Outdoor Majlis Seating for UAE Winter Gatherings: Which Havana Sofa Set to Choose
By Marcolo · October 2026
The quick answer: for an outdoor majlis in a UAE villa garden or large terrace, a 6- or 7-seat outdoor sofa set arranged in a U-shape around low tables works best, because it seats a family and guests facing each other for long evenings. Our pick is the Havana 7-seater sofa set with seat and back cushions, which comes with a three-seater, four single seats and two coffee tables, enough to build a full U-shaped majlis.
The cooler months are when gardens across the Emirates come back to life. Dubai's average daytime highs drop to around 26°C in December and 24°C in January, with night-time lows in the mid-teens, according to weather2travel's Dubai climate data. That makes November to March prime time for evenings outside, National Day gatherings on 2 December and weekend family get-togethers. Here is how to plan an outdoor majlis that is comfortable, practical and easy to look after.
What is an outdoor majlis, and what does it need?
A majlis is a sitting area designed for conversation and hospitality. Indoors it is often floor cushions or long sofas lining the walls; outdoors, the same idea works with weather-resistant seating arranged so everyone faces the centre. A good outdoor majlis needs four things:
- Enough seats for your usual group, plus one or two for guests who drop in.
- A face-to-face layout, usually a U-shape or a square, so nobody sits with their back to the conversation.
- Low tables within reach of every seat for gahwa, dates, tea and snacks.
- Materials that cope with the outdoors, so the set can stay out through the season without fuss.
How many seats do you need for a garden majlis?
Count the people who sit outside on a normal weekend, then add two. Most villa families end up between five and seven seats. Our outdoor sofa sets collection covers every size, but these are the Havana and Serena options that suit majlis-style seating best:
| Set | Pieces | Cushions | Price (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havana 7-Seater 3+1+1+1+1 | 3-seater, 4 single seats, 2 coffee tables | Seat & back | 2,599 | A full U-shaped majlis with maximum comfort |
| Havana 7-Seater 3+1+1+1+1 | 3-seater, 4 single seats, 2 coffee tables | Seat | 2,399 | The same layout with seat cushions only |
| Havana 7-Seater 3+2+1+1 | 3-seater, 2-seater, 2 armchairs, 1 coffee table | Seat | 1,799 | Seven seats at the lowest price |
| Havana 6-Seater 2+1+1+1+1 | 2-seater, 4 single seats, 2 tables | Seat | 2,099 | A flexible square or U layout |
| Havana 6-Seater 2+1+1+1+1 | 2-seater, 4 single seats, 2 tables | Seat & back | 2,299 | Six seats with full back support |
| Havana 5-Seater 3+1+1 | 3-seater, 2 single seats, 1 coffee table | Seat & back | 1,549 | Smaller gardens and terraces |
| Serena 4-Seater | 2-seater sofa, 2 chairs, 1 coffee table | None (woven-look shell) | 899 | Compact courtyards and roof terraces |
Prices are correct at the time of writing; check each product page for current offers and colours.
Which Havana set makes the best outdoor majlis?
For a full U-shape: Havana 7-seater 3+1+1+1+1
The Havana 7-seater outdoor majlis set with seat and back cushions is the most natural fit. Put the three-seater along the back, run two single seats down each side, and place the two coffee tables in the middle. The frame is polypropylene (PP) plastic with a rattan-look finish (not real rattan) and is weather and UV resistant, and the removable cushions come in beige on a dark brown frame or grey on a grey frame. The three-seater measures 184 × 69.5 × 81 cm and each single seat 73 × 69.5 × 81 cm, so based on those dimensions a U-shape takes up roughly 3.2 m across and 2.2 m deep, before you allow walking space around it.
For seven seats on a tighter budget: Havana 7-seater 3+2+1+1
If you want seven seats for less, the Havana 7-seater 3+2+1+1 sofa set with seat cushions combines a three-seater and a two-seater with two armchairs and one coffee table. Set the two sofas facing each other with an armchair at each end for a squared-off majlis. It comes in white, dark brown and grey.
For flexible layouts: Havana 6-seater 2+1+1+1+1
Four single seats give you the most freedom to rearrange. The Havana 6-seater garden sofa set includes a two-seater, four singles and two tables, so you can make a U-shape for guests, then split it into two smaller corners on quieter days. The pieces are lightweight, with each single seat weighing 6.9 kg.
For smaller gardens: Havana 5-seater or Serena 4-seater
Townhouse gardens and terraces often suit a three-sided layout with five seats. The Havana 5-seater sofa set with seat and back cushions places the three-seater opposite the two singles across one coffee table. For a cushion-free option, the Serena 4-seater outdoor sofa set is made from fibreglass-reinforced polypropylene with a woven-look design and comes in green, white, grey and black.
How do you set up an outdoor majlis for winter evenings?
Use this checklist before your first gathering of the season:
- Measure first. Mark out the footprint with tape or string and leave at least 60 to 80 cm behind and around the seats so people can move freely.
- Choose your focal point. Face the open side of the U towards the garden view, a fire pit area or the entrance guests arrive from.
- Keep tables central. Every seat should reach a table without standing up.
- Add a serving table. A long folding table such as the 240 × 74 cm centerfold folding table with steel legs works as a buffet for National Day or family dinners, then folds away afterwards.
- Frame the space with greenery. Tall artificial olive trees at the corners give a garden majlis a sense of enclosure without watering.
How do you look after outdoor majlis furniture in the cooler months?
Winter is gentle on outdoor furniture, but dust and the occasional shower still arrive. Wipe the frames with a damp cloth and mild soap, and bring cushions inside or store them in a dry box when rain is forecast or the set will not be used for a while. Because the Havana cushions are removable, you can keep them fresh between gatherings while the frames stay out.
How does delivery work?
Order before 3 PM for next-day delivery in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, or within 2 to 3 days in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Al Ain. Delivery is free on orders of AED 189 and above (AED 12 below), all our sofa sets come with free assembly, and you can pay by credit or debit card, cash on delivery, payment link, Tabby or Tamara. If the set is not right, you have 14 days to return or exchange it, no questions asked, with free pickup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best outdoor sofa set for a majlis in the UAE?
A set with a long sofa and several single seats works best because it can be arranged in a U-shape. The Havana 7-seater 3+1+1+1+1 with seat and back cushions is our top pick, as it includes a three-seater, four single seats and two coffee tables.
How much space does a 7-seater outdoor majlis need?
Based on the listed dimensions of the Havana 3+1+1+1+1 pieces, a U-shape needs roughly 3.2 m by 2.2 m, plus 60 to 80 cm of walking space around the seats.
When is the best time to use an outdoor majlis in Dubai?
November to March is the most comfortable period, with average daytime highs of around 24 to 26°C in December and January.
Can Havana sofa sets stay outside all year?
Havana frames are weather and UV resistant. To keep them looking their best, wipe them clean regularly and bring the removable cushions indoors when rain is forecast or the set is not in use.
How fast is delivery for outdoor sofa sets, and is assembly included?
Orders placed before 3 PM are delivered the next day in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, and within 2 to 3 days in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Al Ain. Delivery is free on orders of AED 189 and above, and assembly of sofa sets is free.
Can I return an outdoor sofa set if it does not fit?
Yes. Marcolo offers 14-day returns and exchanges, no questions asked, with free pickup. Contact us on +971 50 527 7576 (phone or WhatsApp) or care@marcolo.ae.
