One Degree Cafe's desert pop-up returns to Dubai-Sharjah border with new look and menu

The UAE attraction now has daily entertainment as well as a kitchen serving up burgers and hotdogs

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  One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up has just re-opened to the public with a new look. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National

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  The venue only opens during the cooler season. It's opening in the evenings, from 5pm onwards.

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  The venue is known for its sunset views.

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  It is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.

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  This year, it has been revamped, to include more traditional elements.

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  This includes a Bedouin-style tent set-up.

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  A giant heart with the backdrop of the desert at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up

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  The space will have live entertainment daily.

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  For the first time, the pop-up as opened a kitchen at the desert location.

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  Burgers, hotdogs and fries will be available at One Degree Cafe

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  The space is known for its coffee drinks

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  It also serves a range of signature shakes and cold drinks.

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  Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Refreshing drinks are available at the One Degree Cafe's winter pop up with a new look, food and entertainment. Ruel Pableo for The National

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  The location is also an eight-minute drive away from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

There’s a slight nip in the air these days, which can only mean one thing – it’s time to start heading out.

Luckily, there’s no dearth of outdoor things to do this season, with restaurants reopening their terraces, and many races and runs on the calendar.

But for those looking for a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is time to check out some of the winter pop-ups in the desert.

One Degree Cafe has just reopened its winter pop-up experience, located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai

The venue garnered a cult following since it first opened in January 2021. The reason for its popularity is its stunning location right in the middle of the desert, offering guests of some of the best mountain and dune views they can get, all from the comfort of the eclectic seating options – think cushions on the sand and plush sofas.

Adding to the lure was the fact the winter pop-up was only opened for a limited time, and closed as soon as the weather warms up.

Now, the restaurant is back with a lot of new offerings.

One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up has a new look, food and entertainment. Photo: Ruel Pableo for The National

“For the first time, we’ve opened up a kitchen there, and now serve a variety of hot dogs and burgers,” owner Ahmad Abdulla Alketbi tells The National. “I’m not a chef, but I know my food, and I helped create the menu. It features a lot of high-quality meat, including Wagyu”

The space previously only served beverages and desserts, with favourites being the Spanish latte, acai bowls and tiramisu. Now, it’s expanded the offerings with dishes such as the fried chicken burger, Wagyu buger, classic hot dog, desert hot dog and French fries. The beverage menu remains intact, featuring high-quality coffee, tea and signature shakes.

They’ve also added daily entertainment. Previously, live entertainment was only available on weekends.

Finally, Alketbi says they’ve revamped the space. “We’ve recreated it with the look of the old Emirates, while still keeping it modern. For example, we’ve created some structures to resemble those they had in the UAE a long time ago.”

This includes a Bedouin-style camp where people can enjoy their coffee, food and take photos. There’s also a giant heart frame, with the desert backdrop behind it, for more Instagram feed-worthy photo opportunities.

“We want people to come for the sunset and the view, and also enjoy the traditional beauty of the UAE,” says Alketbi.

One Degree Cafe's Winter Pop-Up is open daily, 5pm-1am with the timing changing to 4pm in the coming weeks