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YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES
SHOP DUBAI LIKE A PRO TOURS Let those in the know showcase their city
FOOD
From fine dining to homegrown hidden gems
SHOPS
Shop the ambient bazaars and the shiny mega malls
ACTIVITIES
Dive into the emirate’s hot ticket attractions
NIGHTLIFE
Jump to the beat at these lively venues
JANUARY 2020
Indulge in some retail therapy with our insider tips
EXPERIENCE THE FLAVOURS OF MODERN INDIA AT THE AWARD-WINNING MASALA LIBRARY BY JIGGS KALRA. OPEN DAILY | 6PM UNTIL MIDNIGHT | 4 TH FLOOR
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WELCOME NOTE
Editorial Editorial Director John Thatcher Managing Editor Faye Bartle Content Writer Sophia Dyer (sophia@hotmedia.me)
Editorial Assistant Ronak Sagar Art Art Director Kerri Bennett Senior Designer Hiral Kapadia Commercial Managing Director Victoria Thatcher General Manager David Wade Commercial Director Rawan Chehab Senior Advertising Manager Mia Cachero
WELCOME TO DUBAI
W
e know it can feel a little overwhelming when you first set foot in Dubai. How exactly do you explore this ultra-modern metropolis? Where do you start? We love Dubai and we want to ensure that you feel the same, which is why we decided to create this handy-sized, helpful guide to ease you on your way. Rather than present you with a long list of recommendations that would take you the duration of your holiday to read, our Dubai-based team of in-the-know writers has cherry-picked the city’s best bits, leaving you free to simply enjoy it. From the best restaurants with views to write home about to the boutiques brimming with homegrown designs, the coolest clubs and topnotch family entertainment – it's all inside these pages. We’ll also tell you which of the many organised tours are the best to take to see the city’s ample attractions. All you need to do is enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. John Thatcher Editorial Director DXB City Expert Downtown Dubai by Tom Chen
Production Production Manager Muthu Kumar 46
YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES
SHOP DUBAI LIKE A PRO TOURS Let those in the know showcase their city
FOOD
From fine dining to homegrown hidden gems
SHOPS
Shop the ambient bazaars and the shiny mega malls
ACTIVITIES
Dive into the emirate’s hot ticket attractions
NIGHTLIFE
Jump to the beat at these lively venues
JANUARY 2020
Indulge in some retail therapy with our insider tips
Pink bag: Coach 1941 Spring 2020 Creamy eye treatment: Kiehl's Sparkly shoes: Call It Spring Watch: Olivia Burton at Namshi Perfume: Areej Al Ameerat Scarf: Megan Hess for Fairmont The Palm Evil eye and Arabic necklace: O'de Rose Converse: Converse X Project Chaiwala Dates: Bateel Sunglasses: Swarovski Soap: The Camel Soap Factory
Find us at… ONLINE dxbcityexpert.com
FACEBOOK @dxbcityexpert
INSTAGRAM @dxbcityexpert
www.dxbcityexpert.com 1
With our Airport Meet & Greet Services, enjoy a warm and friendly welcome, wherever you land. Discover more at marhabaservices.com
CONTENTS
THE CONTENTS Dubai desert by James Mills
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THE TOURS
The experts are on hand to help you discover the best bits of Dubai and beyond
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THE FOOD
From fine dining to homegrown heroes and the very best places to indulge in brunch
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THE SHOPS
Trawl the mega malls and haggle in the traditional souks – it’s time to hit the shops
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Before you embark on the holiday of a lifetime, take this quick history lesson
Plan your tour of the top Underwater, on the water, attractions, thanks to our handy on the sand and in the snow: city map the ways to explore Dubai
SO THIS IS DUBAI
DUBAI CITY MAP
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ON ARRIVAL
THE CRITICAL LIST
All you need to know when you Must-see, must-do activities and events touch down in Dubai, with top tips on getting around
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GET YOUR BEARINGS
The skinny on the top tourist districts, including the most happening ’hoods
COVER FEATURE
Dubai Shopping Festival has arrived. We caught up with three shopping experts to get their advice ahead of the rush
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THE ACTIVITIES
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THE NIGHTLIFE
From bars with a twist to jumping clubs, we’ve rounded up the liveliest evening spots
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MEMORABILIA
A must-have keepsake that’ll serve as a treasured memento of your trip
Produced for dnata by HOT Media. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media is strictly prohibited. HOT Media does not accept liability for omissions or errors contained in DXB City Expert.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS
SO THIS IS DUBAI
Get the skinny on the city with a quick history lesson. Armed with knowledge, head out to discover all the emirate has to offer for the holiday of a lifetime
Atlantis, The Palm and The Pointe
SCRATCH BENEATH THE SURFACE A city of visual superlatives, it’s difficult to imagine Dubai without the gravitydefying presence of Burj Khalifa, the roar of supercars along its highways and wealth of plush malls, luxury hotels and record-breaking attractions. Back in 1833, the nomadic Bani Yas tribe – led by the Maktoum family – migrated from the country’s desert interior to what was just a small coastal fishing, pearling and trading settlement. Nothing much changed for the next 100 years until Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became ruler and ordered that Dubai Creek be dredged to accommodate larger trading vessels, thus setting in motion the transformation of Dubai into a modern mega city. The discovery of ‘black gold’ in 1966
was the real game-changer with newly found oil wealth the catalyst for the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. In an historic first, the ruling tribes of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together on 2 December 1971, followed by Ras Al Khaimah one year later, to form the country. Under the leadership of the UAE’s first president, the late Sheikh Zayed (ruler of Abu Dhabi), and with the can-do attitude of Sheikh Rashid and support of the rulers of the other five emirates, the rest, as they say, is history. The modern-day metropolis you’ve seen on TV is every bit as exciting as you can imagine. For a rich experience, we recommend that you get out onto the city streets, meet some of the more than 200 nationalities who are proud to call
Dubai home, and discover just what makes this one of the best destinations in the world to visit. The climate The winter season in Dubai brings with it warm days and cool evenings. January temperatures can reach a cool 14°C with highs of around 24°C (75.2°F). The currency The UAE Dirham is what you’ll use. Notes come in 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, and their value is pegged at Dhs3.67 = USD1. The weekend The UAE weekend falls on Friday/ Saturday. Friday is the holy day so bear in mind that some attractions may be closed until the early evening.
