Dubai’s skyline looks different after dark: softer, glassier, a little slower. If you’re after the best shisha spot in Business Bay for watching that skyline do its thing, you don’t have to choose between a proper meal, a proper view, and a proper smoke. At Daoud Cafe, tucked just off Marasi Drive with the Burj Khalifa practically in your sightline, you get all three, with the kitchen and the shisha menu both running until 2am, every night of the week.
What makes Business Bay one of Dubai’s best shisha destinations?
Business Bay sits directly across the water from Downtown Dubai, so terraces here face the Burj Khalifa without the Downtown crowds, traffic, or parking hunt. Daoud Cafe adds its own layer to that advantage: a Babylon-inspired “Suspended Garden” of greenery and flowing water, Levantine and Iraqi cuisine, and shisha service that runs from early morning straight through to 2am, daily.
Where exactly is Daoud Cafe, and what does it feel like to sit there?
Daoud Cafe is on the ground floor of the Millennium Binghatti Residence, Shop 3 & 5, on Marasi Drive in Business Bay, Dubai. Step past the entrance and the city noise drops away. The space is designed around the idea of a Suspended Garden, inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with lush planting, elegant architectural lines, and water elements woven through the room.
It’s the kind of layout that photographs well, but more importantly, it’s comfortable for the long game: a slow shisha session, a shared mezze spread, a conversation that outlasts the first pot of tea. Guests have consistently called out the warm welcome and the attentive service that make a late session feel unhurried rather than rushed.
What shisha flavors can you order at Daoud Cafe?
The shisha list splits into two tiers: familiar classics for anyone who wants a reliable favorite, and a premium selection of house-blended flavors for the more adventurous. Both are built to pair with a long table of Levantine and Iraqi small plates rather than stand alone.
- Classic flavors: Double Apple Nakhla, Lemon Mint, Grape with Mint, Gum Mint, Cinnamon Gum, Orange, Watermelon, Strawberry, Blueberry, Vanilla, and Mint
- Premium blends: Marbella, Love66, Lady Killer, Istanbul Night, Mia Mor, and Peach Ice Berry
- Premium blends: Ananas Shock, Lemon Shock, Peach Berry, Ice Baby, Haribon, Sunday Sun, Lemon Sweet, Raspberries, Ekzo Mango, and Strawberry Jam
What should you order alongside your shisha?
This is where Daoud Cafe earns its reputation beyond the smoke. The full menu leans into the Levantine mezze table: a trio of hummus styles, including a dramatic Midnight Hummus finished with white truffle aroma and a Golden Rose Hummus crowned with turmeric and roasted butternut, alongside Moutabbal, Baba Ghanouj, and hand-rolled Yalanji vine leaves.
For something more substantial, the grill section carries the Daoud Mixed Grill, charcoal Chicken Tawook, and crispy Arayes stuffed with spiced minced beef. Manaqish flatbreads, Zaatar and Mohammara among them, work well as a starter while the shisha gets going, and there are enough vegetarian mezze options that mixed groups never have to split into two orders.
A table built for groups and occasions
Daoud Cafe also welcomes private gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events, which makes it a practical pick for a group night out rather than just a couple’s date spot.
When is the best time to visit for the view and the atmosphere?
Daoud Cafe is open Monday through Sunday, from 8am to 2am, so the window for a proper shisha-and-dinner evening is wide. Early evening brings softer light and a calmer room; later at night, the Suspended Garden’s lighting and the Burj Khalifa skyline behind it do most of the work. Either way, you’re not racing a closing time that cuts the night short.
How do you book a table at Daoud Cafe?
Reservations aren’t mandatory, but they’re strongly recommended, especially on evenings and weekends when the terrace fills up. You can book directly through the reservation page, or reach the team by phone or email, as listed on the contact page, if you’re planning a larger group or a private event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for shisha at Daoud Cafe?
Reservations aren’t mandatory, but booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly during evenings and weekends when the Business Bay terrace gets busy. Booking through the reservation page secures your preferred spot for the view and the shisha session.
What cuisine does Daoud Cafe serve besides shisha?
Daoud Cafe serves Levantine and Iraqi-inspired cuisine, crafted with premium ingredients and presented with a modern, luxurious touch. The menu spans mezze, grills, pasta, pizza, sushi, and dessert, so a shisha session can easily turn into a full dinner.
What time does Daoud Cafe close?
Daoud Cafe is open every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, from 8am until 2am. That late close makes it a realistic option for an after-dinner shisha session rather than a rushed early-evening visit.
Can I book Daoud Cafe for a group or private event?
Yes. Daoud Cafe welcomes private gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events, and the team can help arrange a dining and shisha setup tailored to the occasion.
If Business Bay’s version of a Burj Khalifa night out sounds right for you, the easiest way in is through the reservation page — pick your evening, bring the group, and let the Suspended Garden and the skyline do the rest.
