Robots are serving coffee at this Dubai beach café this weekend

Yango Group's delivery robots will serve coffee at Soil Café on Kite Beach from 8-10 May 2026, bringing autonomous service technology to Dubai's hospitality sector. According to Yango Group's announcement, the three-day demonstration runs daily from 3pm to 8pm, with the company's Yasmina AI assistant helping staff with drink recommendations and order management.

What do the Yango robots actually do?

The delivery robots handle drink delivery directly to customers whilst Yasmina manages routine staff interactions. According to Yango Group, the AI assistant can answer customer questions, recommend drinks based on preferences, and support order requests during busy periods.

The setup aims to reduce pressure on human staff during peak times, allowing them to focus on more complex customer interactions. This follows the broader trend of AI creating new job opportunities rather than simply replacing workers.

Yango's robots are designed for urban environments and can navigate sidewalks and pedestrian areas autonomously. They can carry multiple orders simultaneously and optimise delivery routes for high-density city settings.

Why is Dubai the testing ground?

Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, explains Dubai's appeal as a hub for technology testing. "Dubai is one of the most dynamic markets globally for testing new technologies, with high customer expectations and a strong appetite for innovation," he said.

The city's tech-forward approach creates an ideal environment for demonstrating how AI and robotics work in real service environments. Dubai residents' openness to innovation means businesses can test advanced solutions before rolling them out to other markets.

This aligns with other UAE automation initiatives, including Jacky's robot rental services that help businesses adopt robotics without major upfront costs.

Yango's broader robotics strategy

The Soil Café demonstration forms part of Yango Group's wider push into practical AI applications across mobility, logistics, and customer service. The company has already partnered with noon in the GCC to scale autonomous delivery services.

Yango's robots are currently deployed across urban environments for last-mile logistics and food delivery operations. The technology reflects growing demand for scalable service models in e-commerce and hospitality sectors, where efficiency matters.

The company's approach focuses on transforming global technologies into locally tailored services, aligning innovations with community needs rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.

What this means for UAE hospitality

The demonstration showcases practical applications for AI and robotics in the UAE's hospitality and retail sectors. According to Abdul Karim, the technology helps businesses "manage growing demand" whilst improving "speed and consistency" in service delivery.

The approach allows staff to focus on what matters most: "customer interaction and experience," rather than routine tasks that can be automated. This human-plus-machine model addresses labour shortages whilst maintaining the quality of personal service.

For café and restaurant owners, such technology could provide solutions during peak hours when staff are stretched thin, particularly in high-traffic locations like beach venues and shopping areas.

When and where to see the robots

The Yango Group robot demonstration runs from Thursday, 8 May to Saturday, 10 May 2026 at Soil Café on Kite Beach, Dubai. Service operates daily from 3pm to 8pm during the three-day trial.

The experience is free for café visitors, with robots delivering drinks as part of normal service. No special booking is required — the demonstration operates during regular café hours for walk-in customers.

Soil Café is located on Kite Beach, accessible by public transport, with nearby parking available. The venue typically serves coffee and light refreshments in a beachfront setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Yango Group robots doing in Dubai?

Yango Group robots will be serving coffee and assisting staff at Soil Café on Kite Beach, Dubai, from 8-10 May 2026, demonstrating the practical application of robotics in hospitality.

Where can I see Yango Group's AI assistant Yasmina?

Yasmina, Yango Group's AI assistant, will be helping staff at Soil Café in Dubai during the robot demonstration from 8-10 May 2026, 3-8pm daily.

What is the purpose of Yango Group's robot demonstration at Soil Café?

The demonstration aims to showcase how AI and robotics can improve efficiency, reduce staff pressure, and enhance customer service in hospitality and retail sectors, particularly in Dubai's dynamic market.

How much does the robot coffee service cost?

The robot demonstration is free for Soil Café customers. Drinks are served at normal café prices, with robots handling delivery as part of the regular service during the three-day trial.

Can anyone visit during the robot demonstration?

Yes, the demonstration is open to all Soil Café visitors from 8-10 May 2026, 3-8pm daily. No special booking is required — it operates during normal café hours for walk-in customers.

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