This Dubai Coffee House is HH Sheikh Hamdan Approved And You Need To Grab A Cup Too!

Tucked away in the creative chaos of Dubai Design District (d3) sits a café that takes its coffee very seriously. The Espresso Lab may sound like a sleek chemistry classroom for caffeine, and honestly, it kind of is. This minimalistic hideaway isn’t just about pouring lattes,  it’s about crafting sips that tell a story. And judging by its coffee’s growing cult following, Sheikh Hamdan’s visit, this story’s got some buzz.

Welcome To The Espresso Lab, HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Approved Coffee House!

 

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Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, The Espresso Lab doesn’t do average. It slings experimental brews like it’s no big deal. Think citrus-infused espresso, cold drip concoctions, and a three-way iced coffee that’ll blow your mind and chill your soul.

Now here’s where things get even more impressive. In February 2025, The Espresso Lab had the honour of hosting Dubai’s crown prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan The man himself, known for his taste (and Instagram-ready coffee pics), dropped by for a curated tasting experience.

And who served him? None other than Aldy Nugraha .For those unaware, he was the 2025 UAE National Barista Champion. Together, they brewed up a trio of drinks featuring a winning coffee from Panama’s elite Janson Coffee farm, espresso, milk-based beverages, and a signature drink that likely rewired everyone’s idea of a good cuppa.

 

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This visit wasn’t just about sipping espresso. It highlighted something bigger like support for local entrepreneurs, homegrown talent, and the UAE’s ever-rising food and beverage scene.

Also Read: Australian Specialty Roaster, The Reformatory Lab, Opens In Dubai; 10 UAE Outlets Coming Soon

The Espresso Lab in Dubai Is Brewing Buzz-Worthy Moments

 

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Let’s be clear. You won’t find syrupy fluff drinks or half-hearted cappuccinos here. No unicorn lattes in sight. Instead, The Espresso Lab offers a curated, science-meets-art experience in every cup. Their signature drink, The Catalyst, is a citrus-forward espresso that tastes like a summer holiday meeting a business meeting.

Yes, they serve food too, with fresh, warm bread that practically hugs you, but coffee remains the undisputed hero. If you’re someone who sniffs beans before brewing or rants about roasting levels, this is your happy place.

Also Read: Did You Know There’s A Coffee Museum In Bur Dubai That Offers Coffee Tasting For Just AED10?

Why You Should Head There?

And if you fancy knowing why your flat white tastes like liquid gold, they’ve got coffee courses and behind-the-bar tours that peel back the curtain on the world of speciality coffee. It’s like Hogwarts, but for baristas.

Cover Image Courtesy: Espresso Lab, Faz3/Instagram