18 of the Best Afternoon Teas in Dubai: Elegant High Teas to Book in 2026

1 day ago
6 min read

There is a very particular Dubai pleasure in escaping a 45°C afternoon into a cool, hushed hotel lobby, sinking into a velvet chair, and watching a three-tiered stand of finger sandwiches, warm scones and jewel-bright pastries arrive at your table. Afternoon tea is the city's most civilised way to beat the summer heat — part ritual, part people-watching, all indulgence.

Inspired by the latest What's On Dubai roundup, I have pulled together 18 of the most elegant, delicious and scenic high teas in the city — from the seven-star theatre of the Burj Al Arab to serene garden hideaways and sky-high rooms with the Burj Khalifa for company. Here is where to book in 2026, what makes each one special, and how to do it right.

The 18 best afternoon teas in Dubai

1. Sahn Eddar at Burj Al Arab (Umm Suqeim)

If you only do one Dubai afternoon tea in your life, make it the seven-star ritual beneath the Burj Al Arab's soaring atrium. Sahn Eddar's tiered stands, live harp and floor-to-ceiling fountain are the city's most photographed high tea for good reason — it is theatre as much as it is scones. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Jumeirah.

The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, home to Sahn Eddar afternoon tea — Afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar inside the Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim. Photo: Leon Petrosyan via Wikimedia Commons.

2. Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah (Madinat Jumeirah)

Set in the grand Arabian palace of Al Qasr, this tea looks out over the abra-laced waterways of Madinat Jumeirah toward the Burj Al Arab. It is the most regal of the city's hotel teas, with a menu that leans into proper British classics under chandeliers and high painted ceilings. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Jumeirah.

Al Qasr hotel at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai — Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah — the palace hotel that hosts one of Dubai's most regal afternoon teas. Photo: Aidas U. via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Jumeirah Al Naseem (Madinat Jumeirah)

The breeziest, most contemporary corner of the Madinat Jumeirah resort, Al Naseem swaps gilt for light, airy interiors and turtle-dotted lagoons. Its afternoon tea is a more relaxed, beach-resort take — lovely for a long, low-key catch-up with the Gulf in view. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Jumeirah.

Madinat Jumeirah resort waterways, Dubai — The Madinat Jumeirah resort, home to the airy Jumeirah Al Naseem and its relaxed afternoon tea. Photo: Aidas U. via Wikimedia Commons.

4. Atlantis, The Palm (Palm Jumeirah)

On the crescent of the Palm, Atlantis brings a sense of occasion and a touch of family-friendly fun to its tea service. Expect generous spreads and that unmistakable resort buzz, with the option to make a whole afternoon of it around the property. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Atlantis The Palm.

Atlantis The Palm hotel, Dubai — Atlantis, The Palm on Palm Jumeirah, where afternoon tea comes with full resort theatre. Photo: Donaldytong via Wikimedia Commons.

5. Jumeirah Beach Hotel (Umm Suqeim)

The wave-shaped icon next door to the Burj Al Arab serves a classic, crowd-pleasing tea with sea views and that nostalgic old-Dubai glamour. It is a reliably elegant choice that rarely disappoints, and the setting is hard to beat. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Jumeirah.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai — The wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Umm Suqeim, a classic spot for afternoon tea with sea views. Photo: Simon Costello via Wikimedia Commons.

6. The Address Downtown (Downtown Dubai)

For skyline lovers, the Address Downtown puts the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain almost close enough to touch. Its tea is sleek and city-smart — the one to book when you want glamour with a view of the world's tallest building rather than the sea. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Address Hotels.

Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa — Downtown Dubai at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, where the Address Downtown serves a skyline-view afternoon tea. Photo: Citizen59 via Wikimedia Commons.

7. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray (Palm Jumeirah)

Ottoman-inspired opulence on the west crescent of the Palm — all hand-painted ceilings, gold leaf and theatrical corridors. Afternoon tea here feels like stepping into a Turkish palace, a lavish counterpoint to the city's more pared-back rooms. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Jumeirah.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai — The Ottoman-inspired Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, one of the most opulent afternoon-tea settings in Dubai. Photo: Sergey Sekachev via Wikimedia Commons.

8. One&Only Royal Mirage (Al Sufouh)

Tucked into lush gardens along the Al Sufouh shoreline, the Royal Mirage offers one of the most serene teas in town. It is the antidote to high-rise Dubai — low-slung Arabian architecture, palm shade and a genuinely calm, grown-up atmosphere. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via One&Only.

One and Only Royal Mirage hotel, Dubai — One&Only Royal Mirage in Al Sufouh — gardens, Arabian architecture and a serene afternoon tea. Photo: Aidas U. via Wikimedia Commons.

9. Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah (Palm Jumeirah)

Grand, columned and unmistakably Waldorf, this Palm address does a polished, traditional tea with proper service. It is a strong pick if you like your high tea formal, generous and framed by sweeping sea-facing windows. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Waldorf Astoria.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel — The Waldorf Astoria on Palm Jumeirah, a grand setting for a traditional afternoon tea. Photo: GillyBerlin via Wikimedia Commons.

10. Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa (Downtown Dubai)

Giorgio Armani's signature understatement runs through every detail of this tea inside the Burj Khalifa itself. Think muted tones, impeccable plating and a quietly fashionable crowd — afternoon tea as minimalist design statement. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Armani Hotel Dubai.

11. The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC (DIFC)

In the heart of the financial district, the Ritz-Carlton DIFC pairs a classic, club-like tea with an art-filled, business-smart setting. It is the spot for a polished mid-week treat between meetings, with service that hits the Ritz standard. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Ritz-Carlton.

