Neighbourhood Guide · Updated JANUARY 2026

Khalifa City's Coffee Boom: 6 Diverse Destinations Defining Abu Dhabi's New Coffee Capital

Specialty roasters, concept stores & mall cafés: Inside Abu Dhabi's most complete coffee scene.

While tourists flock to the Corniche for their caffeine fix, Abu Dhabi's coffee connoisseurs have discovered something extraordinary in Khalifa City. This residential neighborhood has quietly assembled the capital's most diverse specialty coffee scene—six exceptional destinations that range from serious specialty roasters like to elegant concept stores and everything in between. Whether you're seeking expert single-origin brews, chic coffee lounges, or convenient mall-based quality coffee, Khalifa City delivers variety that no other Abu Dhabi neighborhood can match.

The Best Coffee Shops & Cafes in Khalifa City

A3 Specialty Cafe
Favourite

A3 Specialty Cafe

PERFECT FOR
Coffee Catchups
Coffee & a Light Bite
Tucked into a quiet corner of Khalifa City, A3 Specialty Café pairs thoughtfully brewed espresso and pour-over coffee with a relaxed, neighbourhood warmth—an easy stop for slow catch-ups away from the city’s pace.
This is a coffee shopThis is a coffee roasteryThis is a coffee kioskThis is a coffee truck
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair Access
Opens Early
Opens Early
Closes Late
Closes Late
Dine-in
Dine-in
Takeaway
Takeaway
Work Friendly
Work Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Blackout Specialty Coffee – Masdar City
Favourite

Blackout Specialty Coffee – Masdar City

PERFECT FOR
Design Appreciation
Bold Espresso Fix
Blackout pairs a monochrome minimalist design with meticulous espresso and single-origin pourovers, including rare releases. Calm and detail-driven, it’s ideal for focused solo sessions or slow, contemplative coffee breaks.
This is a coffee shopThis is a coffee roasteryThis is a coffee kioskThis is a coffee truck
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Opens Early
Opens Early
Closes Late
Closes Late
Dine-in
Dine-in
Takeaway
Takeaway
Work Friendly
Work Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Things Specialty Coffee And Concept Store
Favourite

Things Specialty Coffee And Concept Store

PERFECT FOR
Design Appreciation
Coffee Catchups
More than just a coffee shop, Things is a cool concept store blending serious specialty coffee with unique lifestyle finds. Expect a sleek, minimalist vibe and some expertly brewed coffee that caters to true enthusiasts.
This is a coffee shopThis is a coffee roasteryThis is a coffee kioskThis is a coffee truck
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair Access
Opens Early
Opens Early
Closes Late
Closes Late
Dine-in
Dine-in
Takeaway
Takeaway
Work Friendly
Work Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Cartel Coffee Roasters - Khalifa City
Favourite

Cartel Coffee Roasters - Khalifa City

PERFECT FOR
Bold Espresso Fix
Coffee Discovery
A sleek, design-led space from one of the UAE’s most respected roasters, Cartel serves bold, expertly sourced coffee in a quietly stylish setting tucked away in Khalifa City.
This is a coffee shopThis is a coffee roasteryThis is a coffee kioskThis is a coffee truck
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair Access
Opens Early
Opens Early
Closes Late
Closes Late
Dine-in
Dine-in
Takeaway
Takeaway
Work Friendly
Work Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Joud Coffee - Forsan Mall
Favourite

Joud Coffee - Forsan Mall

PERFECT FOR
Quick Caffeine Stop
Family Hours
Located within Forsan Central Mall, this Joud outpost blends specialty coffee with a refined, café-lounge feel—suited for relaxed catchups, study sessions, or a quick caffeine stop between errands.
This is a coffee shopThis is a coffee roasteryThis is a coffee kioskThis is a coffee truck
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair Access
Opens Early
Opens Early
Closes Late
Closes Late
Dine-in
Dine-in
Takeaway
Takeaway
Work Friendly
Work Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Joud Coffee - Khalifa City
Favourite

Joud Coffee - Khalifa City

Khalifa City
$$
Local Legend
PERFECT FOR
Bold Espresso Fix
Design Appreciation
A staple of Abu Dhabi’s specialty scene, Joud Coffee in Khalifa City serves up consistent, house-roasted espresso and filter brews in a calm, wood-toned setting—ideal for easy mornings or midweek caffeinated focus.
This is a coffee shopThis is a coffee roasteryThis is a coffee kioskThis is a coffee truck
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair Access
Opens Early
Opens Early
Closes Late
Closes Late
Dine-in
Dine-in
Takeaway
Takeaway
Work Friendly
Work Friendly
Vegan Friendly
Vegan Friendly

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