Mariam Tareq Alsaiqal, a 21-year-old Emirati, has opened Daan Coffee in Abu Dhabi alongside her three siblings, a café that blends traditional Emirati hospitality with contemporary café culture. The name "Daan" refers to the dried palm leaves once used to build traditional Emirati homes.
The café's atmosphere is shaped by the scent of bukhoor and oud, portraits of UAE leaders, and traditional design touches throughout the space. Its menu features authentic Emirati coffee, karak and specialty teas, aseeda (a traditional dish made from dates and flour), honeycomb bread with a croissant twist, and date-infused drinks such as date cloud matcha and date latte, alongside a saffron dirty espresso.
Speaking about her vision for the café, Mariam Tareq Alsaiqal said: "Emirati hospitality to me is generosity and the art of sharing. In our culture, it's very important to welcome a guest with Emirati coffee."
Founded by a young local entrepreneur with a modern take on Emirati heritage, Daan Coffee has quickly become a popular destination in Abu Dhabi for those interested in traditional Emirati culture and cuisine, reflecting a wider trend of the UAE's younger generation reinterpreting heritage for today's audience.