Explore seven afternoon teas in Abu Dhabi that refine the ritual, one tiered tray at a time.
Afternoon tea is a timeless tradition, first steeped in the drawing rooms of Victorian Britain. What began as a pause between lunch and dinner in England’s royal palaces has evolved into something far more expressive – a refined social hour where conversation takes its time. In Abu Dhabi, this age-old custom is honoured in many forms. Some venues still nod to its British origins with delicate sandwiches and white-glove service, while others take a freer approach, trading formality for beachfront calm, and éclairs for pistachio-stuffed baklava. Whether you’re after a celebratory setting to clink glasses or a relaxed lounge with fine teas on constant pour, here are seven of the best places in Abu Dhabi for afternoon tea.
Episodes, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
A hotel long favoured by Emirati royalty, Emirates Palace serves afternoon tea as it was intended: ceremonial and unmistakably regal. Served beneath grand domes and cherry blossoms, the experience is elegant without being overwrought. Classic tiered trays feature warm scones, gourmet finger sandwiches and fresh pastries, but the menu extends well beyond the English staples. Expect a rich spread of Arabic sweets: date maamoul, flaky baklava, and fragrant rosewater confections. There’s a comprehensive tea selection, including ceremonial-grade matcha, but most gravitate toward the hotel’s signature 24-karat gold-dusted cappuccino. It’s the perfect spot to bring out-of-towners, so book ahead, dress well, and settle in for silver service.
Majlis Saadiyat, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Breezy on a beachfront mezzanine, Majlis Saadiyat offers a lighter take on afternoon tea – less fuss, more sunshine. Famously served in a tiered jewellery box, each compartment reveals flavour-packed, shareable bites for both the Western and Arabic palates. Alongside the pâtisserie, Majlis stands out for its savoury Arabic afternoon tea, filled with local favourites like cheese rakakat and tahini-infused lamb sambusek.
A nod to Saadiyat Beach as a nesting ground for critically endangered Hawksbill turtles, Majlis also serves a whimsical Turtle Afternoon Tea. Playful in spirit, it arrives on a turtle-shaped stand with dishes like chicken roulade, salmon mille-feuille, and a cappuccino-inspired dessert. Teas are by Jing, with a wide selection of loose leaf blends and fruity cold infusions.
The Library, Park Hyatt
The Library at Park Hyatt is where Abu Dhabi’s literati flock for high tea. Eclectic and quintessentially British, the tearoom is lined with towering shelves of books, moody orange leather panels, and Mondrian-style black marble accents. The menu keeps things traditional with fresh berry-topped pastries, warm scones with clotted Devonshire cream, and well-prepared cucumber sandwiches. The tea selection is generous, though a ‘proper’ English breakfast brew with a splash of cold milk remains the favourite. More of a drawing room than a dining room, afternoon tea at The Library is designed for conversation, sinking into a good book, or simply escaping the pace of the city for an hour or two – one steamy cup at a time.
Level 45, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
For afternoon tea with altitude, Level 45 is the spot. Perched high above the coastline on the 45th floor of Conrad Etihad Towers, this sky-high escape pairs panoramic sea views with white-glove service. The menu is refined but creative, led by Executive Pastry Chef Sumeda Palihakkara. Sweet highlights include vanilla flan and fig-swirled peanut butter praline, while honey-glazed duck and cured beef on sourdough bring savoury depth and balance. In terms of mood, Level 45 leans full cinematic, with a live harpist, silver tableware, and just the right amount of theatre. Islamic geometric motifs and sweeping Abu Dhabi views ground the experience firmly in the UAE.
Crystal Lounge, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Set on the mezzanine above the hotel’s Grand Staircase, afternoon tea in Crystal Lounge is a rarified ritual. The lounge exudes old-world polish with spectacular blown-glass chandeliers, plush carpets, and tailored service that feels closer to a scene from a Henry James novel than a modern hotel. Tart, seasonal flavours round out the menu, while English classics, such as smoked salmon and Coronation chicken, cater to a more savoury palate. Pommery Champagne elevates the occasion to a celebration. For younger guests, the lounge has an endearing ‘Tiny Tea’ with Nutella popsicles, milk bread sandwiches and pastel cupcakes. Delivered with butler service and quiet precision, this is afternoon tea at its most traditional.
Al Meylas, Four Seasons Al Maryah Island
Al Meylas is a modern majlis with the kind of poise only the Four Seasons can offer. Tucked just off the lobby, the space is airy and luminous with a stillness that draws focus to the essentials: tea, food, and company. Led by Executive Chef Christian Buenrostro and Pastry Chef Partha Pratim Bose, the menu leans into French flavours with a measured hand. Citron frangipane, candied orange scones, and hazelnut choux are familiar but masterfully executed, served alongside hand-crafted sandwiches and a well-curated tea library.
Dubbed the ‘living room of Abu Dhabi’, this is a setting designed for sincere connection, for evenings that stretch longer than planned. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the mangroves, and in the cooler months, the best seats are outside on the waterside terrace.
Alba, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
Afternoon tea at Alba, The Ritz-Carlton, is an invitation to slow down. Set beneath ornate vaulted ceilings, the interiors are palatial but sophisticated: European in structure with Arabesque detailing. The afternoon tea here follows tradition, beginning with savoury hors d’oeuvres and light finger sandwiches, followed by warm scones and sweet pastries. Though the menu changes seasonally, it often plays with floral and botanical notes – think chocolate paired with rose, tarts layered with citrus and elderflower. Each item is beautifully plated on silverware, served with an extensive selection of fine and iced teas. Comfortable armchairs, warm lighting and friendly staff keep every bit in line with the storied Ritz-Carlton name.
