--- title: "Restaurant & Café Umbrellas In Dubai | A Buyer's Guide For 2026" description: "Which umbrellas suit restaurant and café terraces in Dubai? Cantilever, centre pole and giant umbrellas from Glatz compared, with sizes, lead times and branding." url: https://theshadingcompany.ae/restaurant-umbrellas-dubai-buyers-guide/ --- # Restaurant and café umbrellas in Dubai: a buyer's guide 13 October 2026 ![Fortino Riviera umbrellas on the Como Lounge café terrace in Dubai](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Como-Lounge-Fortino-umbrellass.jpeg) The outdoor season in the UAE runs from October to April, and for most restaurants and cafés the terrace is where the busiest tables are. The right umbrellas keep guests comfortable from lunch to late evening, stand up to the wind, and carry your brand. This guide covers what we recommend for restaurant and café terraces in Dubai, based on the jobs we have done for hotels, restaurants and cafés across the UAE. ## Cantilever umbrellas: the most popular choice For restaurants, **cantilever umbrellas** are the most popular choice. The pole sits to the side of the canopy, so the tables underneath are free: no pole in the middle of the table, and you can move furniture without moving the umbrella. - **[Glatz Fortano](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/fortano-cantilever-umbrella/) ** (300x300 or 400x300 cm) is our go-to restaurant cantilever. It is strong, simple to open and close, and works on almost any terrace. - **[Glatz Fortano Duo](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/fortano-duo-umbrella/) ** puts two Fortano canopies on one pole, covering 600x300 cm from a single 240 kg base. It is ideal along a row of tables or the front of a terrace. We installed Fortano umbrellas at [Raffles The Palm](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortano-umbrellas-installed-at-raffles-the-palm/) and the [Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortano-umbrellas-installed-at-grand-hyatt-abu-dhabi/) , and cantilever umbrellas at [Marriott The Palm](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/umbrellas-installed-at-marriott-the-palm/) . [![Fortano cantilever umbrellas on a hotel terrace at Raffles The Palm](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1000043914.jpg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortano-umbrellas-installed-at-raffles-the-palm/) ### When the sun comes in low Morning and late afternoon sun comes in at a low angle, and a flat canopy no longer shades the tables. For west-facing terraces, or anywhere guests sit late in the afternoon, choose an umbrella that **tilts**: - **[Glatz Sombrano S+](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/sombrano-s-umbrella/) ** rotates 360 degrees and tilts to the side, in sizes from 300x300 to 400x300 cm. See it at the [Arboretum restaurant](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/arboretum-restaurant/) and with a branded red canopy at [Filful](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/filful-restaurant-umbrella/) . - **[Glatz Varioflex](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/varioflex-cantilever-umbrella/) ** (300x300 cm) tilts both back and to the side and rotates 360 degrees. The **[Varioflex Solar LED](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/varioflex-solar-led/) ** adds solar-powered lights for the evening. See a Varioflex at a [café in Dubai Hills Park](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/varioflex-umbrella-installed-in-dubai-hills-park/) . ## Centre pole umbrellas: cafés and budget-friendly terraces Centre pole umbrellas take less space and cost less, which makes them a good fit for cafés, pavements and smaller terraces. | Model | Sizes | Best for | | --- | --- | --- | | [Fortino Riviera](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/fortino-riviera-umbrella/) | 200x200 cm, Ø300 cm | Cafés and small tables | | [Fortero](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/fortero-umbrella/) | 300x300, 350x350 cm | Larger restaurant terraces | | [Fortello](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/fortello-umbrella/) | 400x400 cm, Ø400 cm | The largest; withstands wind up to 100 km/h | | [Fortello LED](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/fortello-led-umbrella/) | 400x400 cm | Dimmable LED lighting for up to 10 hours, battery powered | | [Gastrofit](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/gastrofit-umbrella/) | 350x350, 400x400 cm | Large terraces on a tighter budget | The Fortino is one of our most installed café umbrellas, at [One Coffee](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortino-umbrella-installed-at-one-coffee/) , [Como Lounge](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortino-umbrellas-installed-at-como-lounge/) and [Blue Marlin](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/blue-marlin-fortino-umbrellas/) . Fortello LED umbrellas lit the terrace of the [Canada Pavilion at Expo 2020](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/canada-pavilion-expo-umbrellas/) , and a Fortero with a printed logo shades the [Icons](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/icons-fortero-umbrella/) terrace. ## Giant umbrellas for large terraces For a large terrace, one giant umbrella can cover several tables with no poles in between. Glatz giant umbrellas are