Unwind at Dubai's board game cafes

With more than 500 board games to pick from, you won't get bored. From Monopoly to Jenga, you'll find plenty of challenges to test your talents. That's why this cafe at The Onyx Towers in The Greens, which serves comforting favourites like pizza and wraps, has gathered such a following.

On a mission to ease people away from life's daily stressors and mundane routines, Dice is all about inventive board games, engaging puzzles and even the zen art of mandala colouring. Bring your crew to this community-focused space in JVC and choose among a selection of 1,000 games. You'll need to fuel those creative juices too – and Dice has you covered, with shareable appetisers, tempting burgers and pizzas, and delicious homemade shakes.

Delicious dishes from Korean spicy chicken wings to truffle mushroom pasta, plus desserts and coffee, are all available as you choose which of Unwind's 800-plus games to play next. This Al Barsha venue, the first of its kind in the country, gets rave reviews. Its more recent branch by Zabeel Park offers even more board games, e-games, a reading corner and a menu featuring speciality beverages. Take tips from Unwind's games masters to get an edge over your friends and family at this colourful cafe.

Take on the competition at this Downtown Dubai cafe that lets you play to your heart's content – there are more than 1,000 games in their catalogue – for a flat fee. Fuel your momentum with treats like the signature steak-topped poutine chips, plus sliders, sushi, burgers, shareable bites and more. An ideal place to stop after shopping or sightseeing at Dubai Mall nearby.