Tag: Dubai cafés

RAW Coffee Brings Its Signature Brews to Dubai Creek

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Specialty coffee pioneer RAW Coffee Company has officially arrived at Dubai Creek, partnering with Boulevard Gourmet at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek for a six-month café takeover that promises to blend Old Dubai’s charm with contemporary coffee craftsmanship.

The pop-up marks a new chapter for RAW, giving visitors a chance to enjoy its signature espresso blends and explore unique single origins such as Ethiopian Guji and Mexican Mazateca. For adventurous palates, the highlight of the menu is the Noir Elixir — a bold cold brew creation with layers of blackcurrant, golden honey, and tonic, crafted to balance sweetness, acidity, and a dark fruit-forward profile.

Paired with Boulevard Gourmet’s selection of handmade pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, the collaboration offers a multisensory experience that celebrates both artisanal coffee and artisanal baking.

The café’s Creekside setting provides a vibrant, sunlit backdrop where guests can sip, unwind, and rediscover RAW’s signature coffee philosophy — bringing exceptional taste to one of Dubai’s most historic districts.

UK’s WatchHouse Enters UAE Market via Franchise Partnership

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

London-based specialty coffee brand WatchHouse is set to make its first franchised overseas foray this October, through a partnership with Dubai’s Big Belly Hospitality.
World Coffee Portal

The rollout will begin with a pop-up espresso bar at Marsa Boulevard, a waterfront development on Dubai Creek, before transitioning to full-scale cafes. Two permanent locations are earmarked for Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Saadiyat Grove in early 2026, with additional sites—possibly including one in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)—slated for later in the year.

Big Belly Hospitality’s founder, Pallav Patel, emphasized that the partnership aims to blend a “design-led” global coffee experience with local relevance in the UAE marketplace.
World Coffee Portal

For Big Belly Hospitality, this move complements its existing portfolio of F&B ventures in the UAE, such as Bombay Bungalow, Ibn Al Bahr, and Masti. The group also introduced UK’s Patty & Bun to the region in mid-2024.
World Coffee Portal

Before this UAE entry, WatchHouse had already entered the US market via its first international outlet on New York’s 5th Avenue in April 2024.
World Coffee Portal

The brand operates around 20 outlets in the UK, and in June 2025, opened a second US site within New York’s Chrysler Building.In September 2025, WatchHouse’s Managing Director, Caroline Ottoy, outlined ambitious expansion targets: aiming for 100 global stores by end-2028, with the US footprint growing to 25 sites and further international franchises in markets such as Singapore and Qatar.

Around the Block Turns Pink for Emirati Women’s Day with Limited-Edition Creations

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai, August 2025 (Qahwa World) – To mark Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, Around the Block, the homegrown café brand celebrated for its specialty coffee and vibrant brunch culture, is offering a playful pink twist on its menu. For one day only, guests can enjoy the new Strawberry Freddo Matcha—a refreshing blend of earthy matcha and fresh strawberry, served in a striking shade of pink for AED 38.

In addition, each order will come with a complimentary Horlicks softy, a nostalgic treat designed to evoke childhood memories while connecting generations. The pairing reflects the café’s tribute to Emirati women, honouring both tradition and the dynamic spirit of the future.

The limited-edition creations will be available exclusively on August 28 across all Around the Block locations in Dubai: Al Khawaneej, Al Wasl51, and Nad Al Sheba.

“With bold colours and uplifting flavours, this special release is our way of celebrating the resilience, creativity, and spirit of women across the UAE,” the brand noted in its announcement.

Founded in Dubai, Around the Block has built a loyal following for its specialty coffee and globally inspired breakfast menu, positioning itself as a hub for early risers, creatives, and local communities. Its venues combine thoughtful design with a sense of warmth, reinforcing its reputation as one of the pioneers of Dubai’s third-wave coffee movement.