custom ordered from Switzerland, so allow **at least 12 weeks**: - **[Palazzo Noblesse](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/palazzo-noblesse/) ** (up to 600x600 cm), opens with a crank or motor and withstands wind up to 95 km/h. - **[Palazzo Royal](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/palazzo-royal-umbrella/) ** and **[Palazzo Style](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/palazzo-style-umbrella/) **, with a motor option and a shut height that leaves the tables undisturbed. - **[Castello Pro](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/castello-umbrella/) **, with optional LED lighting and floor mounting, and wind stability up to 100 km/h. If you can't wait 12 weeks, the **[Llaza Duox](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/duox-butterfly-awning/) ** is a quicker alternative for a large area. It is a freestanding shade with a central roller that opens out on both sides at once, covering up to 6 x 6 m (36 m²) without fixing to a wall. See a [600x600 cm Duox on a terrace in Dubai](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/duox-butterfly-awning-installed-in-dubai/) . See our [giant umbrellas](https://theshadingcompany.ae/umbrellas/giant-umbrellas/) and why [giant umbrellas suit restaurants](https://theshadingcompany.ae/giant-umbrellas-for-restaurants-cafe-shading/) . ## Make them yours: logos and flaps Umbrellas are one of the most visible parts of a terrace. We print your logo on the canopy or on the flap (flounce), using silk-screen printing for a long-lasting finish or digital printing for detailed artwork. See [canopy branding](https://theshadingcompany.ae/canopy-branding/) , the branded red canopies at [Filful](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/filful-restaurant-umbrella/) and a custom [double flap on a Sombrano](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/sombrano-umbrella-with-custom-made-double-flap/) . ### Macramé flaps Macramé is one of the most popular looks for restaurant umbrellas in Dubai. Handmade macramé flaps with tassels hang around the edge of the canopy and give a terrace a relaxed, boho feel, and they work on cantilever umbrellas such as the Sombrano S+. We made them for the [Arboretum restaurant](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/arboretum-restaurant/) and for a [boho restaurant](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/umbrella-with-macrame-flaps-for-boho-restaurant/) . [![Sombrano S+ umbrella with macramé flaps outside a boho restaurant](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Macrame-Tassles-on-Sombrano-S-umbrella.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/umbrella-with-macrame-flaps-for-boho-restaurant/) [![Macramé umbrellas on the Arboretum restaurant terrace](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Arboretum-Restaurant-sombrano-umbrellas.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/arboretum-restaurant/) ## Bases: on wheels or fixed The base keeps the umbrella safe in the wind, and on a restaurant terrace it also decides how easily the staff can move things around. - **Moveable bases on wheels.** Cantilever umbrellas can come with a base on wheels, so you can move them between tables, or out of the way for cleaning and events. The [steel moveable base](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/steel-moveable-umbrella-base/) with concrete tiles and casters fits the Sombrano, Sunflex and Varioflex; the [moveable umbrella base](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/moveable-umbrella-base/) is a 120 kg steel plate on four locking wheels; and the [120 kg granite base](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/120kg-granite-base-with-4-caster-wheels/) has four caster wheels. - **Granite bases** from [60 kg](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/granite-base-60kg/) to [90 kg](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/90kg-granite-round-base/) for centre pole umbrellas, heavier for larger sizes and windy spots. - **The [M4 base](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/m4-umbrella-base/) ** can be set up with different weights for both cantilever and centre pole umbrellas. - **A [mounting plate](https://theshadingcompany.ae/product/mounting-plate/) ** fixes the umbrella to a concrete floor. It can't be moved, but it is the most secure option for rooftops and waterfront terraces, and it leaves no base on the floor. See all [umbrella bases and accessories](https://theshadingcompany.ae/umbrellas/umbrella-accessories/) . ## Wind and closing at night Close umbrellas when the wind picks up and at the end of service: most of the wind damage we see is to umbrellas left open. Read [what the Shamal is and when to close your shade](https://theshadingcompany.ae/what-is-the-shamal-wind-and-when-should-i-close-my-shade/) . ## Order before the season Umbrellas in stock are usually delivered within **2 to 5 working days**, and made-to-order sizes and colours take **3 to 5 weeks**. Giant Glatz umbrellas take **12 weeks or more**. Most restaurants want their terrace ready for October, so the best time to order is in the summer. See [delivery and installation](https://theshadingcompany.ae/do-you-deliver-and-install-across-the-uae/) . Every Glatz umbrella comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, and we handle service and spare parts