As Emirati Women’s Day approaches, the UAE’s most elegant addresses are marking the occasion with afternoon tea experiences designed to honour tradition, femininity, and refined indulgence. From Versace-inspired grandeur to understated cultural reinterpretations, each venue offers a setting that is as memorable as the flavours served. Here are five of the most exceptional experiences to savour this 28th of August and beyond.
At Mosaico, Palazzo Versace Dubai, afternoon tea unfolds in a soaring lobby lounge bathed in natural light with sweeping views of Dubai Creek. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary mocktail before indulging in a themed dessert trolley laden with delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, and artisanal pastries. For those seeking a gilded flourish, the experience extends to a handcrafted cake paired with the hotel’s signature golden cappuccino, a fitting tribute to the day’s spirit of elegance and celebration.
At Citron, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, the focus is on intimacy and serenity. Nestled within Ras Al Khaimah’s newest coastal retreat, Citron’s afternoon tea celebrates balance and calm with tiers of finger sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. Natural light filters across soft-toned interiors, creating a refreshing escape where conversations linger as long as the unlimited flow of tea and coffee. At AED 175 per person, it is as accessible as it is indulgent.
For a distinctly Emirati perspective, Gerbou in Nad Al Sheba introduces guests to the tradition of Fwala, reinterpreted for modern palates. This cultural gesture of hospitality is transformed into an abundant tray of delights — Chebab with honey, Khameer with cheese, and savoury bites such as Mini Lobster Rolls and Chicken Mango Bites. Sweet notes include Hibiscus Macarons, Kunafa Aseeda Tart, and Chocolate Cardamom Truffles. Served daily in a setting that reflects Emirati warmth, Gerbou’s offering is a heartfelt celebration of heritage and generosity.
At The Gallery, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, afternoon tea is reimagined with haute patisserie finesse. Chef Angelo Musa, the world-renowned Meilleur Ouvrier de France, presents an array of refined creations alongside warm scones with Devon clotted cream and signature jams. Guests are invited to pair these with an extensive collection of teas or refreshing iced infusions, all savoured in the Gallery’s sunlit lobby lounge — an airy space designed for reflection and delight.
Finally, in the heart of Downtown, Armani/Lounge at Armani Hotel Dubai curates a sensory journey defined by precision and poise. Savoury plates include smoked salmon on brown tramezzini, Canadian lobster with Oscietra caviar, and slow-cooked beef with mushroom and parmesan snow. The patisserie selection is equally captivating — coconut, mango and passion fruit, pistachio mousse with apricot compote, and cherry morello almond tart — each a miniature artwork reflecting Armani’s understated aesthetic.
Together, these experiences invite guests to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day not simply with a meal, but with a ritual of elegance, artistry, and cultural resonance. Whether through the golden sheen of a cappuccino, the rediscovery of Emirati flavours, or the refinement of haute patisserie, each afternoon tea is a tribute to the women shaping the UAE’s present and future.
Each of these afternoon tea experiences does more than simply delight the palate; they provide a symbolic space where women can gather, connect, and reflect. Emirati Women’s Day, founded to honour the pivotal role of women in the nation’s development, becomes an even more meaningful occasion when celebrated in places that combine artistry, heritage, and hospitality.
The diversity of offerings — from Gerbou’s rooted cultural reinterpretations to Armani’s cosmopolitan refinement — mirrors the journey of Emirati women themselves: balancing tradition with modernity, and cultural authenticity with global sophistication. These afternoon teas serve as metaphors for that harmony, where every flavour and flourish speaks to resilience, elegance, and innovation.
Ultimately, what unites these experiences is their ability to create moments of pause and celebration in an ever-moving city. Whether raising a golden cappuccino at Palazzo Versace, sharing a Fwala tray at Gerbou, or savouring patisserie at The Lana, each gathering becomes an affirmation of community, femininity, and the timeless ritual of coming together over tea. This Emirati Women’s Day, afternoon tea is more than an indulgence — it is a celebration of women’s voices, contributions, and stories, honoured in the most elegant way possible.
