Daily Press

Daily Press, located along the vibrant promenade of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, was conceived as more than a café. Designed as a modern gathering place, it reflects the island’s urban energy while offering a refined and curated destination for coffee, culture, and connection.

The design takes cues from modernist public spaces of the 1960s and 70s, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Bold geometric grids and elemental materials such as steel, stone, wood, and glass, form the foundation of the café’s architecture, shaping a space that feels both striking and approachable.

At the center, a cantilevered stone island bar anchors the interior, acting as a sculptural core around which the café’s energy flows. Behind it, a brushed steel wall leans dramatically, juxtaposed against the handmade irregularity of zellige tile and the natural drama of veined marble. Around the perimeter, mirrored retail walls and angled alcoves showcase curated objects, adding depth and rhythm.

The design extends outward by drawing from the site itself. The existing suspended coffered canopy became the starting point for the spatial grid, continuing seamlessly across quarry-tiled floors and textured backdrops to establish a dialogue between exterior and interior. Architectural lighting by Fabraca Studios and decorative lighting by Mario Tsai further enhance this dialogue, emphasizing material contrast and creating an atmosphere that evolves from day to night.

Daily Press is structured into three distinct seating zones, offering versatility in how the café is experienced. A communal table and lounge seating foster collaboration and group work. Dining tables energize the space around the bar, while a quieter retreat with sofas, art, and a record player invites guests to linger longer.

Every detail was designed to balance boldness with warmth. The result is a sensory environment that merges material expression with social purpose, creating a café that is at once iconic and personal. Daily Press sets a new benchmark for café culture in Abu Dhabi, an immersive destination where design, lifestyle, and community converge.