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ON ARRIVAL
You’ve arrived and you want to get to your hotel ASAP. Read our quick tips to get you out of the airport and into holiday mode, pronto Marhaba Meet & Greet
WHIZZ THROUGH WITH MARHABA Take a load off by booking a Marhaba service (+971 4 389 8989, marhabaservices.com) that will help you make a speedy arrival and departure. When you touch down, the friendly staff will be waiting with a transfer to passport control, where you'll be fast-tracked through the queue before a porter collects your luggage from the carousel. When the time comes to leave, you'll enjoy a chauffeur pick-up from anywhere in Dubai, a quick journey through departures and access to the Marhaba lounge, where you can unwind and help yourself to the complimentary food and drink.
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LEAVING THE AIRPORT There are plenty of public taxis available at the airport, although you may need to queue. Women can get a step ahead by hopping into one of the pink-roofed taxis reserved especially for female travellers and families, and driven by ladies. Your fare will include a set airport pick-up fee of Dhs25. Dubai International Airport is also connected to Dubai Metro at Terminals 1 and 3, with trains running every 10 minutes from 5am (or 10am on Fri) to midnight Sat to Wed and until 1am on Thur and Fri. If you’ve got extra baggage, best take a taxi, as metro travellers are restricted to one regular suitcase and one piece of hand luggage only.
All the major car hire companies have desks located after arrivals. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and in possession of a valid driving licence from their home country. Remember, we drive on the right-hand side here.
GET CONNECTED Staying in touch in Dubai is easy, as tourists can now pick up a free sim card for local use upon arrival. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship's (ICA's) SIM 24 project offers all visitors a free local sim, pre-charged with three minutes of voice calls and 20 MB of data. Available at the passport gate at the airport, it's valid for the duration of your visa, and you can top it up as needed. For those aged 18 and over.
RARE IS REAL Nestled among the rolling dunes of Dubai, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is a haven of rustic charm, luxurious Arabian hospitality, benchmark-setting facilities and a captivating desert environment. This oasis of pure indulgence offers guests an array of sumptuous dining experiences from Italy to India and the Middle East, desert activities including falconry, camel riding and archery, rejuvenating therapies at the award-winning Satori Spa as well as facilities designed to ensure that every moment is one to be cherished for years to come. babalshams.com
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D E S E RT R E S O RT & S P A - D U B A I
GET YOUR BEARINGS
If it’s your first time in the city, you’re probably not au fait with the hip and happening ’hoods. Here's the low-down on the top tourist districts to explore
Dubai Marina
DOWNTOWN DUBAI Go big or go home is the name of the game here, with the area boasting an impressive collection of landmarks and attractions, including: one of the world's largest shopping malls, The Dubai Mall; the tallest tower on the planet, Burj Khalifa; the all-singing-alldancing The Dubai Fountain; and the architecturally-stunning Dubai Opera. Trawl the mall's multitude of shops, pick up some mementoes at the Arabian-style Souk Al Bahar and pose for selfies along the Waterfront Promenade before enjoying dinner and drinks overlooking Burj Lake. Burj Khalifa
DUBAI MARINA AND JBR Those with a taste for luxury will feel right at home in this vibrant district, which is one of the city's most popular (and glamorous) residential neighbourhoods. Built around a man-made marina and flanked by a virtual forest of residential towers, Dubai Marina boasts two beachfront promenades – The Walk and The Beach at JBR. These are lined with hotels, eateries and super trendy shops. It’s largely pedestrian friendly but is bisected by Dubai Tram, which handily stops outside the popular Dubai Marina Mall, home to 140 retail outlets spread across four levels.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah
JUMEIRAH The low-rise villa neighbourhood that spawned the Jumeirah Jane epithet (think 'ladies who lunch'), Jumeirah's domestic suburbia reputation has been given a makeover in recent years with the development of hip new retail, dining and entertainment enclaves such as La Mer, BoxPark, City Walk and food truck friendly Jumeirah Corniche. Topped at one end by Jumeirah Mosque and tailed by Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah at the other, it’s a cross-cultural hotspot. Wild Wadi Waterpark is a firm favourite among residents and tourists alike, offering over 30 hair-raising rides and slides for all the family.
Palm Jumeirah
PALM JUMEIRAH Another of Dubai’s iconic man-made projects – best viewed from above to fully appreciate its creatively engineered design – Palm Jumeirah blends posh apartments and villas with luxury hotels and malls all the way from its trunk to the tips of its feathered fronds. Ride the Palm Monorail to Atlantis, The Palm and enjoy the thrills and spills of Aquaventure Waterpark. Grab a bite to eat at foodie destination The Pointe, and check out the bevy of five-star hotels along the crescent, from One&Only The Palm Resort to Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD The pulsing arterial vein cutting through the city, this 8km-long stretch of busy highway runs parallel to the coastline. Numerous hotels are situated along its length, and there are plenty of attractions worth making a diversion for. We recommend feeling the grass beneath your feet at Zabeel Park, and checking out Dubai Water Canal, which is illuminated by night. Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai Creek
BUR DUBAI AND DEIRA On either side of Dubai Creek you can discover the heritage heartland of the city. Feed your appetite for culture on the Bur Dubai side at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is home to preserved wind tower houses, Dubai Museum and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (one of the oldest buildings in the city). Take a Dhs1 ferry ride across the water to Deira to explore the traditional souks and sample the street food.
