Best Afternoon Teas in Dubai

If we were to quote Henry James – “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” – you will agree that his words still resonate greatly in today’s fast-paced world, where the pause for a cup of tea remains a sacred ritual and fashionable social event.

While the custom of drinking tea has been around since the third millennium BC in China, it was Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who brought the afternoon tea ritual to England in 1840.

For many of us, self-care comes in the form of gathering with close friends or family while talking through the joys or trials of everyday life over a cuppa. The afternoon tea ritual certainly has therapeutic elements to it, from selecting and pouring the brew to savouring delicious biscuits and homemade scones.

If you are on the lookout for some of the best afternoon tea venues in Dubai, we offer a list of premier spots around town that will surely take high tea to the next level and let you enjoy some amazing surroundings of the city while spending a memorable afternoon.

Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm offers the ultimate decadent afternoon tea experience in the stylish Plato’s Tea Lounge.

The resort on Palm Jumeirah has already established itself as a leading culinary and leisure destination, with a creative spin on refreshment packages, and Plato’s lounge is only one of them. A selection of afternoon teas and treats is available daily from 2 pm to 5:30 pm at the stylish lounge, where guests can choose from four packages featuring signature teas and treats. Bronze package comes with unlimited tea and coffee, Blue includes signature cocktails while Silver and Gold packages add more luxury with bottomless prosecco and a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut champagne.

All afternoon tea experiences include a serving of unlimited world-famous Jing Tea, one of the finest loose-leaf teas available, as well as sublime desserts, homemade sandwiches, and piping hot scones dotted with cream and jam.

The lounge has an extravagant drinking philosophy serving the best fusion of signature teas and cocktails, complemented by lovely views of The Palm.

Blüthner Hall Raffles The Palm Dubai

Blüthner Hall at Raffles The Palm Dubai offers a truly majestic atmosphere for afternoon tea, complemented by distinguished service, sparkling chandeliers, palatial décor and a resplendent Blüthner Louis XIV Grand Piano adorning the lobby lounge.

The venue hosts the finest replicas of 18th-century European palace decor. This a place of privilege for the contemporary aristocracy, sparkling with gold leaf-plated surfaces and unmatched views of the Dubai Skyline. There are several options to choose from, including one with an Arabic twist, and shisha on the terrace afterwards.

As you get ready to enjoy the best in caviar and Champagne, high teas, premium spirits sourced from across the world, and exquisite cuisine, the aura of the Blüthner grand piano, will set the mood for your stay.

Sahn Eddar at Burj Al Arab

Sahn Eddar tea lounge in the world-famous Burj Al Arab is probably the pinnacle of fancy afternoon teas in Dubai, a must-try once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will not regret.

Sahn Eddar is the Arabic for “house reception” and the venue is located at the base of the hotel’s atrium. If a visit to Burj Al Arab is on your bucket list, do it in regal style and head over to this opulent tea saloon.

Nothing defines royal afternoon tea quite like this stunning venue that delivers the most luxurious selection of teas, dainty finger sandwiches, and pastries, and a three-tiered cake stand served in a most serene ambiance. The décor is complemented by live harp music and lavish furnishings, such as velvety bright blue and green interiors. The scones and pastries might only be out-shined by the stunning views of the sea, beach, and hotel’s island. Tables overlook the beautiful beach scenery, making for the perfect spot to enjoy a majestic sunset.

You don’t have to be a major tea aficionado to enjoy this wonderful lounge, but there is no denying it will be a super-fancy afternoon out.

Armani Dubai Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at Armani lounge is where the English tea tradition is upgraded to luxury status.

The Armani Hotel offers a themed afternoon tea that is served in a charming and airy Armani Lounge, located inside the Burj Khalifa. Huge, comfortable chairs fill the large lounge, and the window seats offer stunning views of the Dubai fountains. The Armani Hotel is without a doubt the best venue to immerse in the fountain show over a cup of tea and fancy delicacies as it provides breathtaking, unobstructed views of the dancing fountains. Each item on the menu is super delicious and wonderfully shaped and prepared.

The Armani Lounge flavours go above and beyond standard tea bites, scones, or finger sandwiches. Elegant lobster and caviar bites, gold leaf on black toast, or a light, fresh combination of golden beets and feta all form part of your afternoon menu at this venue.

As you would naturally assume from an afternoon tea at the Armani Hotel, which would certainly exceed all your expectations, the food is exquisitely presented and of the greatest quality.

There will be a cake stand bursting with flavours, including fancy desserts, mouth-watering handmade scones, and savoury bites presented and delivered to perfection.

Here is a truly golden chance to enjoy afternoon tea with a spectacular twist as the pâtisserie selections are one of the highlights, including a golden Paris-Dubai choux, gilded brownies, and scones packed with golden raisins and luscious chocolate chips.

Noor Lounge at Mandarin Oriental

As you step into the grandiose lobby area, afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental becomes a one-of-a-kind experience where you will be greeted by a canopy of gilded trees basking in the afternoon sunlight and an exquisite selection of sophisticated sweet and savoury treats.

The selection is as delectable as the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Expect lobster corn toast and roast beef tartine, petit gateaux, homemade jams and raisin scones served up with Cornish clotted cream, and light refreshments.

A golden tier-plated tray with branches inspired by the canopy trees you slid under on the way in, arrives at the table. It is filled with intricate pastries and a selection of sweet and savoury little delicacies such as mini sandwiches dotted in divine fillings, with roast beef, dill butter, smoked salmon, egg, chive and cucumbers.

It truly is all about the details.

Afternoon Tea has a timeless quality about it, evoking feelings of warmth, grace, and gentility. You will discover that enjoying tea in an intimate setting is a pleasant way to celebrate with loved ones, build connection and have a quiet respite before the night sets in.