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FiLLi and Café Bateel Just Opened at Dubai International Airport — Your Layover Got Better

  • May 26
  • 2 min read

If you've ever faced the grim choice between a sad airport sandwich and a generic chain coffee before a flight at Dubai International, I have genuinely good news. Two of the UAE's own beloved F&B brands have just landed in Terminal 1 — and they could not be more different from each other, or more welcome.

FiLLi: The Zafran Chai That Dubai Runs On

A glass of latte art coffee on a dark wood table — representative of FiLLi Cafe specialty drinks
FiLLi is famous for its saffron-infused Zafran Chai and specialty drinks. Image is representative. (Photographer via Unsplash)

I've been drinking FiLLi's Signature Zafran Chai since I moved to Dubai — that saffron-scented, milky tea is the UAE's answer to the comforting cup you carry everywhere. FiLLi built its name in neighbourhood cafes across the city, and it has now expanded to 13 countries. Having it inside Dubai International Airport at Terminal 1, Concourse D (Upper Level) is a properly nice touch, especially if you're flying and want something that actually tastes like home.

The airport FiLLi has kept the warm-toned interiors and floral design elements the brand is known for, and the menu includes the full chai lineup, paratha rolls, wraps, mocktails and grab-and-go selections — exactly what you want when you've got 45 minutes before boarding.

Café Bateel: Luxury Dates and a Full Gourmet Menu

A selection of gourmet pastries and desserts on a stand — representative of Café Bateel patisserie offerings
Café Bateel is known for its gourmet Mediterranean menu and date-inspired desserts. Image is representative. (Photographer via Unsplash)

If FiLLi is the comfort drink, Café Bateel is the full sit-down treat. The Bateel brand — one of the UAE's finest luxury date producers — built its café arm into a full Mediterranean gourmet concept, and it reads like a proper restaurant menu: Grilled Scottish Salmon & Quinoa, handmade pasta dishes, the Mediterranean Superfood Salad. Oh, and the desserts — Sticky Date Pudding, Pistachio Basque Cheesecake, and handcrafted pastries. All of this is now available airside in Terminal 1.

Quick order guide: At FiLLi, go straight for the Signature Zafran Chai and a paratha roll. At Bateel, the Sticky Date Pudding and a handcrafted coffee are non-negotiable if you have the time.

What This Means for the Airport Experience

Emirates Leisure Retail, which manages a growing F&B portfolio across Dubai International, introduced both FiLLi and Café Bateel as part of its push to bring genuine UAE-born concepts into the airport. It's a smart move: international travellers often want to try something local before they leave, and residents heading out get one last taste of the city they know.

Both outlets are in Terminal 1, Concourse D, Upper Level — so if you're flying with flydubai or any carrier through T1, factor in an extra 20 minutes before your gate. You'll want to sit down for this one.

Quick Info

  • Location: Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1, Concourse D, Upper Level

  • FiLLi: Zafran Chai, paratha rolls, mocktails, grab-and-go snacks

  • Café Bateel: All-day Mediterranean menu, handcrafted coffee, date-inspired desserts (Sticky Date Pudding, Pistachio Basque Cheesecake)

  • Open: to travellers airside (post-security)

Planning an Eid getaway? Check our guide to all the big new UAE flight routes in 2026 — including Etihad's double-daily A380 to Paris.

Source: Moodie Davitt Report, May 2026; Emirates Leisure Retail. Cover: airport travelator (Unsplash, free commercial use). Inline images are representative (Unsplash, free commercial use).

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