This Abu Dhabi classic car café is a petrolhead’s paradise
A Unique Oasis for Automotive Enthusiasts in the UAE
This Abu Dhabi classic car café – For those who appreciate vintage automobiles, quality coffee, and authentic pizza, Abu Dhabi has unveiled an extraordinary destination that brings all three elements together under one roof. DRVN Coffee operates as both a welcoming café and an impressive vintage automobile exhibition space, creating an inviting environment where visitors can enjoy their beverages and meals while admiring some of the most exceptional vehicles from around the globe. The establishment represents the vision of Rashed Al Fahim, who introduced DRVN to the public in 2019 with the goal of merging his three greatest interests and offering a communal area to showcase portions of his father’s remarkable automobile collection.
From Rebellion to Restoration
While Rashed now oversees a collection containing over one hundred vehicles, his journey to this position of authority began with a spirited act of independence. As a child, he was strictly instructed not to touch any of the vintage automobiles that comprised his father’s treasured assortment. Rather than simply obeying, Rashed decided to take action by borrowing his father’s 1964 Jaguar E-Type for an unscheduled drive. By the time his father discovered the vehicle was gone, Rashed had already transported it to a workshop, where the iconic British automobile was being dismantled for a comprehensive restoration that would span seven years.
“Ever since, it’s been this cat and mouse game,” Al Fahim told CNN. “I try to touch one of his cars, change one of his cars. He yells at me but then ends up being proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Today, Rashed manages the family collection without needing to sneak around, though his father’s occasional disapproval remains part of their ongoing relationship. This dynamic has shaped Rashed’s approach to preserving automotive heritage while allowing room for personal expression.
A Journey from the Skies to the Road
Before establishing DRVN, Rashed worked as a commercial pilot for Emirates Airlines. The seeds of his entrepreneurial venture were planted during a lengthy flight traveling from Dubai to Manila, where he sketched out the initial business plan. The timing proved serendipitous, as the inaugural DRVN location opened near Al Bateen Executive Airport, placing it in close proximity to his former workplace. Since that first opening, two additional locations have been established—one within Abu Dhabi and another in Dubai, situated near the Palm Jumeirah, the distinctive artificial island chain.
Rashed’s connection to the automotive world runs deep through his family lineage. In 1958, his grandfather Abdul Jalil Al Fahim founded an automobile repair business that has since evolved into ALFAHIM Group, a diversified family enterprise with operations in real estate, energy, and travel sectors. Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim currently directs the group, and his enthusiasm for classic vehicles influenced Rashed from his earliest years.
“We’d arrive at school and all the other kids are gathered around this classic car and parents are looking,” Al Fahim recalled of his childhood. “I wanted to share that passion that so many other people share, but turn it into an experience that not only car lovers could enjoy, but (also) those who know nothing about cars. It’s just being surrounded by this automotive culture.”
More Than Just a Café
DRVN has evolved into a multifaceted community hub that hosts various events beyond its primary function. Car enthusiasts regularly gather for vehicle meetups, while Formula One race screenings and Pilates sessions add variety to the programming. The café operates under a single guiding principle: vehicles that remain available for purchase through standard retail channels will not appear in the exhibition space. This commitment to exclusivity has attracted remarkable automobiles, including a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL converted for racing that bears Brad Pitt’s autograph, and a Mercedes 600 Pullman that transported Queen Elizabeth II during her official visit to Abu Dhabi in 1979.
The Dubai location, which opened in 2022 through a collaboration with Porsche, once displayed nearly $400 million worth of Porsche history, including the brand’s inaugural model. Looking ahead, Rashed envisions significant growth for DRVN beyond the Middle Eastern market, driven by his belief that automobiles represent both engineering achievement and artistic expression.
“Every car that’s built, it’s a form of art,” he said. “These engineering marvels are what built humankind, and it will continue to be like that.”
