Tea, coffee and everybody

Much of Europe's charm is epitomised in its sidewalks dotted with alfresco cafes.

In the UAE, we have a slightly different cafe culture, but one infused with a unique brand of enjoyment.

While café-lined sidewalks in the UAE might not be a perennial draw due to the extremely hot summer time temperatures, cafés in shopping malls, hotels, entertainment complexes and standalone stores are teeming social hubs.

A café's beverage blends are as diverse as its clientele.

From office-goers scheduling meetings to friends hanging out to booklovers catching up on a spot of solitude as well as some reading, cafes here offer an unbeatable combination of a meeting place, a library corner or a contemplative arena.

Conrad, who is in charge of a popular café in Dubai, says, "Reading a newspaper while enjoying a well-brewed cup of coffee tops the list of café activities."

Cultural and traditional barriers have been done away with thanks to the burgeoning café culture.

"It is now an integral part of our lifestyle," reasons Vikas Sandhir, operations manager, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Dubai.

A cup of coffee is so much more enjoyable in a relaxed setting. "[It] comes with a wholesome experience, which includes ambience, décor and service."