Navigating Coffee Culture An Expats Guide to United Arab Emirates
Welcome expatriates to the rich tapestry of coffee culture in United Arab Emirates! We understand that moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and settling into the local lifestyle can take time. However, coffee is a universal language that transcends borders and fosters connections among expats and locals alike.
Understanding Coffee Origins and Production
United Arab Emirates is not typically known for its coffee production, but that doesn't mean we don't have our fair share of locally grown beans! In fact, the Northern Emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain all have lush coffee plantations. These regions boast cooler temperatures and higher elevations, making them the perfect climate for coffee production.
If you're interested in exploring these coffee plantations, we recommend reaching out to local farmers and tour operators for guided experiences. Not only will you learn about the intricacies of coffee cultivation, but you'll also get to sample freshly brewed coffee and learn about the unique flavors and aromas of locally grown beans.
Embracing Favorite Coffee Style Drinks
Expats familiar with Western coffee culture may be surprised to learn about the diverse array of coffee style drinks favored in United Arab Emirates. Whether you prefer a classic espresso or prefer something sweeter, like a cappuccino, there's a coffee drink to suit every taste.
One unique coffee style that's worth trying is the Arabic coffee, also known as gahwa or qahwa. This traditional brew is made with green cardamom, saffron, and sometimes nuts, which gives it a distinct flavor and aroma. It's typically served with dates or sweets, and is often given as a sign of hospitality.
Embracing Coffee Drinking Customs and Traditions
Coffee plays a significant role in daily life and social interactions in United Arab Emirates, and we encourage expats to embrace these traditions as a gateway to connecting with local communities and experiencing authentic cultural experiences.
For example, whenever guests visit a local home, they're often greeted with a cup of Arabic coffee as a sign of hospitality. It's common for multiple cups to be served, indicating the level of respect the host has for their guest. In fact, it's considered impolite to decline a second or third cup!
Expat-Friendly Coffee Shops, Cafes, and Cultural Experiences
If you're looking to explore the local coffee scene, we recommend checking out these expat-friendly coffee shops and cultural experiences:
- Brew Bistro: Located in Abu Dhabi, this cozy coffee shop serves a variety of coffee styles and also features live art and music events.
- The Bagel Café Company: With multiple locations throughout United Arab Emirates, this café chain is a popular choice for expats looking for familiar coffee styles and Western-style breakfast options.
- Argana Coffee Beans & Roastery: This Moroccan coffee chain has several locations throughout United Arab Emirates, and serves a unique blend of African and Middle Eastern coffee varieties.
- Abu Dhabi Heritage Village: This cultural experience, located in Abu Dhabi, offers visitors the chance to learn about traditional Arabian coffee culture. Here, you can visit a restored traditional house, attend a coffee appreciation seminar, and sample various styles of coffee.
- Al Fanar Souq, Dubai: This bustling marketplace is a great place to immerse yourself in local coffee culture. Here, you can find traditional coffee shops selling Arabic coffee, as well as a variety of coffee-related goods and gifts.
These are just a few of the many expat-friendly coffee shops and cultural experiences available in United Arab Emirates. Our goal is to empower expats to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of coffee culture and connect with local communities in meaningful ways.
We hope you found this guide helpful, and we encourage you to reach out with any additional questions or suggestions! Coffee is a universal language, and we believe that by embracing the local coffee culture, expats can deepen their connection to the community around them.