The best board game cafes in Dubai charge between nothing and AED 45 a head, and the good ones have libraries in the hundreds rather than a shelf of Monopoly. These are the 17 I know of, grouped by whether gaming is the whole point or just a nice extra.
This is my living list of board game cafes in Dubai, updated as places open and close — this category churns fast, so call ahead if you are making a special trip. One entry is in Sharjah and marked as such.
Looking for a board game cafe near you? Jump to your area:
Downtown · The Greens · Hessa Street & Zabeel · JVC · Al Mamzar · Jumeirah · JLT · Silicon Oasis · Palm Jumeirah · Sharjah
Dedicated board game cafes in Dubai
Proper game libraries, play fees, and staff who will teach you the rules. The core of the board game cafes in Dubai scene.
The Six — Burj Vista, Downtown
The best known of the lot. Around AED 45 per person for unlimited play, a big modern library, and staff who will actually explain a game rather than hand you a rulebook.
Hive Board Game Cafe — Onyx Tower, The Greens
Confirmed open and still one of the most reliable. Good range from gateway games to heavier euros.
Unwind Cafe — Hessa Street & Zabeel
Two branches now. Student rates around AED 24 for two hours with valid ID, which makes it the cheapest proper option. Named a WhatsOn Favourite Cafe in 2024.
Dice Board Game Cafe — Circle Mall, JVC
Confirmed open. Solid library and easier to get a table than the Downtown spots.
Kefi Books, Board Games & Cafe — Al Mamzar
The newest one worth knowing. AED 35 per person for four hours at weekends, free for students with an AED 15 minimum spend. Around 200 games and 7,000 books, plus specialty coffee and co-working space.
Back to Games Cafe — Town Centre, Jumeirah
Cosy room with a wide selection running from classic to modern. Snacks and drinks to keep you going.
Charade
Long-running spot with a good spread of games. Call ahead — status worth confirming.
Geeky Lizard Cafe
Geek-culture leaning, with games alongside the comics and collectibles.
Cafes with a serious game shelf
Not gaming venues, but the library is real and there is usually no play fee.
Public Cafe — JLT
A quaint little spot tucked away in JLT. Board games and coffee, no ceremony.
The Hub Cafe — Dubai Silicon Oasis
Games suitable for all ages, plus a proper food and drink menu. Good for family groups.
Tea Junction
Tea-led rather than coffee-led, with games to go alongside.
The Hungry Monkey Dubai
Food first, games second, but the shelf is better than most cafes bother with.
The Workshop — Jumeirah 2
A two-storey villa that is part cafe, part art gallery, part design studio, with board games throughout. The most atmospheric room on this list.
The Geek House Cafe — JLT
Geek and comic culture with board games, plus weekly game and quiz nights if you want to meet people.
Game On Off — Nadd Al Hamar
A newer arrival with games and a cafe menu. Worth a look if you are out that way.
Games plus something else
For when board games are one part of the outing.
Game Over Escape Rooms & Board Game Cafe — Palm Jumeirah Mall
Free board game play with a food or drink order, plus themed escape rooms booked separately. Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland rooms among them.
Racks Cafe — Sharjah
Worth the drive if you are already north. Comfortable room, good selection. Note this one is in Sharjah, not Dubai.
Questions people ask
What is the best board game cafe in Dubai?
The Six in Downtown is the most complete experience — biggest library, best staff. Kefi in Al Mamzar is the best value at AED 35 for four hours, and Unwind is cheapest for students.
How much do board game cafes in Dubai cost?
Between free and AED 45. The Six is around AED 45 per person for unlimited play, Kefi AED 35 for four hours, Unwind around AED 24 for two hours with a student ID. Several cafes charge nothing if you order food.
Do board game cafes in Dubai teach you the games?
The dedicated ones do. The Six, Hive and Kefi all have staff who will sit down and run you through the rules, which matters if you are new to modern board games.
Are board game cafes good for groups?
Yes, but book ahead for anything over four people at weekends. The Six and Kefi both fill up, and Game Over works well if half your group would rather do an escape room.
Looking for more? See my cheap date night ideas in Dubai and 24-hour things to do in Dubai guides. For current city events, Visit Dubai keeps a live listing.
