The Reformatory Lab: Arada Opens Comic-Themed Flagship Coffee Lab in Jumeirah

By Jenny Susan / January 7, 2026

Dubai, UAE: The Jumeirah district has welcomed the opening of The Reformatory Lab. Located on Umm Al Sheif Street, just minutes from the iconic Jumeirah Beach, this 90-seat flagship marks a significant expansion for the brand, which first made waves in Sydney before launching in the UAE in early 2025.

The space is a celebration of “the science, the story, and the soul” of coffee, housed within an environment that balances experimental brewing with a playful, creative visual identity.

From Colombia to Dubai: A Heritage of Excellence

At the helm of The Reformatory Lab is Simon Jaramillo, a fourth-generation Colombian coffee grower. This deep-rooted expertise is evident in every cup, as the brand sources highly graded beans from the world’s most renowned coffee regions, including Colombia, Ethiopia, Panama, and Java .

The Lab is particularly known for its meticulous approach to processing; their signature house blends often combine up to five different processing methods to achieve complex, unique flavour profiles.

“This new space lets us take everything we love about coffee and deliver it in a setting that matches our personality,” says Jaramillo. “It’s bold, it’s creative, and it’s got a whole lot of heart. Jumeirah’s energy is a perfect fit.”

A Growing Presence in the UAE

The opening of the Jumeirah flagship follows the successful debut of the brand’s first UAE location at the W Residences at Dubai Harbour, marking a significant step for Arada, which acquired a majority stake in the brand in 2025. With ambitious plans to expand the footprint across the Emirates, Arada intends to open 10 Reformatory Lab branches by the end of 2027. This growth builds on the brand’s established wholesale success from its roastery in Botany, Sydney, where it continues to supply high-quality beans to top-tier hospitality businesses worldwide.

In addition to its global reach, the new Jumeirah outlet on Umm Al Sheif Street prioritizes the local experience with a menu that features single-origin coffees alongside a daily selection of artisanal pastries baked fresh on-site. Guests can visit this new flagship daily, as it operates from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Monday through Thursday, with extended weekend hours from 8:00 am to 12:00 am Friday through Sunday.

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