latte to its seasonal menu, but also a limited edition botanical rose latte and toffee hot chocolate.

To complement its limited edition hot drink selection, lemon cheesecake and chocolate mousse have also been added to the autumnal menu. Having made its way to the UAE in 2016, participation in its seasonal menus is becoming more popular here (particularly its Christmas sandwiches) as in the UK, where it opened its first store in 1986.

Various locations across the UAE.

Dunkin's hot and cold spiced lattes

Beating many of its coffee chain competitors to it, popular doughnut and coffee house Dunkin' launched its pumpkin spice latte in the last week of August. Keeping it simple, a hot or cold latte featuring the flavouring are available to try.

Various locations across the UAE.

Maplenut lattes at Costa Coffee

The UK-born coffee chain (although with its first international store opening in Dubai in 1999, it has a long history in the UAE) has been quick to the mark with its seasonal flavours, and this year, it's putting Maplenut front and centre.

Maple sweetness is balanced with roasted hazelnuts as a syrup that can be added to hot and cold drinks, with the special Maplenut latte, iced latte, frappe and cold brew available to order.

Available now until October 31. Various locations across the UAE.

Where to get a pumpkin spice latte year-round

While it's fun to get into the Autumn spirit with a warming latte, there's no need to wait for the season if you're a pumpkin spice devotee. Here are some coffee spots serving the sweet treat every month of the year.

Endless Cafe

Located in Dubai Marina, this specialist coffee shop serves colourful coffee flavours year-round. Alongside the pumpkin spice, visit to try their red velvet, pistachio, or saffron and almond lattes.

Sparkle Tower Shop, Dubai Marina. Open daily, 6am to 2am.

Donaccino

If you're partial to a doughnut alongside your caffeine boost, then stop by a Donaccino restaurant or place an order online. With vegan and egg-free options, its ideal for those with intolerances, too, and has year-round pumpkin spice on the menu.

Available online and in various locations across Dubai.

Knead Bakery

Alongside selections of delicious pastries, this Abu Dhabi bakery and patisserie serves up the classic autumnal drink all year.

Plaza 30, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi. Open 7am to 10pm daily.