Best Cafes for Working Remotely in Abu Dhabi
Article by
Danika Star
-
May 17, 2024
Freelancing, flexible workplaces and work-from-home days mean that there has never been a better time to have a bunch of remote working spaces up your sleeve. Team Best Bites are no different - in fact, we’ve found some of the best spots in the city to knuckle down and get things done while out of the office or in between meetings. Convenient parking, power points, speedy WIFI, great coffee - take a look at our picks for the best cafes to work remotely, and let us know your go-to if we missed them!
JOUD COFFEE
AL SEEF | KHALIFA CITY | AL BATEEN | FORSAN CENTRAL MALL | AL QANA
Properly tried and tested for remote working, we have worked from most of the Joud locations: we love their use of space, easy concept and plenty of nooks and crannies so you can settle yourself into a quiet corner and get things done. Reliable WIFI and lots of space also make Joud ideal for co-working or team catch ups.
Working up an appetite? We never leave hungry, and the variety in the menu means you’ll always find something to hit the spot: tasty soups, truffle mushroom eggs benedict, breakfast quesadilla, waffles, fresh salads, sandos and a tasty wild mushroom risotto are highlights. Stretch out your working day with some sweet treats from the cake display to combat that 3PM slump.
Open: daily | 8AM-11PM
Contact: 056 525 8235
MYSK
NYU | SAADIYAT ISLAND
It shouldn’t be surprising that a cafe on a uni campus is bustling and lively, but mysk is a breath of fresh air. Industrial style, with high exposed ceilings and funky lighting, a flower bar and overflowing display of baked treats lend warmth and colour to the space. Varied seating options, including long communal tables with power points, easy parking (paid, valet or you can nab one on the street if you don’t mind a little walk) and proximity to NYU are all feathers in their cap.
But what do we really love? The food, of course. Their Not so French, French toast (a concoction that looks like a work of art with taste to match, topped with Persian fairy floss) is a decadent stand out in a menu filled with stars. You’ll find viral flat croissants, Tim Tam brownies and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon scrolls to tide you over between meals, while their coffee, iced chai and matcha lattes are all on point. Working there is good, but eating there is even better!
Open: Monday - Friday 7AM-10PM | Saturday - Sunday 8AM-10PM
Contact: 02 626 9343
CAFE JAMES
SHAMS BOUTIK | REEM ISLAND
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Good lighting, strong WIFI, great food - sounds a little bit like heaven! Despite being a favourite for coffee stops and weekend breakfast with our mates, James is also a great spot to knock over some work. Counter seating allows you to zero in on your laptop without taking over a whole table, and the cafe is both peaceful and conveniently located (in Shams Boutik). Does anyone print anything anymore? If so, there is a print shop nearby and paid parking underneath.
The food is excellent, so you can stay fueled up while you work, and their desserts are the perfect reward when you’ve put in the hard yards for the day. Check out their Al Qana location if you’re working in that area instead.
Open: daily | 7AM-11PM
Contact: 02 886 9949
ART MARKET
YAS BAY
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Art Market knows good breakfasts, so this is a great one for our early risers - they open at 7.30AM - who want to get a productive head start on the day. They host regular activities and workshops, mum’s groups and social events, so a good one to keep an eye on if you want to break up work with a little play - and perfect if you are a freelancer and want to scratch that socialising itch.
Parking is easy enough at Yas Bay, but be strategic during summer so you can minimise your time in the sun (they’re on the Etihad Arena end of the promenade). With an in-house barber next door, grab a haircut while you’re at work and give yourself a gold star for multi-tasking - you get 20% off haircuts as well as your cafe bill as a BB+ member. What’s not to love?
Open: daily | 7.30AM-11.30PM
Contact: +971 52 917 1523
SAVE OUR SOULS
REEM CENTRAL PARK
Another option on Reem that we are partial to, SOS is bustling on weekends and after work, but a handy little oasis during the day that’s perfect for knocking over your to-do list. The big windows and mangrove views make for a welcome distraction if you’re waiting for some inspiration to strike, and the food leaves the sad sandwich you might have packed for the office in its dust.
Parking during the day at Reem Central Park is usually a breeze before the evening influx, and it’s a great spot in summer when outside time is a faint memory but you want to get close to the water and some greenery.
Open: daily | 8AM-11PM
Contact: 02 886 8844
HUNA WORKS
YAS FOOD HALL | YAS MALL
Another Best Bites team favourite for meetings, workshops and team days, Huna Works is tucked away next to Yas Food Hall in Yas Mall. You can book in solo for a day, reserve a room for your team or arrange some longer term access depending on your needs. It’s got everything you could want - strong WIFI, tea and coffee, fridges, bathrooms, screens in the meeting rooms - and the purpose is work: perfect if you find a cafe too distracting.
This is a bit of a double recommendation - the big bonus of working at Huna for the day is the pure joy of lunch, with a tonne of options on your doorstep in Yas Food Hall.
Open: daily | 10AM-late
Contact: hello@iamhuna.com or 02 641 7724
THIRD PLACE CAFE
THE CORNICHE
Nab a park on the street and retreat into the cool interior of The Third Place - named for the idea that beyond home and work, we need a third space to spend our time and feel at ease. Feel at ease you will - the staff are friendly, but let you get on with your day once you are settled - although they will make some good recs if you’re struggling to choose from their broad menu, or even want to level up your drinks game (if you’re a fan, they do a really tasty chai on oat milk!).
They have WIFI, and both upstairs and downstairs spaces if you need some privacy or want to find a corner for a meeting or some collaboration with your colleagues.
Open: daily | 8AM-11PM
Contact: 02 681 1877