Le Café, Emirates Palace
A palatial address for afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi, a regal afternoon tea awaits at Le Café at Emirates Palace. Luxurious tiered towers are filled with gourmet delights that extend way beyond the typical dainty sandwiches, to include dishes such as Canadian blue lobster brioche buns and 25k gold flaked duck foie gras, as well as traditional elements such as freshly baked scones, light salads and dinky pastries. Best enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the lush green gardens and dramatic fountain, it’s paired with pots of fine tea or glasses of bubbly, with the stretching Abu Dhabi skyline a perfect backdrop.
2pm to 6pm daily, AED 485 for two. mandarinoriental.com
Observation Deck at 300, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
At the recently rebranded Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, afternoon tea settings don’t come much more impressive than Observation Deck 300, the highest vantage point in the UAE capital, found on level 74 of the hotel. The café is famous for its afternoon high tea, offering impressive tea blends and freshly ground coffee served with sweet and savoury treats, and in a new special edition twist has recently adopted a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme. Presented in an iconic Tiffany blue box, the limited edition themed afternoon tea is offered at both Observation Deck 300 and the hotel’s Lobby Lounge.
2pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday, AED 220 per person. hilton.com
The Drawing Room, St Regis Saadiyat Island
A time honoured St Regis institution first introduced by Mrs. Astor, who founded the original St Regis in New York, a daily afternoon tea is served in The Drawing Room at St Regis Saadiyat Island. Setting the stage for an elegant teatime, marble floors heigh ceilings and a refined palette of neutral hues are the backdrop, with soaring windows that illuminate the space with Saadiyat Island sunshine. There’s both a classic, which is a more traditional offering, and a local afternoon tea, where guests are served desserts inspired by the region, paired with bubbly, signature blend teas and coffee.
2pm to 6pm daily, from AED 195. marriott.com
Majlis, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Catering to all tastes, Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s grand lobby lounge, Majlis, is where a diverse menu of afternoon teas are served. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, the hotel’s elegant afternoon tea offers a diverse array of menus, ranging from the Classic English to the Levantine Afternoon Tea. A vegan and vegetarian menu are also offered.
3pm to 6pm daily, from AED 210, rosewoodhotels.com
Alba, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
A time honoured Ritz-Carlton tradition, guests can take afternoon tea each day at the decadent lobby lounge, Alba, at Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. With high ceilings, dove grey walls and glittering chandeliers, it’s a classic and elegant setting for the Grand Canal’s interpretation of this Ritz Carlton signature. Bitesize pastries are equally as opulent, and a seasonally-changing menu often reflects special occasions and regional events. The choice of tea is just as impressive, with an array of hot and cold green and herbal tees on the extensive menu.
2pm to 5pm daily, AED 160 per person. ritzcarlton.com
Majlis, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island
The jewel in the crown of the Majlis menu at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, afternoon tea is served each day from 2pm to 6pm. Perfectly presented in a shimmering gold tiered jewellery box, each compartment opens up to delicious delicate light bites, with a choice of classic Western or Arabian menus to choose from. Cold infusions, teas and bubbles are all available alongside the afternoon tea menu.
2pm to 6pm daily, AED 175 per person. jumeirah.com