DIFC financial district towers, Dubai — The DIFC financial district, where the Ritz-Carlton serves a classic, club-like afternoon tea. Photo: Kate Trysh via Unsplash.

12. Shangri-La Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)

High above Sheikh Zayed Road, the Shangri-La delivers a refined tea with sweeping city-and-sea views. It is an elegant, slightly under-the-radar choice — less of a scene, more of a calm, beautifully executed afternoon. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Shangri-La.

Sheikh Zayed Road skyscrapers, Dubai — Sheikh Zayed Road, home to the Shangri-La Dubai and its refined, view-filled afternoon tea. Photo: Sarvaswa Tandon via Unsplash.

13. Taj Dubai (Business Bay)

The Taj brings its celebrated Indian hospitality to Business Bay with a tea that gently fuses British tradition and subcontinental flavour. Expect masala-spiced touches alongside the scones — a characterful alternative to the straight-classic rooms. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Taj Hotels.

Business Bay high-rise towers, Dubai — Business Bay, where Taj Dubai serves an afternoon tea fusing British and Indian flavours. Photo: Amir Hanna via Unsplash.

14. Four Seasons Resort Dubai (Jumeirah Beach)

On the Jumeirah Beach Road, the Four Seasons does a beautifully composed, sea-facing tea with the brand's famous polish. It is a gentle, gracious afternoon — the kind of place you settle in and lose three hours without noticing. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Four Seasons.

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai — The Jumeirah Beach coastline, home to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai and its sea-facing afternoon tea. Photo: Victor Malyushev via Unsplash.

15. Raffles Dubai (Wafi, Oud Metha)

Beneath its landmark glass pyramid in Wafi, Raffles serves a tea steeped in the brand's colonial-glamour heritage. It is a characterful, old-school choice away from the beachfront crowds, with a sense of hushed occasion all its own. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Raffles.

A representative afternoon tea spread of cakes and dishes — Representative afternoon-tea spread of scones, finger sandwiches and sweet dishes — illustrative, not Raffles Dubai's own photo. Photo: Rodolfo Marques via Unsplash.

16. Palazzo Versace Dubai (Jaddaf Waterfront)

Everything at Palazzo Versace is dialled up to maximalist — neoclassical marble, Versace-print everything, and a tea to match. If you want your afternoon as glamorous and Instagrammable as humanly possible, this is your room. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Palazzo Versace.

A representative plate of afternoon tea pastries and food — Representative afternoon-tea dishes and pastries — illustrative of the spread, not Palazzo Versace Dubai's own photo. Photo: Sebastian Coman Photography via Unsplash.

17. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira (Jumeira)

On the Jumeira shoreline, the Mandarin Oriental brings its hallmark elegance to a serene, design-forward tea. It is sophisticated and unfussy — a quietly luxurious option for those who prefer restraint to gold leaf. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Mandarin Oriental.

A representative afternoon tea dessert spread — Representative afternoon-tea dishes and patisserie — illustrative, not Mandarin Oriental Jumeira's own photo. Photo: Sebastian Coman Photography via Unsplash.

18. Bvlgari Resort Dubai (Jumeira Bay)

Out on the seahorse-shaped Jumeira Bay island, the Bvlgari Resort offers one of the most exclusive, low-key-luxury teas in the city. Italian craftsmanship, marina views and a barely-there crowd make it feel like a genuine hidden escape. Find it on Google Maps and check the latest tea timings and pricing via Bulgari Hotels.

A representative teapot and high-tea food setting — Representative tea-and-pastry dishes — illustrative of an elegant high tea, not Bvlgari Resort Dubai's own photo. Photo: Krisztina Papp via Unsplash.

How to do afternoon tea in Dubai right

A few hard-won pointers after more high teas than I will admit to. These rooms get busy on weekends and during Dubai's cooler months, so the smart approach is simple:

Always book ahead — the marquee teas (Burj Al Arab, Al Qasr) sell out days in advance, especially for weekend sittings.
Go hungry, pace yourself — a proper tea is a two-to-three-hour affair — start savoury, finish with the sweet dishes, and do not fill up on the first scone.
Ask about the format — some are unlimited, some are set stands; confirm whether bubbles or premium tea pairings cost extra when you reserve.
Dress smart-casual — most hotel teas lean elegant — it is part of the fun, so make an occasion of it.
Time it for the view — at skyline rooms, a late-afternoon sitting catches the light beautifully as the city softens toward sunset.

My honest tip: treat afternoon tea as the whole event, not a warm-up to dinner. Book a generous window, leave your phone face-down for a bit, and let three hours of scones, sandwiches and good conversation be the entire plan.

Pair it with

If you are in the mood for more long, indulgent Dubai meals, see my roundup of 18 new Dubai brunches to book in 2026, my guide to Dubai Restaurant Week 2026, and the latest best Dubai restaurant deals this June.

Not sponsored. Menus, timings, formats and pricing are set by each venue and change frequently — confirm all details directly with the hotel before booking. Several images are representative or show the venue's location rather than its own tea service, as noted in the captions.

Photos: Leon Petrosyan, Aidas U., Donaldytong, Simon Costello, Citizen59, Sergey Sekachev, GillyBerlin and Marcus via Wikimedia Commons; Kate Trysh, Sarvaswa Tandon, Amir Hanna, Victor Malyushev, Rodolfo Marques, Sebastian Coman Photography and Krisztina Papp via Unsplash. Reviewed this session for UAE subject and quality.

— Angel Tyagi, Creator of Angel In Dubai