Dubai’s afternoon tea scene is as elegant and diverse as the city itself, with experiences ranging from sky-high lounges with panoramic views to charming settings steeped in tradition. The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to nineteenth century England, when it was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, as a light meal to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. Today, it has evolved into a luxurious ritual enjoyed around the world.
With International Tea Day coming up on 21 May, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the city’s most delightful afternoon tea experiences. Whether you’re after a classic British-style spread or a modern twist with international flavours, Connector has rounded up some of the great spots in Dubai to enjoy a truly memorable afternoon tea, complete with irresistible pairings and treats.
At.Mosphere, Burj Khalifa
At.Mosphere, perched on floor 122 of Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, offers a sky-high tea experience with panoramic views. If you are a fan of luxurious tea experiences, their afternoon tea offer should definitely be on your list. Their gourmet selection includes delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and artisanal pastries, paired with rare teas like golden tips or Japanese sencha. Their decadent la gourmandises tea set and accompanying live music elevates this lavish affair. Available from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Prices start from Dhs 450. www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Skyview Lounge, Burj Al Arab
The Skyview Lounge, located at Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, serves a gold-leaf-adorned afternoon tea with Arabian Gulf vistas. Highlights include patisseries like zucchini petals, king crab tartelettes and pistachio raspberry cookies, all paired with bespoke tea blends like Arabian mint or oolong supreme. This is your go-to spot for luxury, taste and amazing views, while you sip on premium tea offerings. Available from 1pm to 4.30pm. Prices start from Dhs 490. www.jumeirah.com
Plato’s, Atlantis The Palm
Enjoy your afternoon tea at Plato’s in Atlantis Dubai The Palm, where Palm Jumeirah's luxury meets timeless tea rituals. Set against the resort’s serene elegance, this experience features a curated selection of premium TWG teas and Atlantis-branded chocolates, blending global flavours with Arabian hospitality. Ideal for leisurely afternoons, this tea service is a masterclass in indulgence. You can also pair your tea with delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones with clotted cream, and artful pastries. Available from 2pm to 5.30pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays. Prices start from Dhs 240 per person. www.atlantis.com
Club Millésime, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Indulge in a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea with a whimsical twist at Club Millésime at Sofitel Dubai The Obselisk in Umm Hurair, where delicate pastries and savoury bites are served from an elegant glass vault, along with unlimited premium tea options. Savour spring-inspired delights like lobster tarts, mango pavlova, and artisanal French patisserie, along with the tea. With panoramic Dubai views, you can take your tea time to new heights. Prices start from Dhs 195. Available daily from 2pm to 6pm. www.sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com
Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, DIFC
Step into the art-deco elegance of Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria in DIFC, for a refined afternoon tea featuring premium green, white, black and herbal teas, served beneath the iconic Waldorf clock. Begin with caviar-topped crab amuse-bouches, followed by delicate foie gras puffs and chive brioche tuna sandwiches. The pièce de résistance? Flaky scones with clotted cream, rose-infused strawberry cake, and a decadent chocolate-coated mango sorbet finale, all in a setting that whispers old-world glamour. Available daily from 2pm to 6pm. Prices start from Dhs 255 per person. www.peacockalleydifc.com
CHOIX, InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Indulge in a quintessential Parisian afternoon tea at CHOIX restaurant in InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Delight in an array of French delicacies, including signature scones, pastries, homemade macarons, and savoury treats like finger sandwiches and eclairs. Complement your experience with a selection of teas, featuring blends such as green tea with mango, guava and rose petals. Set against the serene backdrop of Dubai Creek, this elegant affair is available daily from noon to 6pm. Priced at Dhs 125 per person. www.choixdubai.com
The Courtyard, Vida Hotels And Resorts, Dubai Creek Harbour
The Courtyard at Vida Hotels and Resorts, set against the tranquil Dubai Creek waterfront, offers a serene afternoon tea experience. Begin with a refreshing welcome mocktail, then indulge in a curated selection of handcrafted sweet and savoury bites, including delicate pastries and gourmet sandwiches. Complement your treats with a choice of premium teas or coffee. The chic, open-air setting provides picturesque views of stunning Creek waterfront. Available daily from 2pm to 7pm. Priced at Dhs 125 per person for the afternoon tea stand with a single hot beverage, or Dhs 155 for unlimited hot beverages. www.vidahotels.com
Al Bayt, Palace Downtown
