What’s On Team reveals favourite coffee spots in Dubai this International Coffee Day

It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Dubai is big on caffeine culture. Whether it be an early morning pick-me-up, a midday indulgence or even a late evening treat, there isn’t a specific time dedicated to the caffeinated beverage. And naturally, this applies to team What’s On as well. From it being the first beverage we consume in the day to multiple refills throughout, we’d say we know a thing or two about coffee. And that’s why, this International Coffee Day, we’ve rounded up some of the best (according to us) coffee places in Dubai that you need to get behind ASAP. A post shared by What’s On Dubai (@) Dubai’s coffee scene has changed a lot in the last decade, and plenty of places have come and gone with it. RAW has been around for nearly 20 years. Kim Thompson started it in 2007, before “specialty” was a selling point here, and she and Matt Toogood have built it up with their own money ever since. That passion shows in the coffee. It’s roasted at their Al Quoz warehouse and sourced directly from growers, so you can trace your cup back to a farm rather than a supplier’s catalogue. The café isn’t trying to be anything else. It doesn’t have a neon sign begging for a photo, and the people behind the counter know what they’re doing. I usually go for the Working Blend, the original house coffee made to go with milk, which is always good. If you’re feeling more adventurous, ask what single origin is on. And don’t sleep on the food menu either. Nothing fancy per se across the breakfast and lunch menu, but it’s all created with care and delivers where it matters most: on the fork. RAW Coffee Company, Al Quoz. Open daily 7.30am to 6pm. rawcoffeecompany.com