Around the Block is set to launch an all-new concept this June at Nad Al Sheba Mall
Around the Block: known for reimagining casual dining with heart and creativity
Around the Block: known for reimagining casual dining with heart and creativity

Around the Block, the homegrown name behind some of Dubai’s most loved neighbourhood eatery, is bringing something new to the table this June – and it’s arriving with fire.

Always driven by the desire to create something new, Around the Block is back with an all-new experience that pushes boundaries once again. Opening soon at Nad Al Sheba Mall, the new venue will introduce a dual concept that seamlessly evolves throughout the day. From 7 AM until 2 PM, it’s Around the Block as guests know it best – a warm and welcoming space where specialty coffee, globally inspired breakfasts, and casual comfort come together under one roof. But as the afternoon sets in, something unexpected begins to unfold.

At 2 PM, the venue transforms into CHAR – a modern grill bar centred around flame, smoke, and soulful storytelling. Built on the mantra of “from roots to the grill,” CHAR is a brand-new concept that brings live-fire cooking to the heart of the dining experience, using grills that draw out deep, smoky flavours. Highlights include a smoked Baba Ganoush dip, rich with charred depth, and the signature Butter Shrimp – glazed, grilled, and unforgettable.

Around the block: True to its spirit of constant reinvention, the new venue will introduce a dynamic dual-concept experience
Around the block: True to its spirit of constant reinvention, the new venue will introduce a dynamic dual-concept experience

Beyond the menu, the duality of the concept is embedded in the very fabric of the venue. Designed in collaboration with Abdalla Almulla, founder of MULA and one of the UAE’s leading design voices, the interiors were created to evolve naturally with the rhythm of the day. By pairing organic materials like raw wood logs with industrial accents of steel and concrete, the space feels grounded, tactile, and real. Lighter tones define the openness of Around the Block, while deeper textures and warm lighting anchor the evening persona of CHAR. From seating flow to acoustics, every design detail was considered to guide this transformation – creating a space that’s not only functional, but emotionally resonant.

“CHAR is where we push boundaries. We’ve always been passionate about creating spaces that feel personal and considered. With CHAR, we’re channelling that into something a little more daring, a celebration of fire, flavour, and the kind of dishes that leave an impression.” said Ismail AlSharif, CEO and Founder of Around the Block investments.

The venue has been thoughtfully designed to shift in energy from day to night with lighter tones and textures carrying the freshness of the day, and deeper, richer tones setting a more dramatic tone at night. Mornings stay easy and familiar, with the team still creating the best specialty coffee and breakfast in town. As the day moves on, the atmosphere gradually changes – the lights dim, the pace slows, and the focus moves to the grill. Custom-built Perilla grill and Josper Oven sit at the heart of the kitchen, adding flavour, character, and a sense of craft to every dish. It’s a space that feels considered from start to finish – relaxed during the day, expressive at night, and always rooted in good food and genuine hospitality.

Located in the newly opened Nad Al Sheba Mall, this latest chapter marks a natural evolution for a brand known for staying ahead of the curve. Whether it’s specialty coffee in the early hours or charcoal-grilled comfort by the evening, guests are invited to experience a journey designed around time, community, and connection – one that speaks not just through flavour, but through feeling.