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CITY MAP
City Sightseeing Dubai
SO THIS IS DUBAI
JAN
01
THE CRITICAL LIST Your guide to this month's must-see, must-do experiences in Dubai
WHITE Beach Dubai
BEACH Floppy sunhats and big sunglasses at the ready – there’s new a seaside hotspot in town. WHITE BEACH DUBAI at Atlantis The Palm promises high-class, alfresco relaxation with multiple beach areas, a Mediterranean restaurant and Insta-worthy infinity pool. Branded as a ‘boho-chic’ club, you can expect laid back vibes as the resident DJ takes you from day to night with expertly selected tunes. Opt for a sunbed for Dhs200 with Dhs100 being redeemable on food and drink. atlantis.com
CONCERT Add some star-shaped sparkle to Friday January 10 by catching NIGHT LIGHTS WITH ELLIE GOULDING at the Coca-Cola
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Arena. The British, singer-songwriter is set to get the crowd going with her singalong worthy hits such as ‘Love Me Like You Do’ and ‘Burn’. The largest indoor venue in the city is set to fill up with fans of the Grammy nominated and multiple Brit Award winner so be sure to book your seats in advance. Tickets from Dhs195. coca-cola-arena.com
RACES Offering equal amounts adrenaline pumping action and quintessential Dubai glamour, THE DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL kicks off this month at Meydan Racecourse promising a memorable day out. Building up to the final in March, there will be a series of 10 race meets commencing on
January 2, where world-class jockeys will take to their horses in order to secure their spot in the final. A staple in Dubai’s sporting calendar, each race attracts a high-brow crowd who make the most of the luxury viewing facilities on offer here. While entry to the general stand is free there are a number of special seating options to choose from. Various dates throughout the month. dubairacingclub.com
EXHIBITION See works by the late Jamaican artist Peter Dean Rickards at The Third Line art gallery. THE AFFLICTED YARD displays the photographs that portray snapshots of the ‘underdog’ and his signature style provides an
CHECKLIST unbiased look at aspects of life (good and bad) in Jamaica. Throughout his life he became a symbol of cultural pride around the world for his honest portraits. Running until February 6th. thethirdline.com
ACTIVITY Gather the troops, don the protective gear and get set for a thrilling experience at the new ACTION PAINTBALL. Situated at the Mad Max themed destination – Last Exit, Mad X, the huge field can host up to 60 players who reckon themselves as champions. The paintball arena features the latest top-grade equipment and a London bus style café so you can fuel up post battle. actionpark.ae
SHOP Not that Dubai was short of super malls to begin with, yet it has recently added another huge shopping destination to its arsenal. NAKHEEL MALL, situated on Palm Jumeirah houses five levels of over 350 shops, restaurants and attractions. There’s a big trampoline park to keep the kids entertained and when you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped there’s a 15-screen cinema complex to provide the perfect antidote. Opened just in time for Dubai Shopping Festival, you’ll find plenty of deals here. Turn to page 16 for some shopping advice from the experts. nakheelmall.ae
FOOD Fall down the rabbit hole into playfully themed restaurant and lounge bar, ALICE. Situated at Sheraton Grand on Sheikh Zayed Road the newly opened venue seeks to thrill guests with striking visual and sensory cues. The menu has been dreamed up by Dubai-based chef Reif Othman and features a creative take on European and Japanese fare such as teriyaki pizza with kizami wasabi. As the clock strikes 12, the drama is ramped up by the resident DJ. alicedxb.com
NIGHTLIFE One of Manhattan’s most famous after dark restaurants is heading to Dubai bringing its trademark FrenchVietnamese food and uber cool vibes – the like that attratcs a celebrity following at its flagship in New York City. INDOCHINE has seen Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol grace its tables and snap pictures with its standout green leafed wallpaper. Having opened its doors in DIFC last month, we can’t wait to see who frequents Dubai's chic joint. Visit us at dxbcityexpert.com for daily inspiration on what to do in Dubai.
SHOW From Lebanese author Khalil Gibran’s poetry, comes a moving autobiographical tale of forbidden love, gender equality and the search for home. BROKEN WINGS will take to the stage at Dubai Opera on January 17 and 18 with a beautiful musical score and some emotive performances. The musical follows 18-year-old Gibran who falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy businessman in Beirut before she becomes betrothed. The story unfolds as the couple fight for their love against tradition and societal norms. Tickets from Dhs295. dubaiopera.com
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GASTRONOMICAL VIEWS The Park Hyatt Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club serve up world-class cuisine with a side of breath-taking venues and lashings of style
Known for its top dining experiences, Park Hyatt Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club attract those who know seriously good food when they taste it. If you have a liking for all things delicious, don’t miss eating out at one or more of these award-winning restaurants. A slice of serenity in the city, dining at NOÉPE feels charmingly coastal. Situated in the heart of the Dubai Creek Marina, an ideal location for a drink with a view, the restaurant is inspired by Californian and Nikkei cuisines, including favourites such as the Trip Trip sandwich, coconut & seabass ceviche and lomo saltado. Those with a taste for the Far East will love The Thai Kitchen, serving up traditional and authentic dishes prepared by native chefs in live kitchens. Your taste buds are in for a treat as you tuck into tasty, roasted duck red curry, wok fried spicy beef and crispy prawns. Catering to the refined palettes of the well-travelled, Brasserie du Park prides itself on providing wholesome dishes, representing simple yet genuine flavours.
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Offering panoramic views of the marina, this modern French eatery showcases a variety of brasserie-style dishes ideal for sharing over casual conversations within a lively ambience. A fiesta of flavours, Casa de Tapas is one of the most iconic Spanish restaurants in the region. The rustic styled interiors create the ambience for the homely paella and tapas dishes on offer, while a steady flow of drinks and lively music get diners revelling in the spirit of España. Since it opened 27 years ago, seafood restaurant, Boardwalk has been a favourite among residents and visitors alike. The outdoor terrace makes a great dining spot to take in panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. Don't miss our sustainable seafood dishes, cooked to your liking in addition to a newly launched menu, or join us on Friday and Saturday and enjoy live music for a truly relaxing weekend escape. Cielo Sky Lounge is a rooftop bar located at the Dubai Creek
Golf & Yacht Club overlooking the stunning waters, providing guests with panoramic untouched views across Dubai's cityscape. Guests can enjoy innovative cocktails created by our award-winning team, sleek lounge décor and live music from local talent and international DJs. Best known for its signature hubbly bubbly and unparalleled views of the water and skylines, QD’s Bar & Grill is the ultimate spot to watch the sun go down. With bar bites and pizzas on the menu plus a DJ to keep the laid-back crowd entertained, QD's is all about simple pleasures. After dark drama is the premise of bar, seventyseventy. Its sleek ‘70s design and curated list of drinks attract a sophisticated crowd. With an emphasis on good music, DJ Tarik plays vinyl records transmitting the sound of yesteryear every Thursday and Friday night. parkhyattdubai.com
PROMOTION Brasserie du Park
Boardwalk
NOÉPE
Cielo
seventyseventy
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READY, SET, SHOP With Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) in full swing, it's a great time to indulge in some retail therapy in the emirate. Whether you want to load up on designer labels, discover homegrown brands, or pick up a bargain, we asked three shopping insiders to share their secrets on how best to shop the city
THE LUXURY SEEKER
Corinne Amelia is the CEO of personal shopping service Style Me Divine (stylemedivine.com) Dubai knows how to do luxury. The emirate exudes opulence, making shopping for designer labels an experience to treasure in itself. There is such diversity in the designers and brands available – from Elie Saab to Rami Al Ali. The best place to shop designer goods is The Dubai Mall. Its dedicated luxury haven, Fashion Avenue, is home to more than 200 coveted brands. You'll need the best part of a day to shop the lot (so book an in-mall chauffeur if you're in heels). Fear not if you tire mid-spree, as there are Sleep 'n Shop pods where you can catch a few zzz's before refuelling at cafe L'ETO. There’s also a GaIeries Lafayette, which houses several high-end labels, including ETOILE La Boutique and Maje, under one roof. Those with a quirky style should head to Robinsons in Dubai Festival City which has several, expertly curated high-end labels and gives a luxury experience without the crowds. Make the most of the exclusive services available in the malls. Lots of department
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HOW TO SHOP DUBAI stores offer 'shop and drop' services (they'll stash your bags at a dedicated collection point until you're ready to collect them) so you won't be weighed down. Our styling service offers clients an exclusive buggy service in The Dubai Mall, along with discounts in selected stores. Plenty of designers create products that are exclusive to the Middle East. Alexander McQueen, for instance, currently has a bag collection that's only available in the region. Bvlgari has exclusive men’s and women’s watches and Ermenegildo Zegna’s current collection includes an array of luxury velvet blazers, leather and suede jackets all bespoke to the Middle East. This season, stay ahead of the trend with colourful leather, the patent green trench coat by Kristina Fidelskaya (available in The Dubai Mall) is one to get your hands on right now. For shoes, heeled loafers will be huge, Gucci and Tory Burch both have beautiful designs in now.
