Not a Space Al Faya desert pop-up in Sharjah has returned with a galaxy theme. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Not a Space Al Faya desert pop-up in Sharjah has returned with a galaxy theme. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
The venue features live performers, including singers and fire dancers
The venue features live performers, including singers and fire dancers
The cafe's Al Faya location marks its third pop-up in the area
The cafe's Al Faya location marks its third pop-up in the area
Picturesque mountains surround the laid-back venue
Picturesque mountains surround the laid-back venue
After dark, the venue glows in red, in keeping with the galactic theme
After dark, the venue glows in red, in keeping with the galactic theme
On the menu is a selection of hot and cold drinks, desserts and light bites
On the menu is a selection of hot and cold drinks, desserts and light bites
The dessert selection includes lava cake and ice cream
The dessert selection includes lava cake and ice cream
The pop-up is open daily from 4pm to 1am
The pop-up is open daily from 4pm to 1am
A 4x4 is not required to reach the site, which is near Mysk Al Faya Retreat
A 4x4 is not required to reach the site, which is near Mysk Al Faya Retreat

Lifestyle

Things to do

Sharjah's Not a Space desert pop-up returns with galaxy theme

Venue offers stunning sunset views, stargazing opportunities and a dramatic mock-up of planets

One Carlo Diaz

November 24, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

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.

Mock-ups of Mars and the Moon at Not a Space Al Faya desert pop-up in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mock-ups of Mars and the Moon at Not a Space Al Faya desert pop-up in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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

One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up reopened in October on the Dubai-Sharjah border. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up reopened in October on the Dubai-Sharjah border. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
It offers a selection of food and beverages, including burgers, milkshakes and a wide range of coffees.
It offers a selection of food and beverages, including burgers, milkshakes and a wide range of coffees.
The site is known for its sunset views.
The site is known for its sunset views.
The cafe has live entertainment daily.
The cafe has live entertainment daily.
One Degree Cafe's mascot welcomes visitors to the cafe.
One Degree Cafe's mascot welcomes visitors to the cafe.
The venue features an 'old Emirates look' with traditional elements such as a Bedouin-style camp.
The venue features an 'old Emirates look' with traditional elements such as a Bedouin-style camp.
The venue also offers camel rides for guests.
The venue also offers camel rides for guests.
The cafe is about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
The cafe is about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
The seasonal pop-up first opened in January last year.
The seasonal pop-up first opened in January last year.
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Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

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Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

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Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

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Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

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Updated: November 24, 2022, 6:49 AM
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