The 5th instalment of my ‘Native’s Metropolis Information To’ sequence is right here! This contribution comes from Rachel Wilson, writer of The Dubai Diaries Weblog and a proud member of the Emirates Cabin Crew. Rachel started her weblog across the time she began her profession with Emirates and practically 5 years later, it’s nonetheless going robust. When she’s not flying the world for work, she’s profiting from her low cost workers journey tickets and exploring new locations all over the world. I assumed Rachel can be the right individual to write down a Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai, in order that’s precisely what she has finished. Over to Rachel!
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
An Introduction to Dubai
Dubai is the largest and most well-known metropolis within the United Arab Emirates, regardless of not being the capital (that title is held by neighbouring Abu Dhabi). It’s one of many seven Emirates that make up the UAE and is situated within the coronary heart of the Center East. It’s the right gateway to the remainder of the world, as many cities in Europe, Asia and Africa are only a 4-5 hour flight away. Australia and the US are round a 12-14 hour flight away, so many individuals come to go to as a fast stopover on their manner, however I might positively suggest spending greater than only a 24-hour layover right here!
Dubai began out as a humble pearl fishing village however has grown to change into a serious world hub previously 30 years alone. It’s well-known for its extravagant constructions and elaborate skyscrapers together with the Burj Khalifa. Standing at 830m, it’s the world’s tallest constructing. I moved right here on the finish of 2012, after accepting a job supply from Emirates to work as a flight attendant, and I haven’t regarded again since! I really like Dubai for the superb variety you could find right here, from all the completely different nationalities and cultures, to the meals and shocking quantity of issues to do right here.
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
Weekend Highlights
There’s extra to Dubai than only a lengthy weekend, however should you’re solely spending just a few days within the metropolis I’d suggest getting up early to take advantage of your time.
- Uncover Previous Dubai
Begin out by discovering Previous Dubai, that is the actual coronary heart of the town. Head in direction of the Al Fahidi Historic District, and have a stroll round by means of the attractive alleyways that are constructed within the conventional type of structure. You may also go to the Dubai Museum for 3 Dirham (approx. £0.60), which supplies you an incredible perception into the historical past of Dubai and what it regarded like 15-30 years in the past. Across the identical space you may stroll alongside the Creek and take an abra (a conventional picket boat) to cross to the opposite facet for simply 1 Dirham! When you cross over you’ll arrive on the spice and gold souks, that are a must-do for any go to to Dubai. Be ready to discount if you wish to purchase any spices, and simply immerse your self in all the smells and sounds.
- Head to the Desert and Go ‘Dune Bashing’
Escape from the town lights and go on a desert safari! I’ve been on fairly just a few of those while entertaining friends, they usually at all times adore it. Your driver will come and choose you up in a 4×4 and also you’ll drive out to the center of the desert, the place you’ll drive over big sand dune. It’s an exhilarating and adrenaline-fuelled exercise. After the “dune bashing” you may trip a camel, attempt on the normal “abaya” and “kandura”, the nationwide gown, and even get a henna tattoo, earlier than being served a buffet dinner with Arabic dancing to maintain you entertained.
- Sip a Cocktail on the Prime of the Burj Khalifa
Though it might sound a bit cliché, should you don’t thoughts splashing a bit of money, I’d suggest treating your self to drinks on the restaurant on the high of the Burj Khalifa, At.Mosphere. Ensure that to request a desk by the window so you may see the unbelievable view over the entire metropolis! Not solely that, each half hour from sundown onwards, you’ll be capable of watch the Dubai Fountains, that are really a sight to behold.
- Take in some Sunshine and Calm down
In the event you’ve spent the day gone by sightseeing, you’ll positively wish to spend a little bit of time enjoyable on the seaside or at your resort pool. An important place to loosen up is JBR seaside, the place you may hire solar loungers, umbrellas and towels. There’s additionally an entire host of eating places, cafés and outlets to maintain you entertained when you’ve had sufficient of the scorching solar.
- Go Purchasing within the World’s Greatest Mall
All the things in Dubai must be the largest and the very best, together with the buying malls. Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping center with a staggering 1,200 outlets. It was probably the most visited constructing on the planet in 2011, attracting over 54 million guests. However even should you’re not within the buying, it’s price a go to to see the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The aquarium showcases greater than 300 species of marine animals together with sharks and rays and may be discovered within the centre of the mall.
- Head to Souk Madinat
For sundown dinner and drinks, head to the Souk Madinat. Much like the actual souqs, this can be a maze of cute alleyways, outlets, eating places and rooftop bars, with an ideal view out to the Burj Al Arab, the one 7 star resort on the earth. For superb steaks, I can extremely suggest The Meat Co, and if the climate continues to be not too scorching, you may sit instantly out on the water.
- Go Snowboarding in The Desert!
