Coffee, DJs, and unexpected locations: DSS Gahwa beats pop-ups are taking over Dubai weekends

Running from July 26 to August 23, Gahwa Beats will take place across five Saturdays, featuring homegrown coffee brand DRVN Coffee and a line-up of UAE-based DJs. The events will be hosted in unexpected locations from art spaces and observatories to cinemas, ice rinks, and even a dive pool.

The series is part of the wider DSS 2025 programme, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). It runs alongside two major retail campaigns - Great Dubai Summer Sale (18 July to 10 August) and Back to School (11 to 31 August), designed to encourage footfall and offer more than just shopping deals.

Here's where and when Gahwa Beats will pop up:

• July 26: The first event kicks off at TODA Theatre in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Known for its 360-degree digital art displays, the venue will host DJ Akmaral in a multisensory setting combining art, music, and coffee.

• August 2: At Sky Views Observatory, attendees can catch DJ Whiteboy spinning tracks 220 metres above ground from 10am to 2pm. Tickets are AED 80.

• August 9: ROXY Cinemas’ Platinum Lounge at The Beach, JBR, will transform into a coffee-and-music lounge with DJ Swannahh performing. Entry is free with online registration, but is limited to those aged 18 and above. Seating is first-come, first-served.

• August 16: Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall hosts the next edition with DJ Whiteboy. Guests can skate while listening to live music. Tickets are AED 120, valid from 10am to 3:15pm.

• August 23: The final event will take place at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Details and ticket prices for this edition will be announced soon.

The Gahwa Beats series is part of DSS’s effort to offer more interactive and locally inspired experiences. While coffee and music are the core focus, each pop-up aims to offer something distinct in setting and energy - encouraging people to discover new spaces and engage with Dubai’s creative scene.