Hidden within the palm groves of Al Ain's Qasr Al Muwaiji lies a unique destination where heritage meets modernity: Bayn Cafe. Founded last year by Mohamed Al Marri and his brother Salem, this distinctive glass-wrapped eatery is rapidly becoming a cultural and community hub, with about 400 visitors on weekdays and 600 on weekends.
Launched in partnership with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, Bayn Cafe “isn't just a coffee shop, it's a part of our heritage”, Maitha Al Nuaimi, a frequent visitor to the venue that's proved most popular with Emiratis, tells The National.
“This is a place where history lives and breathes, and to be able to enjoy a coffee in such a significant spot is a privilege,” she adds. “It reminds us of our roots, our connection to this land and our responsibility to preserve its beauty.”
A cafe rooted in history
Bayn is located at the birthplace of the late President Sheikh Khalifa which, Al Nuaimi says, makes it “incredibly meaningful for Emiratis”.
It’s like walking between the past and present
Maitha Al Nuaimi,
patron
Qasr Al Muwaiji was built in the early 20th century at a location where the falaj irrigation system was historically used. This dates back thousands of years, when tribespeople discovered underground springs and created a system of waterways for their crops.
“The cafe honours the UAE’s farming and agricultural traditions,” Al Nuaimi says. “The fact that it’s surrounded by palm trees, and that the cafe itself respects the landscape and the historical architecture, is a nod to the way our ancestors lived.
“In the past, these palm trees and the falaj system were life sources for our people. Bayn Cafe keeps that legacy alive while offering something modern and elegant. It’s like walking between the past and present.”
Mohamed Al Marri says his vision was to add value to the special location while paying homage to its historical significance. “I’ve always had a connection with this location,” he tells The National. “Walking through the palms, listening to the sounds of nature, I envisioned something that could add value, while preserving the serenity of the place.”
The cafe’s name, Bayn – which means “in between” in Arabic – reflects its mission to bridge the gap between past and present, heritage and modernity. The decor, courtesy of interior designer Rabah Sayed, features a sleek glass structure that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings – including two palm trees in the cafe that were incorporated into the layout.
“We wanted to preserve the natural elements of the site, not remove them,” explains Al Marri.
Overcoming challenges
Bringing Bayn Cafe to life was no easy feat. One of the primary challenges was constructing a glass box that would accommodate guests no matter the temperature. To tackle this, the team employed a double-glazed design to minimise heat entering the space.
In addition to technical difficulties, the cafe also had to navigate several government approvals, as Qasr Al Muwaiji is a key component of the Al Ain Unesco World Heritage Site.
But a law introduced in May 2022 offered a helping hand, by allowing businesses to operate in farming areas as the government looked to promote sustainability and increase local agricultural production. This decision allows for various commercial activities – such as hospitality and agritourism – encouraging investment in the agricultural sector.
Cultural and culinary hub
“For many Emiratis, this location carries deep emotional and cultural significance,” Al Nuaimi explains. “Agriculture is such a big part of our history, and it’s beautiful to see how the cafe integrates that. It feels like a tribute to the farming culture that shaped our ancestors’ lives. Sitting here, you feel a sense of continuity, like you’re part of something much bigger.”
Bayn Cafe is also designed to be a cultural platform. Al Marri is currently working on a project to showcase the work of Emirati artists, hoping that the cafe becomes a space for creativity and learning.
The menu pays homage to UAE culture, offering traditional flavours with a modern twist. Desserts made from local dates are particularly popular – with a date-flavoured ice cream quickly becoming a favourite this summer.
“We try to incorporate local flavours and ingredients, like using UAE spices and dates, to give the menu an authentic touch while appealing to contemporary tastes,” says Al Marri.
Looking ahead
“Our goal is to develop Bayn as a cultural hub, hosting local artists and providing educational opportunities. It’s not just about coffee; it's about creating a space where the community can connect with art and knowledge,” he says.
The cafe also has plans to expand its footprint beyond Al Ain. Al Marri hints at future locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, though he emphasises that any new site must align with the brand’s cultural and historical values.
Sustainability is another cornerstone. Al Marri is committed to sourcing local ingredients, including eggs and milk from Al Ain farms, and is also trialling milled flour from Sharjah to make Bayn Cafe's pastries. Eco-friendly cutlery comes courtesy of a UAE-born company.
He dreams of one day opening a boutique hotel on a farm, where guests can enjoy locally sourced food and experience the UAE’s agricultural heritage first-hand. “I want to create memorable experiences that connect people to the land and culture,” he says.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Brief scoreline:
Al Wahda 2
Al Menhali 27', Tagliabue 79'
Al Nassr 3
Hamdallah 41', Giuliano 45 1', 62'
The five pillars of Islam
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
The biog
Name: Dr Lalia Al Helaly
Education: PhD in Sociology from Cairo
Favourite authors: Elif Shafaq and Nizar Qabbani.
Favourite music: classical Arabic music such as Um Khalthoum and Abdul Wahab,
She loves the beach and advises her clients to go for meditation.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E646hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E830Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETwo-speed%20auto%20(rear%20axle)%3B%20single-speed%20auto%20(front)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh552%2C311%3B%20Dh660%2C408%20(as%20tested)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Williams at Wimbledon
Venus Williams - 5 titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008)
Serena Williams - 7 titles (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016)
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