in the UAE. See [warranty](https://theshadingcompany.ae/what-warranty-do-you-give-on-umbrellas-and-awnings/) . ## Our restaurant and café umbrella projects Some of the terraces we have shaded across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Click a photo to see the project. [![Fortano umbrellas at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1000014228.jpg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortano-umbrellas-installed-at-grand-hyatt-abu-dhabi/) [![Cantilever umbrellas at Marriott The Palm](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Marriott-Cantilever-umbrellas.jpg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/umbrellas-installed-at-marriott-the-palm/) [![Glatz Fortino umbrellas at Como Lounge in Dubai](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Como-lounge-glatz-Fortino.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/fortino-umbrellas-installed-at-como-lounge/) [![Umbrellas on the Ce La Vi restaurant terrace](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ce-La-Vi-restaurant-umbrellas.jpg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/ce-la-vi-restaurant-umbrellas/) [![Fortello LED umbrellas at the Canada Pavilion, Expo 2020](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Canada-Pavilion-Fortello-umbrellas-with-LED-scaled-1-scaled.jpg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/canada-pavilion-expo-umbrellas/) [![Piazzino umbrellas at Brunch and Cake, Montgomery Golf Club](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WhatsApp-Image-2025-03-28-at-7.04.53-PM.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/piazzino-umbrella-installation-at-brunch-cake-montgomery-golf-club-dubai/) [![Llaza Duox freestanding shade covering 600x600 cm of terrace in Dubai](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Duox-butterfly-awning-installed-in-Dubai-600x600cm.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/duox-butterfly-awning-installed-in-dubai/) [![Swift umbrellas at a beach club](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Club-umbrellas-.jpg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/swift-umbrellas-installed-at-a-beach-club/) [![Ladurée branded Sombrano S umbrellas](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/La-Duree-Branded-Sombrano-S-umbrellas.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/la-duree-branded-umbrellas/) [![Five Guys umbrellas with branded canopies](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-08-at-14.26.53-1.jpeg)](https://theshadingcompany.ae/projects/five-guys-umbrellas-with-canopies/) See more on our [projects page](https://theshadingcompany.ae/shading-projects/) . ## Frequently asked questions **What is the best umbrella for a restaurant terrace in Dubai?** Cantilever umbrellas are the most popular, because the pole sits to the side and leaves the tables free. The Glatz Fortano, or the double Fortano Duo, works well for most terraces. Where the sun comes in low, choose a tilting model such as the Sombrano S+ or Varioflex. For cafés and tighter spaces, centre pole umbrellas such as the Fortino, Fortero and Fortello are a good fit. **How long do restaurant umbrellas take to arrive?** Umbrellas in stock are usually delivered within 2 to 5 working days, and made-to-order sizes and colours take 3 to 5 weeks. Giant Glatz umbrellas such as the Palazzo and Castello are custom-ordered and take at least 12 weeks, so order them well before the season. **Can you print our restaurant logo on the umbrellas?** Yes. We print logos on the canopy or on the flap (flounce), using silk-screen printing for a long-lasting finish or digital printing for detailed artwork. ## Plan your terrace with us Send us a photo or plan of your terrace, the number of tables and which way it faces, and we will suggest the right umbrellas with prices. Visit our showrooms in Al Quoz, Dubai or Mussafah, Abu Dhabi to see the models, or [send us an enquiry](https://theshadingcompany.ae/contactus/#enquiry) . See all our [commercial umbrellas](https://theshadingcompany.ae/umbrellas/commercial-umbrellas/) . ## More articles ![Storbox Awning above a window](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Storbox-awning-meadows-dubai.jpeg) ### Keeping Your Home Cool This Summer with the Right Shading [Open page](https://theshadingcompany.ae/keeping-your-home-cool-this-summer-with-the-right-shading/) ![Awnings that Last in the UAE Climate](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Awnings-that-last-in-the-UAE.jpeg) ### Why Cheap Outdoor Shading in the UAE Costs More in the Long Run [Open page](https://theshadingcompany.ae/why-cheap-outdoor-shading-in-the-uae-costs-more-in-the-long-run/) ![Sierra Bioclimatic pergola](https://theshadingcompany.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sierra-Bioclimatic-pergola-wall-mounted-in-meadows-dubai.png) [### Pergola for Garden in UAE – 3 Great Design Ideas](https://theshadingcompany.ae/pergola-for-garden-in-uae/) ## Get a quote for your project Tell us about your space and we'll recommend the right shade, with a price and installation date. [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/97143797844?text=Hello%2C%20I%27m%20interested%20in%20your%20project%20(ref%3A%20%2Frestaurant-umbrellas-dubai-buyers-guide%2F)) [Call 04 379 7844](tel:+97143797844) [Send an enquiry](https://theshadingcompany.ae/contactus/#enquiry)