Experience royal Arabian hospitality at Al Bayt at Palace Downtown, where the afternoon tea blends Florasis-inspired fragrances with Middle Eastern warmth. Sip on cardamom-infused black tea or exotic blends while admiring uninterrupted Downtown views from the terrace. The elegant spread features both sweet and savoury delicacies, from delicate Arabic pastries to international favourites, all served in an opulent setting reminiscent of a desert palace. Available daily from 2pm to 6pm. Prices start from Dhs 160 per person. www.addresshotels.com
Akabeko, Voco, Dubai The Palm
Step into a serene, Zen-inspired retreat at Akabeko at voco, Dubai The Palm in Palm Jumeirah and indulge in a Japanese-style matcha afternoon tea like no other. Featuring a refined selection of matcha-infused desserts and wagyu-forward savouries, this experience balances tradition with elegance. Highlights include wagyu cheeseburger sliders, grilled rice balls, and caramel matcha pudding, all paired with premium Japanese teas from Mucharaka, served hot, cold or sparkling. Available daily, except Mondays, from noon to 4pm. Priced at Dhs 185 per person, inclusive of one complimentary beverage. www.akabeko.ae
Amber Lounge, Kempinski Central Avenue, Downtown Dubai
Escape the bustle of the city with an elevated afternoon tea at Amber Lounge at Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, where sophistication meets indulgence. Delight in a curated selection of artisanal cakes, savoury delicacies and premium loose-leaf teas, all served in a chic, contemporary setting. Whether you're unwinding solo or sharing the moment with loved ones, this experience blends flavour harmony with serene ambience, perfect for a stylish pause during your Dubai Mall visit. Available daily from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Prices start from Dhs 300 for two persons. www.kempinski.com
The Gallery, The Lana
Step into a world of artful indulgence at The Gallery located at lobby floor of The Lana in Marasi Drive, Business Bay, where afternoon tea is redefined with a symphony of floral-infused delicacies and marina-front elegance. Speciality teas include 'Lana Rose', a Dubai-exclusive white tea with rose petals. To pair with the tea, you could try ethereal treats like hibiscus-cured salmon blinis and lavender macarons, while a live pianist serenades guests beneath a shimmering pink-mosaic atrium. Available daily from 1pm to 6pm. Prices start from Dhs 600. www.dorchestercollection.com
Tocha, Banyan Tree
Step into a Zen-inspired oasis at Tocha within Banyan Tree in Bluewaters Island, where Osaka-born Chef Riho presents an exquisite Japanese afternoon tea ritual. Sip on frothy matcha or rare hoji tea, paired with delicate treats like chawan-mushi which is steamed egg custard with edamame, and beetroot-cured salmon with yuzu cream. Don’t miss the chocolate mochi with raspberry ganache or the airy matcha roll cake. House beverages are also available, but the teas shine here. Available daily from 2pm to 5pm. Priced at Dhs 180 per person. www.banyantree.com
The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, JBR
Step into a world of timeless elegance at The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz Carlton in Jumeirah Beach Residences, where afternoon tea is elevated into an art form. Set beneath soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers, this experience blends live piano melodies with curated menus that pairs with tea nicely. Opt for finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and artisanal pastries or the Arabic mezze and falafel. Signature tea options include loose-leaf teas like Earl Grey and Darjeeling. Available daily from 12.30pm to 5pm. Prices start from Dhs 179 onwards. www.ritzcarlton.com
Al Mandhar Lounge, Jumeirah Al Naseem
Enjoy a turtle-inspired afternoon tea at Al Mandhar Lounge, Jumeirah Al Naseem. Crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Julien Jacob and renowned chocolatier Philippe Rigollot, this experience features gourmet sweet and savoury treats, like wagyu beef coppa and crunchy framboise, served on ornate turtle-shaped stands. Complement your selection with a choice from over 20 premium loose-leaf teas, including classics like Darjeeling and Earl Grey, as well as unique blends such as lychee with rose and ginger. Enjoy tranquil views of the Arabian Gulf and the Burj Al Arab. Available daily from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Priced at Dhs 520 for two. www.jumeirah.com
Malibu Sky Lounge, Paramount Hotel Midtown
Transport yourself to Paris with the 'Emily in Paris'-inspired afternoon tea at Malibu Sky Lounge, perched on the 64th floor of Paramount Hotel Midtown in Business Bay. Savour French classics like croque madame, mini beef bourguignon pies, and foie gras with fig sandwiches. Delight in desserts such as strawberry tarts, macarons, madeleines and buttery croissants. Complement your experience with unlimited tea and coffee selections. Available daily from 3pm to 6pm. Priced at Dhs 220 per couple. www.paramounthotelsdubai.com
Queens Grill, QE2
Queens Grill, aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 at Mina Rashid offers a regal afternoon tea, once reserved for first-class passengers. Choose between the Cunard afternoon tea, featuring cold bites and pastries, or the Britannia afternoon tea, which includes both cold and hot canapés alongside pastries. Delight in offerings such as cucumber sandwiches with balsamic pearls, lobster carpaccio with orange gel, and wild berry salmon gravlax on brioche. Get ready for a selection of some of the finest teas aboard this historical cruise ship. Available Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm to 6.30pm. Prices start from Dhs 165. www.qe2.com