The 5th instalment of my ‘Native’s Metropolis Information To’ collection is right here! This contribution comes from Rachel Wilson, creator 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 almost 5 years later, it’s nonetheless going sturdy. When she’s not flying the world for work, she’s benefiting from her low-cost employees journey tickets and exploring new locations world wide. I assumed Rachel could be the right individual to jot down a Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai, in order that’s precisely what she has completed. Over to Rachel!
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
An Introduction to Dubai
Dubai is the most important 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 positioned 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 method, however I’d undoubtedly advocate spending greater than only a 24-hour layover right here!
Dubai began out as a humble pearl fishing village however has grown to turn out to be 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 seemed again since! I like Dubai for the superb variety you could find right here, from the entire totally 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 when you’re solely spending just a few days within the metropolis I’d advocate getting up early to benefit from your time.
- Uncover Outdated Dubai
Begin out by discovering Outdated Dubai, that is the true coronary heart of town. Head in the direction of the Al Fahidi Historic District, and have a stroll round by means of the gorgeous alleyways that are constructed within the conventional type of structure. You can even go to the Dubai Museum for 3 Dirham (approx. £0.60), which supplies you an amazing perception into the historical past of Dubai and what it seemed like 15-30 years in the past. Across the identical space you’ll be able to stroll alongside the Creek and take an abra (a conventional picket boat) to cross to the opposite aspect 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 cut price if you wish to purchase any spices, and simply immerse your self in the entire smells and sounds.
- Head to the Desert and Go ‘Dune Bashing’
Escape from town lights and go on a desert safari! I’ve been on fairly just a few of those while entertaining company, 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’ll be able to experience a camel, strive 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 High of the Burj Khalifa
Though it might sound a bit cliché, when you don’t thoughts splashing a bit of money, I’d advocate treating your self to drinks on the restaurant on the high of the Burj Khalifa, At.Mosphere. Ensure to request a desk by the window so you’ll be able to see the unimaginable view over the entire metropolis! Not solely that, each half hour from sundown onwards, you’ll have the ability to watch the Dubai Fountains, that are really a sight to behold.
- Absorb some Sunshine and Calm down
In the event you’ve spent the day past sightseeing, you’ll undoubtedly wish to spend a little bit of time stress-free on the seaside or at your lodge pool. An ideal place to chill out is JBR seaside, the place you’ll be able to lease solar loungers, umbrellas and towels. There’s additionally a complete host of eating places, cafés and outlets to maintain you entertained when you’ve had sufficient of the scorching solar.
- Go Procuring within the World’s Largest Mall
Every thing in Dubai must be the most important and the most effective, together with the procuring malls. Dubai Mall is the world’s greatest shopping center with a staggering 1,200 outlets. It was essentially the most visited constructing on the planet in 2011, attracting over 54 million guests. However even when you’re not within the procuring, it’s value 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. Just like the true 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 lodge on the planet. For superb steaks, I can extremely advocate The Meat Co, and if the climate continues to be not too scorching, you’ll be able to sit immediately out on the water.
- Go Snowboarding in The Desert!
For one thing a bit totally different, head to The Mall of the Emirates for a spot of indoor snowboarding! You’ll be able to lease the entire gear wanted and when you don’t fancy hitting the slopes, there’s an alpine-style café midway up and lovely penguins you could cuddle on the backside!
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
The High 5 of Every thing
New eating places pop in Dubai each week and the selection may be overwhelming at occasions. Listed here are a number of the ones that I 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.
High 5: Eating places
Zuma
Gate Village 6, DIFC (Dubai Worldwide Monetary Centre), Licensed.
Unbelievable Japanese meals, sushi and scrumptious revolutionary cocktails. On the dear aspect so extra of an important day restaurant.
The Meat Co
Souk Al Bahar or Souk Madinat, Licensed
Soften in your mouth steaks with loads of aspect dishes to select from and an amazing 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 Resort, Licensed.
One other Japanese restaurant serving up the freshest of sushi. It’s at all times stuffed with Japanese individuals, which implies it have to be good! Excellent view of the Dubai skyline and an ideal sundown spot.
Social Home
Unlicensed
A causal eatery at Dubai Mall, with an amazing out of doors and indoor area and an ideal view of the fountains. A complete mixture of inexpensive delicacies from East to West, to swimsuit each style!
Ravi
Satwa, Unlicensed
A Dubai basic; actually nothing fancy however what Ravi lacks in décor it undoubtedly makes up for in flavour! Tremendous low-cost Indian and Pakistani meals with an enormous number of scrumptious curries. An establishment in Dubai!
High 5: Cocktail Bars
The entire bars I’ve chosen right here have one thing in frequent, they’re all rooftop bars with a stunning view of the Dubai skyline!
Degree 43
43rd Flooring, 4 Factors by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Highway
Positioned 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 presents limitless drinks to girls on Tuesdays (there are tons of bars that provide Women Nights on Tuesdays, normally the place girls get limitless free drinks!) However be warned, this place can get very windy due to the shut proximity to the ocean.
The Observatory
52nd Flooring, Marriot Resort
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 Resort.
