Find them at Marsa Boulevard
Dubai’s coffee scene just got a serious upgrade. WatchHouse, the London-born brand known for turning specialty coffee into a considered, design-led experience, has opened its first UAE outpost at Marsa Boulevard — the city’s new seasonal waterfront destination along Dubai Creek.
Marsa Boulevard pop-up marks WatchHouse’s official entry into the Middle East, bringing its signature blend of craftsmanship, minimalist design and quietly confident hospitality to one of Dubai’s most scenic new neighbourhoods.
Set opposite the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, the House sits right on the edge of the Creek, designed as a place to slow down, sip well and take in the view. It’s a natural fit for a brand that prides itself on turning everyday coffee rituals into something more meaningful — and it feels very on-brand for Dubai, a city that thrives on thoughtful reinvention.
Founder and CEO Roland Horne describes the opening as a natural step in WatchHouse’s global journey, calling the space a love letter to the brand’s philosophy of Modern Coffee, tailored for a region “hungry for it”.
Coffee takes centre stage, naturally. Expect WatchHouse’s acclaimed Rarities collection — a rotating selection of some of the world’s most exceptional coffees, sourced from leading producers and brewed with precision. Highlights include a Peruvian Gesha with citrus and stone fruit notes, a Bolivian SL28 layered with hibiscus and blackberry, and a Colombian Gesha defined by floral, peachy complexity.
There’s also a Dubai-exclusive nod to comfort: the Golden Cardamom Latte. Built on a chai-inspired base, it blends cardamom and turmeric into a gently spiced, creamy cup designed to feel, in WatchHouse’s words, like a “warm hug”.
Designed with Berlin-based architect Kirill Borisov, the structure draws inspiration from desert architecture and the Creek’s maritime heritage. Sculptural wind towers reinterpret traditional barjeel forms, while earth-toned materials and open lines frame uninterrupted water views. The result is calm, architectural and quietly striking — very WatchHouse, very Dubai.
Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway or settling in by the water, this is one pop-up that’s worth building into your evening plans.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