These are a few of my favourite things... Don't miss picking up one of these on trend pieces Tom Ford sunglasses, Dhs1,835
THE SMART SHOPPER
Aisha Dee lives between Dubai and London and documents her frugal lifestyle as Thrif Dee (thrifdeedubai.com) Dubai is notoriously expensive but there are many places you can pick up a bargain. Now is the time to shop, as DSF sees malls and shops across the city put on epic discounts of up to 75%. Set out in your mind exactly what you want to purchase before hitting the malls, that way you can find the best place to go – for example if you're after electronics then City Centre Deira has 25 specialised stores. Shop the souks for unique finds. As part of DSF there’s a traditional style souk market at Al Seef along the Dubai Creek where you’ll find some good deals on Arabian style items. Souk Naif in Deira offers an authentic
experience (you'll need to brush up your haggling skills for this one) and offers traditional items like Kaleeji style abayas. Dubai is the to-go city for gold, so it’s worth visiting the gold souks. As there are no import taxes on the metal, you’ll find lower prices here than in most parts of the world. You can pick up high-end designer goods for much cheaper at Dubai Outlet Village in Jebel Ali, which is themed like a Sicilian village. Or there’s the Dubai Outlet Mall on Al Ain Road which has some high-street shops like DKNY among the higher end designers. Don’t leave without visiting Brands For Less. The Lebanese import brand stocks previous season's branded clothing, homeware and toys for much cheaper than the malls (brandsforless.ae). If you have the patience to browse the shelves, you can strike lucky here with some fantastic deals. There’s a large range of fashion, along with Tchibo items and homeware. Plus, its sister shop (Toys For Less) has great toys and games for low prices. There are also several pre-loved shops that sell on designer clothes in great condition. Check out RETOLD (shopretold.com) for everything high-street to high-end and Garderobe (garderobe.ae) for preloved designer treasures, including Chanel handbags.
Alexander McQueen, Spider Jewelled Satchel, Dhs9,900
Tory Burch, Jessa Pump, Dhs1,700
RETOLD
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Canella Hostal at Pôlette Concept Store
THE HOMEGROWN HERO Canella Hostal is the founder and creative director of Canella Hostal (canellahostal.com)
Homegrown brands offer something unique and original that you just won’t find from the big brands. My top-tip is to avoid malls and shop in smaller, locally run boutiques where you’ll find many beautiful one-off pieces. That way you won’t run into anyone wearing the same clothes as you. City Walk is a good area for shopping in local boutiques. You can find lots of original pieces there that are made in Dubai. Pôlette Concept Store here has a host of trendy pieces including clothing from my brand, Canella
Hostal. Jumeirah is another good place to hunt home-grown, native brands, I particularly like Comptoir 102 for small home accessories. Other stand-out local boutiques include The Den and Kulture House. Don’t buy anything that you don’t absolutely love. It’s a good rule of thumb to only purchase something that you can’t live without, everything else is just clutter. So, if you see a jacket that you adore you should buy it, because these moments don’t occur that often. Choose unique souvenirs that will remind you of your trip without being too obvious. Avoid the typical camel or Burj Khalifa memorabilia and instead choose something you can only find here. I recommend O’de Rose (o-derose.com) in Jumeirah and Little Majils (littlemajlis.com) for Arabic influenced pieces. You can also visit
Comptoir 102
the weekly Ripe Market (ripeme.com) where local businesses showcase their goods. As part of DSF, there’s also Market Outside the Box (dsfmarketotb. ae) at Burj Park where you can shop local fashion, jewellery and cosmetic brands (Jan 24 to Feb 2).
Dubai Shopping Festival runs from now until February 1, 2020. visitdubai.com/en/dsf
Unconventional souvenirs A selection of unique finds to remind you of your trip
Cushion Ondine Csao, Dhs560, The Den
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Character cushions, Dhs89, Little Majlis
Evil Eye Ceramic Bowl, Dhs150, O'de Rose
THE TOURS
The Tours
Bags unpacked, suncream slathered on – it’s time to get out and see what this city is all about. Take a cue from our friends at Arabian Adventures and City Sightseeing who are on hand to help you discover the best bits with their selection of top tours… www.dxbcityexpert.com 19
MODERN DUBAI CITY TOUR
See the best of Dubai’s iconic landmarks on one, awe-inspiring journey Stop to snap a picture of Atlantis, The Palm
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Transfers available from Umm Al Qwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Explore the landmarks of the city on a half-day tour. From Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall – see all of the iconic sights. ● Drive to Dubai Marina and enjoy a 20-minute boat ride ● See Palm Jumeirah and take a picture with Atlantis The Palm as the backdrop ● Spark up your adrenaline rush with some optional watersports (extra charge)
● Stop to take a photo of the Dubai skyline ● Make a photo-stop outside Burj Al Arab ● Continue to The Dubai Mall with its many leisure, shopping and dining options ● The tour ends at The Dubai Mall ● After the tour, you can choose to visit At the Top, Burj Khalifa (tickets available); or combine this tour with the Traditional Dubai City Tour in the afternoon
Top) and Dhs390 for adults and Dhs315 for children (including At the Top). Departures: Daily (morning) for English and German tours only. Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Half-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Moderate. Good to know: The tour ends at The Dubai Mall. Modest dress is advised.