Treehouse
Taj Resort, Downtown Dubai
A barely pricier possibility, however you’re paying for the placement because it appears immediately onto the Burj Khalifa. Coated 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 excellent for sundowners. Anticipate an amazing chilled out vibe with a shocking view of the skyline.
High 5: Locations to go for Breakfast or Brunch
The Sum of Us
Behind Sheraton Grand Resort, World Commerce Centre
That is an Aussie type café/restaurant, serving up the most effective breakfast, brunch and lunch choices. In addition they do glorious espresso and have an enormous counter stuffed with selfmade desserts and pastries. Be sure to strive the cronut!
Tasha’s
Galleria, Al Wasl Highway, Jumeirah
Just a little bit pricier than the others, nevertheless value the additional few dirhams for the scrumptious eggs, salads and freshly squeezed juices.
Clinton Avenue Baking Firm
Burj Views, Downtown Dubai
Positively one for if you’re feeling indulgent. This café serves up all the pieces American type, together with the portion sizes! They even have the southern basic of rooster and waffles. In the event you’re searching for one thing candy, be certain that to strive the brioche French toast with caramelized bananas.
Roseleaf Café
Dubai Backyard Centre, Sheikh Zayed Highway
Tucked away contained in the Dubai Backyard Centre, you wouldn’t even know this café is right here when you hadn’t heard about it. The acai bowl will not be solely contemporary and scrumptious, but additionally excellent 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 (positioned inside Mall of the Emirates) is value it. It’s one other Aussie type café serving up breakfast ‘til 3pm, with superior avocado on toast.
High 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 assorted choice of speciality coffees, comparable to a Center Japanese impressed rosewater and honey espresso. Whilst you’re within the Metropolis Stroll, you’ll be able to discover the entire superb murals and cute European type streets.
Lime Tree Café
One in every of my favourites that I at all times find yourself going again to, maybe as a result of endless choice of desserts. The basic and most well-known is certainly the carrot cake, however the summer time cheesecake with berries can also be certainly one of my favourites and goes completely with a flat white.
Dubai Espresso Museum
In the event you’re exploring Outdated Dubai and the Bastakiya area, pop into the espresso museum for an attention-grabbing learn of how espresso has influenced the UAE. You’ll be able to see all kinds of espresso makers and pots, together with the normal Arabic “Dallah”, which you’d discover in each native’s dwelling in Dubai. If you need one thing a bit totally different, strive the Ethiopian espresso, which comes with a aspect 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, excellent for a soothing morning.
Tom & Serg
Owned by the identical guys behind The Sum of Us (see finest 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
Finest place to go for Arabic Meals
Al Hallab
Varied Areas
When in Dubai you undoubtedly should strive a number of the native Arabic meals, and there’s no higher place for it than Al Hallab. There are just a few totally different eating places across the metropolis. I’d advocate beginning with just a few mezze objects, comparable to hummus, moutabel (a creamy aubergine dip) and muhammara (a purple dip comprised of floor walnuts, purple pepper and pomegranate molasses).
These are historically eaten with the nice and cozy, contemporary Arabic bread, somewhat than cutlery! To drink be sure to get the lemon and mint juice, a refreshing mocktail that’s discovered everywhere in the metropolis. The Dubai Mall department is nice because it has a terrace which you’ll be able to 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 positioned within the historic Al Fahidi district, so cease right here for a cup of tea or Arabic espresso when you’ve completed exploring Outdated Dubai. Tucked inside a courtyard, stuffed with floaty white drapes which blow within the wind, that is the right hidden gem to spend a little bit of time placing your toes up after loads of strolling.
The Farm, Al Barari
Barely out of the primary metropolis, you’d by no means look forward to finding this restaurant in the course of the desert. It’s surrounded by stunning flowers, bushes, lakes and water options, which actually make you are feeling such as you’re not in Dubai any extra – a perfectly tranquil place.
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
The place to Keep
The Rove Downtown
Finances possibility
Dubai is extra well-known for the luxurious finish of the dimensions on the subject of accommodations, and there’s actually no scarcity of 5-star accommodations to remain at within the metropolis. Nonetheless, when you’re on a little bit of a tighter price range, I’d 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. Guide now.
XVA Artwork Resort
Boutique possibility
In the event you’re searching for one thing a bit totally different than one of many huge chain accommodations, strive the XVA Artwork Resort positioned within the historic Bastakiya area (which is the place you’ll actually get a style of “Outdated Dubai”). The lodge 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 excellent for lounging in with a very good e book. Guide now.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Luxurious possibility
Bab Al Shams lodge, positioned barely outdoors of town and in the course of the Arabian desert, is the right luxurious getaway. That includes an infinity pool searching throughout the sand dunes, and a spa providing all kinds of remedies, this lodge is ideal for a romantic {couples} break. Guide now.
A Native’s Metropolis Information to Dubai
In regards to 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’ll find Rachel on Twitter as @rachelwwilson and Instagram additionally as @rachelwwilson.
What did you consider Rachel’s information to Dubai? Have you learnt Dubai properly your self or are you planning a visit on the market? In the event you loved this put up, please go away me a remark within the field beneath! Jess x
Wish to learn extra within the ‘A Native’s Information to’ collection? Try
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- 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