For one thing a bit completely different, head to The Mall of the Emirates for a spot of indoor snowboarding! You may hire all the gear wanted and should you don’t fancy hitting the slopes, there’s an alpine-style café midway up and cute penguins you can cuddle on the backside!
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
The Prime 5 of All the things
New eating places pop in Dubai each week and the selection may be overwhelming at occasions. Listed below are a few of the ones that I really like and have tried and examined many occasions. I’ve tried to incorporate a mixture of excessive finish and low finish, in addition to just a few several types of delicacies to mirror the variability on supply within the metropolis.
Prime 5: Eating places
Zuma
Gate Village 6, DIFC (Dubai Worldwide Monetary Centre), Licensed.
Unbelievable Japanese meals, sushi and scrumptious revolutionary cocktails. On the expensive facet so extra of a special day restaurant.
The Meat Co
Souk Al Bahar or Souk Madinat, Licensed
Soften in your mouth steaks with loads of facet dishes to select from and an incredible wine choice. There are two areas, one in Souk al Bahar overlooking the Dubai Fountains, and one at Souk Madinat overlooking the Burj Al Arab. Licensed.
Tomo
Raffles Lodge, Licensed.
One other Japanese restaurant serving up the freshest of sushi. It’s at all times filled with Japanese individuals, which suggests it should be good! Excellent view of the Dubai skyline and an ideal sundown spot.
Social Home
Unlicensed
A causal eatery at Dubai Mall, with an incredible outside and indoor area and an ideal view of the fountains. A complete mixture of inexpensive delicacies from East to West, to go well with each style!
Ravi
Satwa, Unlicensed
A Dubai traditional; definitely nothing fancy however what Ravi lacks in décor it positively makes up for in flavour! Tremendous low cost Indian and Pakistani meals with an enormous number of scrumptious curries. An establishment in Dubai!
Prime 5: Cocktail Bars
All the bars I’ve chosen right here have one thing in frequent, they’re all rooftop bars with a beautiful view of the Dubai skyline!
Degree 43
43rd Ground, 4 Factors by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Street
Situated on the 43rd flooring, this informal bar performs chilled out lounge music and serves up yummy cocktails. They even have heaters and blankets out in winter (when it drops to a ‘chilly’ 19 levels at evening).
Pure Sky Lounge
This bar alongside JBR has a breath-taking view out to sea and provides limitless drinks to women on Tuesdays (there are tons of bars that supply Girls Nights on Tuesdays, often the place women get limitless free drinks!) However be warned, this place can get very windy due to the shut proximity to the ocean.
The Observatory
52nd Ground, Marriot Lodge
Providing a panoramic view of the Dubai Marina, that is one other nice bar for cocktails or a glass of wine, perched up on the 52nd flooring of the Marriot Lodge.
Treehouse
Taj Lodge, Downtown Dubai
A barely pricier choice, however you’re paying for the placement because it seems instantly onto the Burj Khalifa. Lined with air-con in summer time and open air in winter so that you get a pleasant cool breeze.
Cielo
The Dubai Creek Gold and Yacht Membership
A relaxed and stylish spot good for sundowners. Count on an incredible chilled out vibe with a shocking view of the skyline.
Prime 5: Locations to go for Breakfast or Brunch
The Sum of Us
Behind Sheraton Grand Lodge, World Commerce Centre
That is an Aussie type café/restaurant, serving up the very best breakfast, brunch and lunch choices. Additionally they do wonderful espresso and have an enormous counter filled with do-it-yourself muffins and pastries. Be sure you attempt the cronut!
Tasha’s
Galleria, Al Wasl Street, Jumeirah
Just a little bit pricier than the others, nonetheless price the additional few dirhams for the scrumptious eggs, salads and freshly squeezed juices.
Clinton Avenue Baking Firm
Burj Views, Downtown Dubai
Undoubtedly one for while you’re feeling indulgent. This café serves up the whole lot American type, together with the portion sizes! They even have the southern traditional of hen and waffles. In the event you’re in search of one thing candy, make sure that to attempt the brioche French toast with caramelized bananas.
Roseleaf Café
Dubai Backyard Centre, Sheikh Zayed Street
Tucked away contained in the Dubai Backyard Centre, you wouldn’t even know this café is right here should you hadn’t heard about it. The acai bowl isn’t solely recent and scrumptious, but in addition good for Instagram!
Frequent Grounds
Mall of The Emirates
Though you won’t wish to head to a mall to your Sunday brunch, I will surely say Frequent Grounds (situated inside Mall of the Emirates) is price it. It’s one other Aussie type café serving up breakfast ‘til 3pm, with superior avocado on toast.
Prime 5: Espresso Retailers
The Brass
This one is pretty new, nestled in amongst the designer outlets at Metropolis Stroll, with a shocking inside made largely (because the title would counsel) out of brass. They’ve a different choice of speciality coffees, akin to a Center Jap impressed rosewater and honey espresso. When you’re within the Metropolis Stroll, you may discover all the superb murals and cute European type streets.
