Dubai is a city of epic aesthetics, with soaring architecture, dancing fountains, luxury hotels and million-pound yachts. But, when visitors dive a little deeper, the real joys of this UAE city come into focus. The old quarter is packed with spice souks and galleries, while the newer districts promise authentic Emirati cooking and crafts, plus surf schools and supper clubs.
There’s adventure on the horizon, too. Beyond the city limits, Dubai is the country’s second-biggest emirate: a surprisingly untouched region where the activities range from desert safaris among wild Arabian oryx in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to mountain biking in Hatta’s Hajar peaks. Whether it’s a brief stop-off or a final destination, here’s how to explore Dubai like a local.
First-time visitors should head straight to the city’s big-hitters in the Downtown area. Here, travellers can peer over the city from the Burj Khalifa’s 124th-storey observation deck, splurge on Dubai Mall’s vast array of global brands and then gawp at The Dubai Fountain’s dancing displays.
Tourist hotspots over, Dubai’s lesser-known corners, such as its thriving old quarter, should be next on the list. Centuries before oil was discovered in the 1970s, traders from all over the Middle East and Asia would dock in Dubai Creek — now known as ‘Old Dubai’ — to ply their wares in its waterside souks. Today, in Deira’s Spice Souk and Gold Souk, travellers can still buy everything from Kashmiri chilli and Iranian saffron (there are countless stalls, but Zafaran Isfahan is high quality and hassle-free) to 24-carat tiaras fit for a sheika. While it’s easy to explore independently, consider a private walking tour with Nada Badran — aka Wander With Nada. Her souk smarts are superb, whether shopping for sequinned Indian saris or the juiciest Medjool dates.
Alserkal’s independent boutiques also offer a great alternative to Downtown’s busy shopping malls. Once an industrial area in the centre of Dubai, Alserkal now comprises around 40 trendy warehouses converted into art galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. Top spots here include intricate calligraphy at El Seed and fragrant Omani frankincense from Maison Etherique. The historic Al Fahidi district, formerly known as the Bastakiya Quarter, is another restored heritage area, where labyrinthine lanes and old pearl merchants’ houses now contain various museums, craft shops, cultural exhibits, courtyard cafes and galleries. XVA Gallery is a particular favourite among locals for UAE-designed jewellery and affordable prints. While in the area, visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) which hosts fun incense-making workshops and informative tours of Jumeirah Mosque.
More than 200 nationalities call Dubai home, which has led to an incredibly diverse food scene — ranging from budget bites to haute cuisine. For relaxed Michelin-starred dining, check out newly crowned Moonrise in Satwa, which serves Arabic-Japanese teppanyaki to just 12 diners at a time. In the same area, Ravi’s is a local pick for budget-friendly Pakistani curries and street-style pakoras, while Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant in Al Fahidi specialises in Emirati dishes. Its cooking classes share generations-old recipes for biryani-style chicken machboos, and syrupy luqaimat dumplings.
For a more personal, cultural experience, join a supper club to break bread with locals in their own homes, swapping stories and sampling dishes from all over the Middle East and beyond. Top tables include Kunwal Safdar’s Moreish By K — for UAE and Persian mezze served in her own kitchen — and vegan-Venezuelan cuisine at Mesa by Kiki Alvarez, the chef behind the award-winning garden bistro SEVA Table, a great back-up if Mesa is sold out. Search and book supper clubs via Splidu.
For beach-lovers, Dubai’s long, linear layout hugs the coast, with the likes of Kite Beach and Palm West Beach combining golden sands, balmy waves and sea breezes. These beaches offer not only ideal conditions for sunbathing, but also for Dubai’s burgeoning surf scene. For lessons and board rental, head to Umm Suqeim’s Surf House Dubai or visit Kite N Surf for windsurfing, SUP, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and more.
Top three day trips from Dubai
1. Hatta
A 90-minute drive east from the city, Hatta’s peaks dwarf even the loftiest Dubai skyscraper. Here, travellers can hike through the Hajar Mountain massif and kayak on a tranquil, mountain-flanked lake. Cycling, stargazing and zip-lining can also be booked via the Wadi Hub visitor centre, while Emirati farmer Khalfan Humaid Al Mutaiwai has transformed his childhood home into the lush Hatta Strawberry Farm, where he entertains visitors with tales of local life over juicy, ruby-red fruits.
2. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Around 50 years ago, the Arabian oryx was declared extinct in the wild. Now, thanks to the tireless conservation efforts of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, hundreds of these long-horned white antelopes roam free in their natural habitat. The reserve is around twice the size of the island of Jersey, with growing populations of Arabian gazelles and red foxes, too. Spot these wonderful animals on a thrilling 4×4 wildlife safari, camel trek or guided walk from Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai.
3. Sharjah
Those who love old Dubai should delve even deeper into the UAE’s history in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, which features more than a dozen heritage-focused museums and galleries. Decipher ancient Kufic penmanship at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum; discover 1,000-year-old treasures at the Sharjah Archaeological Museum; and travel through time at Bait Al Serkal and Bait Al Shamsi — two historical houses preserved just as they were 150 years ago. Sharjah is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Dubai Creek.
This paid content article was created for Al Maha, A Luxury Desert Resort & Spa. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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