University of Birmingham Dubai student Hams shares favourite cafés across Dubai for studying, group work, and productive days away from campus.
As a university student, I've learned that where you study can make a huge difference. Sometimes the library is exactly what you need, but other times a good coffee, a change of scenery, and a productive atmosphere are enough to get you through that assignment you've been avoiding all week. After trying more cafés than I'd like to admit, here are my favourite study spots around Dubai.
If I had to pick just one café, it would be Trio.
Their coconut milk matcha is, without a doubt, my favourite matcha in ALL of Dubai. It's one of those drinks that somehow makes studying feel a little less painful. While all of their branches are great, my personal favourite is the newly opened branch in Mirdif Avenue. It's noticeably quieter than some of the others, which makes it ideal when you really need to lock in and focus.
They also offer Wi-Fi, so you can comfortably settle in for a few hours without worrying about losing connection halfway through your study session. Plus, the staff are SO friendly.
And here's a little tip: I discovered that on National Day, their matcha lattes are only AED 10. I'll leave that information with you and let you decide how best to use it…
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, Katrina is definitely worth checking out.
Most of their drinks are under AED 20, which is always appreciated when you're trying to balance student life and your bank account. Their desserts are also reasonably priced, making it a great spot for a study session that doesn't completely destroy your budget.
One of the best things about Katrina is the number of branches across Dubai. No matter where you're based, there's usually one nearby. The cafés also tend to be relatively quiet, making them perfect for getting work done without too many distractions.
Backyard feels like the student café in Dubai.
There's even a branch just 10 minutes from campus in Silicon Oasis' Cedre Villas area, which makes it a popular choice for students looking to escape the library for a few hours.
Their smoothies are genuinely great, and what I love most is that you can customise them with extras like protein powder and collagen depending on what you're after. The best part, though, is the atmosphere. A lot of the people working from Backyard are students, so there's a real sense of community. Everyone is busy tackling assignments, preparing presentations, or studying for exams, and it's surprisingly motivating. I've also met students from other universities there, which is an added bonus if you're looking to expand your social circle.
One of the newest cafés I've discovered is Julith Coffee & Roastery, and it's quickly earned a spot on my list.
The space is spread across two floors, so whether you're studying on your own or meeting up with a group, finding a seat is rarely a problem. The industrial concrete-and-glass design gives it a really modern feel, and the glass-walled roastery adds something a little different from your typical café experience.
I've only visited once so far, but I really enjoyed the overall vibe. The pricing is also reasonable for the quality, with drinks generally ranging from AED 18 to AED 50 depending on whether you're ordering tea, coffee, juice, or matcha.
My only complaint is that it's currently located only in Al Quoz, which can be a bit of a journey depending on where you live. They also close at 6 PM on weekends, which isn't ideal for someone like me who does their best studying during late-night crunch time.
If aesthetics are important to you, Brunch & Cake is probably already on your radar.
It's a beautiful café, and if you visit in the morning, you'll usually find plenty of people enjoying breakfast while catching up on work. I've actually spent more time exploring their food menu than their drinks menu, but that's because the food is VERY good.
That said, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for a solo study marathon. In my experience, it's much better suited to group assignments, project meetings, or catching up with classmates than sitting down for several hours of uninterrupted work.
On the bright side, if you're looking for somewhere that serves great food and doubles as a photo opportunity for Insta dumps, this place definitely delivers.
One thing I've learned after countless study sessions around Dubai is that location matters just as much as the café itself.
As a general rule, I try to avoid cafés in busy Jumeirah areas when my goal is to get work done. No matter what time I visit, they tend to be crowded and full of groups catching up with friends. They're great for socialising, but not always ideal when you've got a deadline approaching.
My advice? Be strategic. Choose quieter locations, visit during off-peak hours where possible, and find a café that matches the kind of work you're doing. Sometimes the perfect study spot isn't the trendiest café; it's simply the one where you can focus.
Happy studying! ☕📚✨
BSc Business Management with Marketing and industrial placement (Dubai)
Hello! I’m Hams, a Business Management with Marketing student completing an industrial placement and growing my experien...
