A once-abandoned corner of the city now buzzes with life, thanks to a bold vision and a perfect roast.
In the heart of Al Quoz, where warehouses once stood silent and streets echoed with emptiness, a small café has sparked a quiet revolution. “The Roastery,” opened just 18 months ago by Emirati entrepreneur Layla Al Mansoori, has become more than a place for coffee—it’s a hub for connection, creativity, and community revival.
“I wanted to create a space where people felt seen,” Layla says, pouring a single-origin Ethiopian brew with practiced grace. “We’re not just serving coffee. We’re serving hope.”
The café’s impact is tangible. Local artists now display their work on the walls. Freelancers and students fill the tables. Weekend poetry nights draw crowds from across Dubai. Even nearby businesses have seen a boost in foot traffic, crediting The Roastery for breathing life into the area.
Layla’s journey wasn’t easy. With no formal business training and limited funding, she relied on grit, mentorship, and a deep belief in her mission. “I had to learn everything—from bean sourcing to bookkeeping,” she laughs. “But every challenge made the vision clearer.”
Her commitment to sustainability also sets the café apart. Cups are compostable, beans are ethically sourced, and profits partially fund local youth programs. “We’re building something that lasts,” Layla says. “Not just for today, but for generations.”
