Sharjah's One Degree Cafe desert pop-up back with a new look and playground


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An easy drive down the Dubai-Hatta motorway takes you to the UAE's original desert cafe. It's difficult to miss — with Arabic classics blasting from the speakers and a Hollywood-style sign that reads: One Degree Winter.

The seasonal pop-up from One Degree Cafe reopened on Saturday, to reinvigorate its followers to head out and enjoy the winter breeze sweeping across the UAE desert.

The outdoor venue is on the Dubai-Sharjah border, about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dubai — the road-trip element adds to the cafe's allure.

A visit to the venue reveals Instagram-friendly spots, such as a grand archway at the entrance, a statue resembling the landmark Wings of Mexico near The Dubai Mall, as well as a full-body mirror with dramatic red drapery.

Children's play area at One Degree Cafe. Ruel Pableo for The National
Children's play area at One Degree Cafe. Ruel Pableo for The National

Eclectic chairs and tables are spread across the venue, and a makeshift stage is set in the middle. After a successful opening last year, One Degree Cafe introduced live entertainment, which it plans to continue this year. The entertainment line-up varies, but it typically includes a fire show and a band.

A prominent feature at the venue this year is a playground for children, making it even more family friendly. The Bedouin-style camp is still there, because owner Ahmed Abdulla Alketbi wants customers to experience “old Emirates” nostalgia.

Speaking to The National last year, the owner said it was important for the venue to show the “traditional beauty of the UAE”.

“We’ve recreated it with the look of the old Emirates, while still keeping it modern. For example, we’ve created some structures to resemble those they had in the UAE a long time ago,” he said.

The cafe offers a limited selection of food options — burgers, fries, and hot dogs — a menu that Alketbi said he helped to create. There are hot and cold coffee options, as well as sweet treats including local favourite luquiamat drizzled in date sauce.

Scroll through the gallery below to see other attractions that have reopened for the winter

The specs

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Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

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Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

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Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Updated: November 03, 2022, 4:01 AM`