Dubai: Local Beverages

Traditional Arabic coffee brewed with cardamom (and often saffron) that is a symbol of hospitality in the UAE. Served from a dallah (coffee pot) into small cups, gahwa is commonly offered to guests. This bitter, aromatic coffee is an integral part of Emirati culture, even recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.

A strong, sweet tea boiled with milk and often cardamom, originating from South Asia but now a daily favorite in Dubai. Karak (meaning “strong”) chai is served in small cups from roadside cafes across the city. Affordable and energizing, this spiced tea has become a cross-cultural staple of Dubai’s beverage scene.

A popular Middle Eastern cold drink made from grape molasses or date syrup blended with rose water. Jellab is dark and sweet, typically served over ice and adorned with floating pine nuts and raisins. Often enjoyed in the evenings or during Ramadan, it offers a fragrant, refreshing taste of regional tradition.

A chilled yogurt-based drink (similar to salty buttermilk) that is very popular in the UAE. Tangy and lightly salted, laban is valued for its cooling and hydrating properties in Dubai’s hot climate. It is widely available in supermarkets and restaurants, often enjoyed alongside meals or as a standalone refresher.

The traditional milk of the region’s Bedouins, known for its slightly saltier taste and high nutrient content. In modern Dubai, camel milk has been reinvented as a gourmet experience. You can find camel milk lattes, ice creams, and chocolates. Trying camel milk offers visitors a connection to local heritage with a contemporary twist.

A standout refresher in Dubai is the mint lemonade, a zesty blend of lemon juice, fresh mint, sugar, and ice. This bright green drink, known as limonana in the region, is available at virtually every cafe and juice stall. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day, embodying Dubai’s love for fresh, tangy flavors.