Discover Dubai's finest afternoon teas. From 24-karat gold tea rituals at Burj Al Arab to Parisian glamour at Josette, indulge in the ultimate luxury tea service.
Afternoon tea in Dubai is more than a polite midday pause—it is an elevated luxury ritual. Inherited from British colonial hospitality and recast through Arabian opulence and French pastry techniques, high tea in the Emirate is an experience of fine silver, artisan infusions, and delicate patisserie.
Whether you seek iconic landmark backdrops, French salon aesthetics, or modern skyline terraces, here are Dubai’s most luxurious afternoon tea venues.
1. Sahn Eddar at Burj Al Arab: The Gold Standard
For the quintessential Dubai high-tea statement, Sahn Eddar, located within the vibrant atrium of the Burj Al Arab, remains the benchmark.
The Setting: Seated beneath the world’s tallest hotel atrium, guests are surrounded by water fountains, mosaic columns, and 24-karat gold detailing. Soft classical harp and string melodies drift through the room throughout service.
The Service: Afternoon tea here follows a classic multi-tiered service, beginning with a glass of vintage champagne. The savory tier features finger sandwiches with poached lobster, smoked salmon tartlets with Oscietra caviar, and roast wagyu beef with grain mustard.
The Sweet Finale: Warm scones arrive wrapped in linen alongside clotted cream and house-made passionfruit preserves, followed by an assortment of delicate French pastries. The signature finish is the hotel’s famous Golden Cappuccino, dusted with real 24-karat gold flakes.
Price: Approximately AED 490 to AED 690 ($135 to $190) per guest.
2. The Lotus Lounge at Anantara The Palm: High Tea Over Water
If your preferred ambiance leans toward tranquil island breezes and sea views, The Lotus Lounge on Palm Jumeirah’s eastern crescent offers a serene alternative to the bustling city center.
The View: An expansive outdoor terrace overlooks the resort’s overwater villas and the open expanse of the Arabian Gulf.
The Offerings: Blending European tradition with Thai hospitality, the menu complements traditional cucumber-and-cream cheese sandwiches with spiced crab cakes, smoked duck wraps, and coconut mango tartlets. A dedicated tea sommelier helps guests select rare loose-leaf teas from Ceylon, China, and South Africa.
Price: Approximately AED 220 to AED 320 ($60 to $87) per guest.
3. Josette (DIFC): Parisian Glamour and Chic Confectionery
Located in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Josette transports guests to mid-century Paris with vibrant pink interiors designed by Luke Edward Hall.
The Aesthetic: Plush velvet booths, whimsical hand-drawn menu illustrations, custom porcelain, and mirrored columns create Dubai's most visually striking tearoom.
The French Menu: Unlike standard finger sandwiches, Josette’s afternoon tea offers Parisian patisserie and savory bites: foie gras brioche, croque-monsieur tartlets, mini escargot vol-au-vents, and freshly baked madeleines alongside tiered displays of macarons, éclairs, and mille-feuille.
The Champagne Touch: A dedicated "Press for Champagne" button beside each booth allows guests to order vintage pours on demand.
Price: Approximately AED 280 to AED 385 ($75 to $105) per guest.
4. The Lounge at Address Downtown: Front-Row Views of the Burj Khalifa
For guests who want dramatic Downtown Dubai architecture alongside their afternoon scones, The Lounge at Address Downtown is an ideal destination.
The Perspective: Floor-to-ceiling glass and an expansive garden terrace look directly at the Burj Khalifa and the waters of the Dubai Fountain.
The Savory & Sweet Selections: An elegant three-tiered stand delivers truffle egg salad finger sandwiches, coronation chicken brioche, and delicate passion-fruit mousse domes. The service is paired with artisan teas curated by international tea masters.
Price: Approximately AED 250 to AED 350 ($68 to $95) per guest.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette and Planning in Dubai
To enjoy the experience fully:
Advance Bookings: Weekend seatings (Friday through Sunday afternoons) fill up quickly; reserve at least one to two weeks ahead for prime window tables.
Dress Code: Smart-casual to elegant attire is expected across all luxury venues. Beachwear, athletic gear, and flip-flops are strictly prohibited.
Timing: The ideal seating is between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy tea service as the daylight softens into late afternoon.
Dubai’s afternoon tea rituals provide an elegant, relaxed way to experience the city's iconic architecture, personalized service, and sweet craftsmanship.