THE FACTS
To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
How much: From Dhs260 for adults and Dhs220 for children (excluding At the
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ASK THE CITY EXPERT Nabil Almallah Tour Guide, Arabian Adventures Guests really enjoy seeing the amazing architecture and modern sights of Dubai while learning more about the city on this half-day tour.
THE TOURS
TRADITIONAL DUBAI CITY TOUR A ‘must-do’ for any visitor to the emirate
Revel in the city's rich history
ASK THE CITY EXPERT MUHAMMAD YOUNUS Tour guide, Arabian Adventures My favourite parts of the tour are stopping by the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. The mixture of nationalities you meet at these marketplaces offers a truly authentic experience for all.
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Transfers available from Umm Al Qwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Learn more about Dubai's rich history and tradition on a grand tour of the old city. See merchant traders at Dubai Creek, get an insight into times gone by at Dubai Museum and browse the famous souks. ● Drive along Jumeirah Beach Road to the iconic Jumeirah Mosque and stop for photos ● Continue on to Zabeel Palace for another photo-stop and onward to the traditional side of Dubai ● Stroll through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is known for its windtower architecture
● Visit Dubai Museum ● Take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek ● Follow our entertaining guide through the Spice Souk and Gold Souk
See Jumeirah Mosque
For history buffs
THE FACTS How much: Dhs185. Departures: Daily (afternoon) for English and German tours only. Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Half-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Moderate. Good to know: When departing from Abu Dhabi, this is a full-day tour on Sun and Thur, including an
afternoon stop at The Dubai Mall. The itinerary may vary. Hotel transfers are included.
To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
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ABU DHABI CITY TOUR
See the UAE’s vibrant capital and its landmark buildings Explore Abu Dhabi's hidden gems
ASK THE CITY EXPERT Natalia Bashkirova Tour Guide, Arabian Adventures It's always a pleasure to guide my guests around the UAE capital. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture with a spectacularly decorated interior.
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Abu Dhabi
THE FACTS
Explore the panoramic sights and grand landmarks of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on a full-day tour. ● Arriving in Abu Dhabi, tour the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ● Pass the tree-lined residential area of Al Bateen and the royal palaces ● Visit Qasr Al Watan, which showcases traditional times ● Abu Dhabi skyline photo-stop ● Drive along Yas Island and Saadiyat Island ● Leaving Abu Dhabi behind, return to Dubai in the late afternoon
English and German tours (Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat). Languages: English, German, French, Italian and Japanese. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Full-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Easy. Good to know: Qasr Al Watan may be closed from time to time, in that case, the tour will include another top attraction in the city. Note that there is a dress code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (please see szgmc.gov.ae).
How much: Dhs295. English Departures: For
To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
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Tour the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
THE TOURS
WALKING STREET FOOD TOUR Step it out in old Dubai and taste the city's hidden foodie gems
Pound the pavements in search of local treasures
ASK THE CITY EXPERT ALEX HEVORHIAN Tour guide, Arabian Adventures Over 200 nationalities live in Dubai, adding to the variety of flavours on the food scene. The best way to delve in is by dining at all the hidden gems and all-time favourite eateries that feature in this tour.
Departs from a meeting point
Arabic sweets, and explore the Dubai Creek area Step away from the glitz and ● Meander further, glamour of the city to try and marvel at traditional wind towers local street food at vibrant canteens frequented by the ● Learn more about local culture by visiting the working residents of Dubai. Uncover the hidden gems of traditional textile souk the city as you stroll ● Stop for a meal at a along the historic old part classic street food canteenof Dubai. Learn more about style restaurant considered a hidden gem in the city the culture and heritage of the Middle East from your entertaining and informative THE FACTS guide on this relaxed How much: Dhs195 walking tour. Departures: English ● Stroll through cobbled tours (Sun & Fri), streets and stop for Japanese tours (Fri). a traditional Arabic Languages: English fruit cocktail and Japanese. ● Away from the five-star Availability: Winter only restaurants, experience this (1 October to 30 April). vibrant neighbourhood. Duration: Half-Day Sample dates, samosas and Transport: Coach.
Learn more about local culture
Activity: Moderate. Good to know: For English tours; the meeting point is at the entrance of Al Fahid metro station (exit 3). Tour ends at the Al Ghubaiba metro station. For
Japaenese tours; hotel pickup and drop-off is included, as such the price is Dhs250. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
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PREMIUM SAFARI
For smaller groups seeking an extraordinary adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes Departs from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Transfers available from Umm Al Qwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Enjoy a smaller group safari on our premium experience. ● Depart from your hotel in a modern and spacious four-wheel drive vehicle ● Learn interesting facts from your safari guide en route ● Enter the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) ● Enjoy a thrilling dune drive and watch the sun set from a pristine desert location with a glass of bubbly or sparkling date juice and camel milk chocolate (juices are available for children) ● Arrive at our Bedouinstyle camp to a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and dates ● Entertainment for the evening includes a camel ride, sandboarding and henna hand painting. Enjoy a variety of entertainment.(it may vary during religious holidays) ● Move to the seating area and enjoy a premium BBQ menu ● Those aged 21 years and over can enjoy unlimited premium adult beverages (except on the eve of religious holidays)
THE FACTS Starting from: Dhs599. Departures: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri.
Availability: Winter (1 October to 30 April).
Refresh with a glass of sparkling date juice
Duration: Late afternoon to early evening. Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing). Good to know: You have the option to upgrade to a private four-wheel drive vehicle, if preferred. Vegetarian and children's meals can be requested at the time of booking. The tour accepts a maximum of four guests per vehicle and a maximum of 40 guests per night. Hotel transfers are included. Food and softdrinks are included. Premium beverages are available. A portion of your fee supports local conservation. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
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Get up on that camel
THE TOURS
SUNSET DESERT SAFARI Embark on a magical safari experience to remember Snap a picture of the gorgeous desert vistas
Must-do safari ASK THE CITY EXPERT FAISAL KHAN Safari guide, Arabian Adventures This must-do safari is suitable for everyone. At the campsite, there are lots of activities to try, such as sandboarding, camel rides and even a spot of stargazing. Guests always say how the memories will last a lifetime.
