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 share a love for vintage automobiles, quality coffee, and authentic pizza, Abu Dhabi has unveiled an extraordinary destination where all three passions converge. DRVN Coffee stands as more than just a beverage establishment; it operates as both a café and a living museum for classic vehicles. This innovative concept creates a welcoming environment where automotive enthusiasts can enjoy their morning latte while admiring some of the most exceptional automobiles ever manufactured. The vision behind this venture belongs to Rashed Al Fahim, who established DRVN in 2019 with the intention of merging his three greatest interests into one cohesive experience.
What began as a personal passion project has evolved into a public gallery showcasing vehicles from his father’s extensive collection. Today, Rashed oversees approximately one hundred automobiles, though his journey to this position of authority was not without its challenges. As a child, he received strict instructions never to touch any of the vintage vehicles that comprised his father’s treasured assortment. Rather than simply obeying, young Rashed decided to take matters into his own hands. He secretly drove his father’s prized 1964 Jaguar E-Type to a local garage, where the restoration process would eventually span seven years. When his father discovered the missing vehicle, the damage was already being repaired, setting the stage for a relationship defined by gentle rebellion and eventual understanding.
From Aviation to Automotive
Before dedicating himself fully to the automotive world, Rashed served as a commercial pilot for Emirates Airlines. The seed for DRVN was planted during a lengthy flight traveling from Dubai to Manila, where he sketched out his business concept. The timing proved serendipitous, as the inaugural location opened near Al Bateen Executive Airport, maintaining a connection to his aviation roots. Since that initial launch, two additional venues have emerged—one within Abu Dhabi and another situated near the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
This career transition feels almost destined given his family’s deep involvement in the automotive industry. His grandfather, Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, established an auto-repair business in 1958 that has since grown into the ALFAHIM Group. This family enterprise encompasses diverse sectors including real estate development, energy production, and travel services. Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim currently directs the conglomerate, and his enthusiasm for vintage automobiles clearly influenced his son’s trajectory.
“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.”
The philosophy behind DRVN extends beyond mere vehicle display. The establishment hosts various community events including car gatherings, Formula One viewing sessions, and even Pilates classes. A fundamental rule governs the collection: any automobile available for purchase through standard dealership channels will not appear in the showroom. This commitment to exclusivity has attracted remarkable vehicles, including a race-modified Mercedes-Benz 300 SL bearing Brad Pitt’s autograph and a Mercedes 600 Pullman that transported Queen Elizabeth II during her 1979 visit to Abu Dhabi.
The Dubai location, which opened in collaboration with Porsche in 2022, once displayed nearly $400 million worth of the German manufacturer’s history, including their inaugural model. Looking ahead, Rashed envisions significant international growth for the brand, recognizing that automotive passion transcends regional boundaries.
“Every car that’s built, it’s a form of art,” he explained. “These engineering marvels are what built humankind, and it will continue to be like that.”
Through DRVN Coffee, Rashed has successfully transformed personal heritage into a shared cultural experience, creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect with automotive history while enjoying quality refreshments in an atmosphere surrounded by mechanical beauty.