Lime Tree Café
One in all my favourites that I at all times find yourself going again to, maybe as a result of endless choice of muffins. The traditional and most well-known is certainly the carrot cake, however the summer time cheesecake with berries can be one in all my favourites and goes completely with a flat white.
Dubai Espresso Museum
In the event you’re exploring Previous Dubai and the Bastakiya area, pop into the espresso museum for an fascinating learn of how espresso has influenced the UAE. You may see all kinds of espresso makers and pots, together with the normal Arabic “Dallah”, which you’d discover in each native’s house in Dubai. In order for you one thing a bit completely different, attempt the Ethiopian espresso, which comes with a facet of popcorn!
Stomping Grounds
Tucked away in a transformed villa in Jumeirah, Stomping Grounds roast all of their very own beans and have baristas readily available prepared for espresso suggestions. It has a quaint and rustic really feel to it, good for a calming morning.
Tom & Serg
Owned by the identical guys behind The Sum of Us (see greatest brunch locations), this can be a big open warehouse serving up scrumptious coffees, at all times made certain to be served at a sure temperature for optimum tastiness!
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
Greatest place to go for Arabic Meals
Al Hallab
Varied Places
When in Dubai you positively need to attempt a few of the native Arabic meals, and there’s no higher place for it than Al Hallab. There are just a few completely different eating places across the metropolis. I might suggest beginning with just a few mezze gadgets, akin to hummus, moutabel (a creamy aubergine dip) and muhammara (a crimson dip made out of floor walnuts, crimson pepper and pomegranate molasses).
These are historically eaten with the nice and cozy, recent Arabic bread, somewhat than cutlery! To drink be sure to get the lemon and mint juice, a refreshing mocktail that’s discovered all around the metropolis. The Dubai Mall department is nice because it has a terrace which you’ll sit out on in the course of the cooler months and watch the fountains from.
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
The Hidden Gems of Dubai
Arabian Tea Home
This place is situated within the historic Al Fahidi district, so cease right here for a cup of tea or Arabic espresso when you’ve completed exploring Previous Dubai. Tucked inside a courtyard, filled with floaty white drapes which blow within the wind, that is the right hidden gem to spend a little bit of time placing your ft up after quite a lot of strolling.
The Farm, Al Barari
Barely out of the principle metropolis, you’d by no means anticipate finding this restaurant in the midst of the desert. It’s surrounded by lovely flowers, bushes, lakes and water options, which actually make you are feeling such as you’re not in Dubai any extra – a wonderfully tranquil place.
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
The place to Keep
The Rove Downtown
Price range choice
Dubai is extra well-known for the posh finish of the size relating to inns, and there’s definitely no scarcity of 5-star inns to remain at within the metropolis. Nonetheless, should you’re on a little bit of a tighter price range, I might counsel the Rove Downtown. Simply throughout from the Dubai Mall, there’s no compromise on views as you look out to the world’s tallest constructing, the Burj Khalifa. E-book now.
XVA Artwork Lodge
Boutique choice
In the event you’re in search of one thing a bit completely different than one of many large chain inns, attempt the XVA Artwork Lodge situated within the historic Bastakiya area (which is the place you’ll actually get a style of “Previous Dubai”). The resort solely has 14 rooms, which all have several types of native artwork and cultural motifs on show. There are additionally 3 shady courtyards, that are good for lounging in with a superb guide. E-book now.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Luxurious choice
Bab Al Shams resort, situated barely exterior of the town and in the midst of the Arabian desert, is the right luxurious getaway. That includes an infinity pool looking throughout the sand dunes, and a spa providing all kinds of remedies, this resort is ideal for a romantic {couples} break. E-book now.
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
Concerning the Writer
Rachel runs The Dubai Diaries alongside her full time job as a member of the Emirates Cabin Crew. Rachel first found the world of running a blog when she was studying blogs from different cabin crew members. She created the weblog to doc her new life in Dubai and all of her unique travels. You could find Rachel on Twitter as @rachelwwilson and Instagram additionally as @rachelwwilson.
What did you consider Rachel’s information to Dubai? Are you aware Dubai properly your self or are you planning a visit on the market? In the event you loved this submit, please go away me a remark within the field beneath! Jess x
Need to learn extra within the ‘A Native’s Information to’ sequence? Take a look at
- A Native’s Metropolis Information to Melbourne by Rachel from Division of Wandering
- A Native’s Metropolis Information to York by Jess from The Travelista
- A Native’s Metropolis Information to Liverpool by Laura from Wander with Laura
- A Native’s Metropolis Information to Edinburgh by Louise from Little Issues
- A Native’s Metropolis Information to Doha by Polly from Comply with Your Sunshine