Affordable shisha
Several reviews describe the shisha as good or very nice while keeping prices low.
Qeshta Shisha Cafe
Dubai Academic City
Qeshta Shisha Cafe is a small, relaxed hookah spot in Dubai Academic City, known for affordable shisha and a quiet setting. You can bring food from nearby restaurants, order drinks there, and use the PlayStation 5 if gaming is your thing.
Reputation Score
3.5
★★★★☆
145 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Quiet setting
It suits visitors looking for a calmer place to smoke and unwind rather than a crowded cafe.
Outside food
You can bring food from nearby restaurants and eat at the cafe, including delivery to your table.
Comfortable seating
Reviews mention comfy seats, including sofas that were replaced and described as very comfortable.
Entertainment
The cafe has a PlayStation 5, while other reviews mention a projector, cable TV and sports broadcasts.
Free Wi-Fi
One review reports fast, free Wi-Fi, while another says free Wi-Fi was available above a minimum bill.
Friendly team
Multiple reviews describe the team as friendly and the service as decent, though other service experiences differ.
Tips for a Better Visit
Bring food. Bring or order food from nearby restaurants; reviews say outside food can be eaten inside and delivered to your table.
Check shisha. Because shisha feedback is sharply mixed, ask about the flavour and preparation before ordering.
Choose timing. For a quieter visit, try to avoid busy periods: one customer found the cafe too loud and full of college students.
Check Wi-Fi terms. Ask whether free Wi-Fi applies to your bill, as one review links it to a minimum spend.
Expect drinks only. Plan food separately and treat the cafe mainly as a shisha-and-drinks venue; one review says it only serves drinks.
Inspect facilities. If washroom condition matters to you, check it on arrival because a review specifically flagged cleaning and restoration needs.
Plan the visit
Practical details
4CGF+9QG - Al Manama St
Al Rowaiyah First - Academic City, Dubai
| Mon | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Pan Berry
Pan Berry was specifically ordered by a group of four and described as very smooth.
Watermelon Mint
Watermelon Mint was ordered alongside Pan Berry; the reviewer found the mint flavour strong, though friends enjoyed it.
Common Concerns
Mixed shisha
Shisha quality is inconsistent: some customers praise it, while others call it very bad or the worst they tried.
Service concerns
Reviews include complaints about rude behaviour, arguing over the lights and an undelivered juice.
Needs cleaning
A recent review says the cafe needs restoration and cleaning, especially in the washrooms.
No kitchen
The cafe has been described as a simple shisha place without food, so outside restaurants may be necessary.
Compact space
The venue is described as cool but compact, and one review found it too loud with many college students.
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The Bottom Line
Qeshta Shisha Cafe is a small, uncomplicated place in Dubai Academic City for shisha, drinks and a relaxed catch-up. Several customers describe the shisha as good and affordable, while others report very poor sessions, so quality appears uneven rather than reliably consistent. The quiet atmosphere is a draw when the cafe is not busy.
Food is not a dependable part of the offering. Reviews describe a drinks-only setup, but you can bring food from nearby restaurants; one customer said eateries deliver directly to the table. That makes the cafe workable for groups who want to combine shisha with outside food without moving on.
There are useful extras for a casual hangout: comfortable sofas, cable TV and a projector, sports broadcasts, fast Wi-Fi in one account, and a PlayStation 5. The space is compact, however, and one review found it loud and full of college students, so the atmosphere can vary by timing. Budget is a clear advantage, with shisha reported from 30-35 in one older review, though no currency was stated.
Service feedback ranges from friendly to openly rude, and a recent comment mentioned needed restoration and washroom cleaning. If you visit, bring or order food, check the shisha flavour, and inspect the facilities first.