Famed for its winter sunshine, the UAE also boasts some amazing sunsets and a new pop-up location in Sharjah's Al Faya Desert might be the coolest place to watch them this season.
Not a Space is a unique pop-up desert hangout where visitors are welcome to view some of the best sunsets in town.
About an hour from Dubai, the campsite-like space is open daily for visitors keen on sunset or sunrise viewing, stargazing or just enjoying a coffee surrounded by mountain views. The concept is based around a food truck-style cafe and a circular stage, and no bookings are needed to visit.
Bean bags, picnic tables and plastic chairs are dotted around the desert terrain that has been billed as a community space, designed to foster connection and happy vibes. After dark, solar-powered globe lamps light up the campsite and there are amazing stargazing opportunities to be had.
The Not a Space cafe serves a selection of Instagram-worthy drinks, desserts and light bites, including sandwiches, croissants, hot dogs and burgers. Visitors can pre-order before arriving so it's ready when they get there.
As well as catching epic sunsets and sunrises, there are also desert activities scheduled to take place over the next few weeks.
Mountainside cycling
On Saturday, , Lit cycle studio will run an outdoor cycling session at Not a Space. Inclusive of a workout, complimentary drink and views of that never-ending desertscape, sessions will cost Dh250. They will take place at 5.30pm and 8.30pm. There's also a ladies-only session at 4pm.
One day earlier, on Friday, the desert site will host a Chinese lantern festival. This sunset experience includes tai chi, flying lanterns and a hot pot dinner, and runs from 5.45pm until 8.30pm.
On Saturday, early risers can enjoy the sunrise experience, which will include Qi meditation, floating lanterns and breakfast. The two-hour event starts at 5.30am and more information, booking details and prices are available on Not a Space's Instagram account.
Where is Not a Space?
Located near Mysk Al Faya Retreat, the desert camp is easily reached by car. Simply type "Not a Space Al Faya" into Google Maps and you'll get accurate directions.
Road access is available all the way, so there's no need for a 4x4 and there's plenty of parking on site.
The pop-up space will be operational until March. If you miss out, Not a Space also has a year-round location in Sharjah's Muweilah, where there's a community area, barbershop, salon and cafe.
Not a Space Al Faya is open every day from 6am until 2am, until March; free entry; Not a Space Al Faya, Al Batayeh, Al Faya Road, Sharjah; linktr.ee/Notaspace
