Over in the capital
Abu Dhabi has welcomed a new homegrown café concept with a focus on mindful eating, quality ingredients and, above all, flavour. INTENDED, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Afra Al Darmaki, has evolved from a cloud kitchen into an intimate café on Al Jiwa-a Street in Al Nahyan.
First launched in December 2025, INTENDED was created around the idea of making more conscious choices without giving up the foods and drinks you actually want to enjoy. The café’s menu is entirely gluten-free and refined sugar-free, with no artificial flavours or preservatives.
While wellness is at the heart of INTENDED, this isn’t a café asking you to sacrifice flavour for a healthier option. Its menu includes freshly baked brownies, banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, alongside nourishing bites and specialty coffee and matcha.
One of the standout ingredients is dates sourced from Al Darmaki’s family farms in Al Ain, which feature in the café’s signature Date Walnut Cookie. There’s also the Coconut Cloud Espresso for those looking to switch up their usual coffee order.
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“Taste always comes first,” says Al Darmaki, explaining that the aim is to create food and drinks that guests genuinely want to eat and drink, while still making them feel good afterwards.
The name INTENDED reflects Al Darmaki’s own journey of self-discovery and the idea of stepping away from autopilot to make more conscious choices. That philosophy extends beyond the menu, with the brand hoping to build a sense of intention, quality and connection into the guest experience.
And there’s more to come. While Abu Dhabi remains its home, INTENDED already delivers to Dubai, with ambitions to eventually grow beyond F&B into wellness, community experiences and retreats centred around intentional living.
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.
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