Afternoon tea in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Our guide to afternoon tea in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Afternoon tea has become one of the UAE’s favourite ways to slow down. Hotels across Dubai and Abu Dhabi now treat it as a showpiece, with seasonal menus, pastry chefs who change the theme every few weeks and views that are hard to beat. We put this page together for anyone planning a birthday, a catch-up with friends, a treat for visiting family or simply a quiet afternoon off.

At the top of the page you will find afternoon teas and tea-time events from our calendar. The filters (When, Type, Emirate, Price) narrow the listings, and finished events drop off automatically. Below them, our hand-picked list of ten venues can be filtered by city. Every price, time and booking link on that list comes from the venue’s own website, checked in October 2026, and we say clearly where a price changes with the season.

What to expect

Most afternoon teas in the UAE follow the classic British format: a tiered stand of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries and small cakes, served with a choice of loose-leaf teas. Coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks are usually available too, and several venues offer a version with a glass or two of Champagne.

Many hotels add a local twist, with Arabic coffee, dates or flavours such as saffron, rose and cardamom finding their way onto the stand. A sitting usually lasts around two hours, so it works well as a long lunch or an early-evening treat rather than a quick snack.

Choosing the right afternoon tea

Start with the setting. If you want the classic Dubai skyline moment, Al Bayt at Palace Downtown looks over Burj Lake and the Dubai Fountain, and at AED 160 it is also one of the best-value teas on our list. For something by the sea, Shai Salon at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Mashrabiya Lounge at Fairmont The Palm both pair the tea with a resort feel. Jumeirah Al Qasr’s Al Fayrooz Lounge overlooks the Madinat Jumeirah waterways, but note that it only serves tea from Friday to Sunday.

If the menu matters more than the view, look at the venues that change their theme through the year. The Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal ran a Jo Malone London tea in October and moves to a festive edition from 8 December, while Fairmont The Palm goes from a Halloween menu straight into a festive one on 21 November. These are fun for a special occasion, but book early, because seasonal menus are popular and some only run for a few weeks.

Good value and family friendly

Afternoon tea in the UAE does not have to be an extravagance. Raffles Dubai and Bijou Patisserie at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, both in Wafi, sit at AED 195, and both welcome children with their own teas: AED 75 for under 12s at Raffles and AED 120 for ages 5 to 12 at Sofitel. Raffles also offers a version that adds a 60-minute spa massage, which makes a lovely gift.

Afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi

In the capital, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is the landmark choice, with a two-hour afternoon tea of sandwiches and French pastries at AED 245. On the Corniche, Crystal Lounge at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi sits above the hotel’s Grand Staircase under a blown-glass chandelier. Published prices for it differ, so we recommend calling the hotel before you go. On Al Maryah Island, the majlis at Rosewood Abu Dhabi is known for its Pierre Hermé pastries.

A visit to Emirates Palace pairs naturally with a walk along the Corniche or a trip to the cultural sites nearby, so it is worth making a day of it. See our Abu Dhabi guide for ideas.

What about Burj Al Arab?

Many people still search for afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab. According to Gulf News, the hotel closed in September 2026 for an 18-month restoration and is expected to reopen in October 2027, so we have left it off our list for now. We will add it back as soon as it reopens.

Dress code, etiquette and getting there

Where venues state a dress code, it is usually smart casual, and that works everywhere on our list. There is no need for anything formal, but beachwear and sportswear are best left for the pool. Afternoon tea is a relaxed occasion, so take your time, ask for a fresh pot whenever you like and do not be shy about asking the team to box up any pastries you cannot finish.

Most of these hotels offer valet parking, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to reach the Palm, Madinat Jumeirah and the Abu Dhabi venues. Palace Downtown is a short walk from The Dubai Mall, and the Wafi hotels are close to the Dubai Metro’s Green Line.

When to go

Afternoon tea is a year-round treat, which makes it a good plan for the hot summer months when outdoor activities are harder. In the cooler season from October to April, terraces open up and weekend slots fill quickly. Weekdays are usually quieter if you prefer a calm room. During Ramadan, timings often change and some venues adjust their menus, so check before you book. From late November, festive editions take over many menus, and they are among the most popular of the year.

Our tips before you book

• Book ahead. Fairmont The Palm asks for 24 hours’ notice, and Rosewood Abu Dhabi asks groups of five or more to book 48 hours ahead.
• Check the days as well as the hours. Most venues serve every day from about 2pm, but some, like Al Fayrooz Lounge, are weekends only.
• Read what the price includes. Some prices include service and VAT, some add a municipality fee, and some are quoted for two people rather than per person.
• Ask about seasonal menus. Themes and prices change through the year, so confirm the current menu when you book.
• Mention dietary needs. Most kitchens can prepare vegetarian, gluten-free or nut-free versions with notice.

Planning a bigger day out? Pair your tea with our brunch and dinner guide, browse attractions nearby, or see what is on this weekend. Prices and times were checked on official venue websites in October 2026 and can change, so please confirm with the venue before you go.

Serving afternoon tea or hosting a tea-time event? Submit an event and we will add it to our calendar.