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Transfers available from Umm Al Qwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah This iconic Dubai desert experience is one that simply cannot be missed. Watch the sun go down while on a dune drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Arrive at our traditional Bedouin-style camp, where an entertaining schedule of activities and a delicious evening meal awaits. ● Leave your hotel and the city behind; head into the desert with our entertaining safari guide in a four-wheel drive vehicle ● Entertainment for the evening includes a camel ride, mini sandboarding and
henna hand painting. Enjoy a variety of entertainment (it may vary during religious holidays) ● Enter DDCR and take in incredible wildlife sightings ● Enjoy the fun of a dune drive and, at sunset, stop for panoramic photos of the golden landscape ● Arrive at our Bedouinstyle camp to a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and delicious dates ● Souvenirs and photos are available to buy ● Move to the seating area and enjoy an Arabic style, three-course buffet ● Take part in stargazing before returning to your hotel
THE FACTS How much: From Dhs325 (soft drinks package).
Sunset Safari Bronze package: Dhs399 for adults (bronze package includes house adult beverages). Sunset Safari Silver: Dhs449 for adults (silver package includes premium adult beverages). Departures: Daily. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Late afternoon to early evening. Transport: Four-wheeldrive (sharing). Activity: Easy. Good to know: We offer the option to upgrade to a private four-wheel drive vehicle. Plus, you can choose to skip the dune drive if you prefer. Be sure to book your group on one of the following packages: Sunset Safari, Sunset Safari Bronze, Sunset Safari Silver. Vegetarian and
children's meals can be requested at the time of booking. Hotel transfers are included. Food and soft drinks are included. A portion of your fee supports local conservation efforts. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com Enjoy the evening entertainment
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DESERT DUNE BUGGIES Ideal for thrill-seekers looking for their next big adventure
Hit the dunes for epic thrills Photography @theskybeyond
Departs from all emirates Embark on a truly exhilarating adventure by driving across the dunes in the latest fully automatic, four-seater, off-road dune buggies. ● Follow your guide along the natural trail of the dunes ● Driving and safety instructions, as well as safety gear, are provided ● All dune buggies are fully automatic and come equipped with seat belts and roll cages, and feature
For thrillseekers
off-road suspension ● Take advantage of all the exciting photo opportunities available on this trip ● Book an Exclusive Buggy for up to four friends and take turns to drive and ride as a passenger ● Book a Driver Experience and you will have the chance to drive for (at least) 20-minutes out of the two-hour experience as you take turns with (up to) three other guests in your shared buggy ● Book a Passenger
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Experience and ride along with our safari guide in the lead buggy
THE FACTS Starting from: Dhs730. Departures: Daily. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Two hours in the dune buggies.
Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing) and Can-Am Maverick X3 desert dune buggies. Activity: Moderate. Good to know: Drivers must bring their valid
driver’s licence along (it can have been issued by any country). Passengers must be at least six years old. A security deposit of Dhs1,000 (by cash or credit card) will be taken at the venue. Hotel transfers are included. Soft-drinks are also included and we require you to wear sports shoes in order to take part. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
THE TOURS
PRIVATE DESERT DINNER
Ideal for special occasions, leave the city behind for an experience to remember This tour is an ideal way to surprise someone special
Exclusive safari
Departs from all emirates Surprise someone special, celebrate an important occasion, or enjoy a quiet romantic evening in an idyllic setting thanks to this exclusive desert dinner experience. ● Our safari guide will collect you from your hotel in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Leaving the city behind, you'll journey into the desert in the late afternoon ● Set off on a thrilling dune drive as the sun begins to set ● Take a short camel ride to your private evening venue amid the dunes ● Relax and enjoy a tableservice Arabic dinner at
your exclusive campsite, which enjoys a magical setting with fire torches, an elegant dining area and a cushioned seating area ● Unlimited beverages for those aged 21 years and over ● Spend time stargazing away from the city lights
hand painting, or a belly dance performance – can be arranged upon request. Hotel transfers are included. Food and soft-drinks are included, as well as select beverages. A portion of
your fee supports local conservation with DDCR. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
THE FACTS How much: Dhs2100. Departures: Daily. Availability: Year-round Duration: Late afternoon to early evening. Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing). Activity: Easy. Good to know: Added extras – such as a celebratory cake, henna
Dine amid the dunes
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SHARJAH HERITAGE TOUR
Explore the cultural sites of Sharjah, rich in art and tradition, on a half-day tour
Sharjah Heritage Museum
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman Explore the various cultural sites of Sharjah, an emirate rich in art and tradition, on this halfday tour. As the tour is upon request, the below itinerary lists down the suggested places of visit in Sharjah. ● Visit the magnificent Al Noor Mosque and learn more about local culture and traditions on a guided tour (only avaliable on Monday's) ● The architecture of the Blue Souk reflects that of a traditional Arabian bazaar and houses over 600 shops selling jewellery, perfume and souvenirs ● The Union Monument features seven seashells that symbolise the union of the seven emirates, which took place on 2 December 1971 ● Visit Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization to learn about ancient scientific discoveries, culture and art,
and to see the impressive selection of 5,000 artefacts ● Stop for photos at some of Sharjah’s most popular landmarks, including the Blue Souk (Central Souk) and Union Monument ● Stop to admire the architecturally-stunning Cultural Roundabout
THE FACTS How much: Dhs2,175. Departures: Upon request. Languages: A variety of languages.
Availability: Year-round. Duration: Half-day. Transport: Car of coach. Activity: Easy. Good to know: Hotel transfers are included. Modest dress is required for the mosque visit. This private tour is available upon request. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabianadventures.com
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Blue Souk
CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Explore old and new Dubai, from skyscrapers to beaches and everything in-between Photo opportunities abound
HIGHLIGHTS
● Eight sightseeing routes ● Live dolphin presentation ● Complimentary tickets to other attractions (see below)
Experience an epic Hop-on Hop-off journey around Dubai on board double decker buses while exploring the city’s greatest attractions and hidden gems. Use the hashtag #WeShowYouDubai when sharing your social media moments.
