The UAE winter has got many residents scrambling for the perfect al fresco hangout spot, and this social media-famous desert pop-up could be high up on that long list.
With more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, the Not a Space team take their desert-themed pop-up seriously — think bean bags, picnic tables and chairs, a circular stage, dunes galore and a scenic patch in Sharjah.
The Al Faya location opened last week, marking the cafe’s third pop-up in the area. Marketed as a community space for “happy souls”, the location offers stunning sunset views, stargazing opportunities and a dramatic mock-up of the planets.
The campsite-like space provides plenty of spots for Instagram-friendly shots, including the mountainous backdrop and, more unusually, sleek clones of the Moon and Mars. After dark, the venue glows stunningly in red, in keeping with the galactic theme.
Open daily, Not A Space features singers, fire dancers and other live performers on its makeshift stage. On the menu is a selection of hot and cold drinks, desserts and light bites including sandwiches.
A 4x4 is not required to reach the site, which is near Mysk Al Faya Retreat. Type “Not a Space Al Faya” into Google Maps and you'll get accurate directions. There are plenty of parking spots on-site.
Last year, the venue hosted an array of one-off events, including an outdoor cycling session, a Chinese lantern festival, as well as wellness-themed activities. With the pop-up running until March, visitors can expect the same eventful season.
If you miss the Al Faya pop-up, Not a Space also has a permanent site in Muwaileh, which acts as a community centre complete with a barber shop and a salon. Last month, the cafe opened a second pop-up on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
Desert dining has boomed exponentially in the UAE, with both permanent venues and seasonal pop-up cafes. Last month, One Degree Cafe reopened in a desert on the Dubai-Sharjah border after a successful debut last year.
My Space Cafe, a newcomer on the desert pop-up scene, also opened its doors to guests last month.
Sharjah seems to be a favourite spot for these cafes — another one on the list is Link by mara, which made its debut last year and has also returned this season. The USP of this venue is guests can buy raw meat on-site and barbecue it over a private firepit.
The Not a Space Al Faya pop-up is open daily from 4pm to 1am
Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of One Degree Cafe this season
Match info
Newcastle United 1
Joselu (11')
Tottenham Hotspur 2
Vertonghen (8'), Alli (18')
MATCH INFO
Maratha Arabians 107-8 (10 ovs)
Lyth 21, Lynn 20, McClenaghan 20 no
Qalandars 60-4 (10 ovs)
Malan 32 no, McClenaghan 2-9
Maratha Arabians win by 47 runs
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Honda City
Price, base: From Dh57,000
Engine: 1.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 118hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 146Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
The years Ramadan fell in May
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
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White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
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