Here are three Muslim‑owned coffee shops in Dubai worth visiting—each offering something unique, from region‑inspired flavours to specialty roasts and a strong community focus.
Shaghf Café:
Founded in 2018, Shaghf Café bills itself as “the pioneer of Arab coffee culture in the UAE”. shaghf-cafe.com+2SHAGHF COFFEE+2 The brand aims to meld authentic Middle Eastern coffee traditions with modern café vibes—high‑quality beans, creative flavours and a comfortable space to hang out.
What sets it apart:
The menu features signature drinks like coconut latte and pistachio frappe alongside more familiar coffees. shaghf-cafe.com
The aesthetic aims to combine authenticity (Arabic coffee heritage) with modern café culture—making it a relaxed place to spend time. SHAGHF COFFEE
Supporting this café means backing a UAE‑origin brand that emphasises local culture and quality rather than just global chain ambience.
Why you should support it:
By choosing Shaghf, you’re contributing to a business that celebrates Arab coffee heritage while providing a stylish, welcoming environment. It’s a blend of tradition and contemporary café culture in one.
Emirati Coffee Roastery:
A locally‑owned specialty‑coffee roastery in Dubai, Emirati Coffee Roastery focuses on roasting high‑quality beans and developing a strong local presence. Their roast‑and‑serve model emphasises craft, origin and flavour. Emirati Coffee Co+1
What sets it apart:
They source specialty Arabica beans and roast them in‑house, offering serious coffee for enthusiasts. From Coffee With Love
Their presence in Dubai’s industrial area shows they are rooted in the local coffee craft scene rather than a generic chain.
Support to this business helps elevate the specialty‑coffee scene in Dubai and supports local entrepreneurship.
Why you should support it:
If you’re passionate about great‑bean coffee, this is a stop worth your time. It’s about the bean, the roast, and the local story. Supporting Emirati Coffee means you’re backing quality and a home‑grown brand.
Qamaria (Yemeni Coffee Co.):
While not a traditional “café visit” spot like the first two, Qamaria is a Muslim‑founded brand with a strong ethical and cultural footprint. They specialise in Yemeni single‑origin beans (from Haraz region) and aim to share Yemen’s coffee heritage while supporting farmers. qamariacoffee.com
What sets it apart:
They focus on rare beans from Yemen, emphasising origin and heritage—a strong storytelling angle. qamariacoffee.com
They are about more than just coffee—they highlight social impact, farmer relationships and cultural roots.
Though you might pick up their beans or enjoy them at partner cafés, backing them sends a message of thoughtful coffee consumption.
Why you should support it:
Supporting Qamaria means choosing a product with provenance and purpose. It’s a way to enjoy coffee while also supporting ethical sourcing and cultural richness.
Why Supporting Muslim‑Owned Coffee Shops Matters:
Local economic impact: These businesses are founded and run by local entrepreneurs, so your visit helps strengthen the local economy.
Cultural authenticity: They bring regional flavours and heritage into the café scene—be it Arab coffee traditions or specialty roasts.
Diversity of choices: Rather than always visiting global chains, choosing local brands adds richness to your café experience.
Ethical and quality‑driven approaches: Many of these shops emphasise origin, craft and sustainability—so your purchase can align with values.
Tips for Your Café Visit:
Check opening hours ahead of time—some cafés have multiple branches with varying schedules.
Try regional flavours you might not find elsewhere (e.g., cardamom‑spiced Arabic coffee, or specialty filter roasts).
Consider buying beans to take home—especially from roastery‑focused brands like Emirati or Qamaria.
Ask about the source of the beans—many local cafés are happy to talk about where their coffee comes from and how it’s roasted.
If you’re visiting with friends or working from a café, choose a time with less foot traffic for a relaxed vibe.