THE FACTS Days of operation: Daily, from 9am to 5.30pm. Night tour, daily from 7pm. What’s included: The 1 Day Pass includes fantastic inclusions where you'll
learn all about marine life at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with a back of house tour, or head to The Lost Chambers and The Ambassador Lagoon to meet over 65,000 marine species at Atlantis, The Palm. Learn about dolphins from the experts during a live presentation here. Hop-on a 60-minute Dubai Creek cruise on a traditional Arabian dhow, explore the city by boat on the brand new Dubai Water Canal and take in the spectacular
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views of Burj Khalifa and the city skyline. As dusk falls, experience Dubai by night on the dedicated night tour. Good to know: Before your 1 Day Pass has expired, you can upgrade to a 2 or 3 Day Pass and access more free excursions. Languages: Adult commentary includes: English, Arabic, German, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean and Japanese. Kid's commentary includes: English and Arabic.
How much: The 1 Day Pass is priced at Dhs285 per adult and Dhs185 per child; 2 Day Pass is Dhs335 per adult and Dhs235 per child; 3 Day Pass is Dhs385 per adult. Dhs285 per child (aged 6-11). Infants go for free. To book, please visit citysightseeing-dubai.com or call +971 4 316 7506
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CitySightseeing_Dubai CitySightseeingDubai
THE TOURS
STARTER PACK PASS
Experience Dubai’s must do attractions for less with the Starter Pack Pass Let’s take things a little bit further. Experience Dubai’s must do attractions for less with the Starter Pack. Book your super saver pass now and save up to 80%.
THE FACTS Days of operation: Daily from 9am to 7pm. Night tour, daily from 7pm. What’s included: Explore Dubai at your own pace on a 7 Day hop-on/hop-off bus tour. With stops at the city's
major attractions, including: Burj Khalifa, the gold souks; Dubai Frame; Atlantis, The Palm, The Dubai Mall; and The Fountains and many hidden-gems too. Hop off at Dubai Creek Al Seef and enjoy a 60-minute dhow cruise. Get off at The Dubai Mall and take a ride in the world’s tallest elevator in Burj Khalifa – the view is simply breathtaking! Hop off at Palm Views West and take a 60-minute cruise around Palm
Jumeirah. You'll also gain access to Dubai Museum and Global Village. With plenty of exclusive food and beverage offers, free water and Wi-Fi on-board. Good to know: At The Top (Burj Khalifa) must be booked in advance. Access is applicable on non-prime hours between 8am and 6.30pm until closing (subject to change depending on the time of sunset). Languages: Adult
commentary includes: English, Arabic, German, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean and Japanese. Kids' commentary includes: English and Arabic. How much: The Starter Pack Pass is priced at Dhs500 per adult and Dhs400 per child. (Child tickets are for those aged 6-11). To book, please visit citysightseeing-dubai.com or call +971 4 316 7506
HIGHLIGHTS ● Over 40 bus stops ● Visit At The Top, Burj Khalifa ● Visit aquariums and experience a dhow cruise
Visit Dubai's landmarks
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The Thai Kitchen, Park Hyatt Dubai
The Food
Dubai’s cultural diversity is reflected in its culinary mosaic of fantastic restaurants – from the best Indian food this side of the subcontinent to sleek Japanese eateries and authentic Arabic mezze. It's little wonder that world-renowned chefs are falling over themselves to open venues in the city. 32 www.dxbcityexpert.com
THE FOOD
A TRUE TASTE OF THE EMIRATES Considering all the many colourful cuisines Dubai has to offer, it may come as a surprise to learn that good Emirati food is not so easy to come by. However, slowly but surely, more and more authentic Emirati restaurants are cropping up across town. An enduring favourite is Al Fanar (+971 4 232 9966, alfanarrestaurant.com), located along Canal Walk in Dubai Festival City Mall. You can dine outside on floor cushions in the traditional majlis or at a table in the central courtyard area, which looks like a traditional Emirati home. The dishes on offer include chicken machboos (spiced chicken mixed with rice), grilled
shaari fish and jesheed (baby shark cooked with onions and punchy spices). You’ll find camel on the menu at Aseelah (+971 4 205 7333, radissonblu. com) in the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, alongside other dishes made using local ingredients, such as a tender Arabian lobster. For an insight into the country's heritage, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (+971 4 353 6666, cultures.ae) offers interactive ‘cultural meals’ – so named because guests are encouraged to ask questions on anything that relates to the Emirati culture – prepared by local chefs in order to preserve the traditions and customs of the Bedouin people. They
offer a cultural breakfast on Mondays and Wednesdays, lunch on Sundays and Tuesdays, brunch every Saturday and dinner every Tuesday. Advance booking is required.
ARABIC YOU’LL ADORE For an authentic desert dining experience under the stars, journey into the dunes to Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (+971 4 809 6194, alhadheerah.com). Take your pick from 14 live cooking stations offering traditional Middle Eastern dishes prepared using age-old recipes. Live entertainment adds to the ambience. Open daily from 7.30pm to 11.30pm, with fireworks on Thursday and Friday.
Aseelah
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Lima Dubai
FOODIE DISTRICT
CITY WALK A vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants and unique boutiques, City Walk is at its best at night, when twinkling lights and neon illuminate the streets and purposely graffitied walls by some of the world’s best known street artists. Along with DIFC, d3 and The Pointe, it’s also an area that has a few licensed venues independent of hotels, in The Square. 34 www.dxbcityexpert.com
Farzi Café (+971 4 394 2556, farzicafe.ae) puts a contemporary twist on Indian flavours to produce an inventive line-up. Each dish is served with creative flair, notably the chicken tikka masala, which is presented in a red telephone box. Lima Dubai (+971 56 500 4571, limadubai.com) is a Peruvian hotspot from Virgilio Martinez, the chef behind Central in Lima, Peru, the sixth
best restaurant on the planet according to the coveted World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Headed by his Central protégé, Diego Sanchez, the top dishes here include an incredibly good octopus and corn brûlée. Also of note is Toro + Ko (+971 4 590 5433, torodubai.com), a Barcelona-inspired tapas restaurant and bar by awardwinning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette.
THE FOOD
That’s a good deal
One for foodies who have a penchant for flavours of the East, the Masala Experience Menu at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai invites you to sample its essential dishes. The line-up includes chicken tikka prepared three ways, wagyu pathar kebab and jalebi caviar, among others. Small portions of each will be served to your table so you can taste it all. Dhs245 per person for non-veg, Dhs215 for veg. 6pm-11.30pm daily. +971 4 414 3000
A hit among Dubai’s sizeable Lebanese community, Al Falamanki (alfalamanki.com) is an outpost of one of Beirut’s most famous restaurants. Like the original, this sprawling Jumeirah Beach Road branch features indoor and outdoor areas, homely décor and a soft soundtrack of old-school Arabic music. On the menu are hot and cold mezze, salads, grills and manakeesh, along with a selection of shisha. The done thing here is to order a load of dishes to share and settle in for a game of backgammon. Olea (+971 4 341 0000, kempinski.com) at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates prides itself on authentic cuisine, thanks to its 14-strong team of chefs drawn from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Palestine. Highlights include the lamb kofta, served on a 1.5m-long skewer.
INCREDIBLE INDIAN Few restaurants master modern Indian cuisine quite like Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra (+971 4 414 3000,
jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com), which occupies a vibrant space in JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. An export from India where it has an army of fans, it serves dishes derived from both ancient and modern recipes and from every region of India. To get a real taste of it, we heartily recommend you indulge in the great value tasting menu – every bite is a delight. If there’s a sure thing in the restaurant industry it’s that an Indian restaurant operated by Taj Hotels is going to be good, if not very good. Falling very much into the latter category, Bombay Brasserie (+971 4 438 3100, tajhotels.com) sees chef de cuisine Ajay Negi conjure up flavours as vibrant as the restaurant’s interiors. Bag the right table and you’ll also take in the sight of The Dubai Fountain. It has hosted A-listers including Sir Paul McCartney at its flagship Mumbai venue. Now, gastronauts can embark on a spice-laden journey through northern India at Khyber at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel (+971 4 455 1111,
royalhideaway.com). Snag a table on the terrace for great views of Dubai Marina. In a wonderful, colonial style setting, Little Miss India (+971 4 457 3457, fairmont.com) at Fairmont The Palm excels in housemade spice mixtures and marinades, used to brilliant effect in both the food and inspired cocktails, which put an Indian spin on classic recipes. At the other end of the scale there are abundant no-frills Indian restaurants in the Deira and Bur Dubai areas of the city, which whip up authentic dishes for a fraction of the price you'll pay at a hotel restaurant. In Karama is Calicut Paragon (+971 4 449 8560, paragonrestaurant.net) – a favourite among the city’s Indian chefs, which serves curried Keralan seafood specialities – while Rangoli Vegetarian Restaurant (+971 4 351 5873, rangolirestaurants.com) in Meena Bazaar serves food from the Gujarat region of India (imagine platters upon platters of delicious thali, which just keep coming).
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CHINESE CRACKERS Occupying a great spot by the water in Madinat Jumeirah, Zheng He's (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com) has been around long enough (over a decade) to fully master its signature dishes, the highlights of which are golden king prawns flavoured with Chinese mustard and topped with spicy mayo, and the duck, which is carved at your table and readied for you to roll in plum saucesmothered pancakes. Another purveyor of high quality Chinese classics, yet with a modern spin, is Maiden Shanghai (+971 4 455 9989, fivehotelsandresorts.com) at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, where dramatic views add to the ambience. For special occasions, request a private dining room.
TURKISH DELIGHTS In Souk Al Bahar, the outdoor terrace
at Günaydin (+971 4 554 0700, gunaydindubai.com) is a top spot for views of Burj Khalifa and, at night, The Dubai Fountain. The Turkish ‘meatery’ serves meat in all its forms: traditional döner, succulent kebabs, juicy meatballs, and lovingly cooked steaks. Over at Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai favourite Colin Clague can be found working his magic at high design Anatolian eatery Rüya (+971 4 399 9123, ruyadubai.com). Infused with caramelised and charcoal flavours, cağ kebabı (marinated lamb kebab) is the pick of the menu.
TIME FOR THAI Showcasing unique regional dishes alongside street food favourites and authentic yet inventive classics, Tong Thai (+971 4 414 3000,
THIS MONTH'S
Top table
FOODIE DISTRICT
DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT The stunning Dubai Design District (d3) is home to some of the city’s most cutting edge design and creative firms, as well as The Design Quarter, where visitors will find homegrown restaurant concepts, innovative boutiques and unique art installations. Concept store meets casual restaurant, The Lighthouse (+971 4 422 6024, thelighthouse.ae), is headed up by one of Dubai’s best chefs, Izu Ani. The licensed venue has a superb mezze menu – order the marinated salmon with cranberries and baked feta with oregano. Also licensed here is the quirky (in a good way) Molecule (+971 4 245 4700, molecule.restaurant), which offers a ‘bistronomy’ (‘bistro’ meets ‘gastronomy’) concept for better-than-bistro-standard food, including a rich risotto with truffle. Chez Charles Restaurant (+971 512 2444, chezcharlesrestaurant.ae), a modern brasserie, does staples like fish and chips, and carbonara very well.
MOTORINO PIZZA AT JA OCEAN VIEW HOTEL Renowned as 'the best pizza in New York', Motorino's Neapolitan pizza began in Brooklyn and has since opened in nine locations around the world. Joining the repertoire is the newly opened Motorino Pizza at JA Ocean View Hotel, helmed by Chef Mathieu Palombino. Known for crafting artisnal pizza, Palombino uses a combination of fresh ingredients from Italy with two-day risen dough and creative toppings like Brussels sprouts. Also on the menu are delectable antipasti dishes like meatballs and octopus salad, plus all the classic desserts like tiramisu and torta al cioccolato. +971 4 814 5599
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Chez Charles
YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES
It’s time to get out and see what this city is all about.
Dubai’s cultural diversity is reflected in its culinary mosaic of fantastic restaurants.
We say do as much as you can during your stay and save those zzz’s for the flight home
From venues with a view to the best live music spots – you’ll never miss a beat
Visit us online for daily inspiration on how to make the most of your time in the emirate dxbcityexpert.com GET SOCIAL WITH US Stay up-to-date on what’s happening, enter our competitions, and connect with like-minded travellers on our social media channels dxbcityexpert Plus, get sections of the magazine direct to your phone via
There’s no shortage of retail therapy in Dubai, from mega malls to edgy concept stores and traditional souks.
jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com) at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, is regularly voted the best Thai restaurant in the city. Signature curries like creamy panang kung with tiger prawns and gai phad ka-prao with chilli and hot basil pack plenty of depth and flavour, while classics like tom yum have been honed to perfection. Situated along The Promenade at Park Hyatt Dubai, The Thai Kitchen (+971 4 602 1814, hyatt.com) imports ingredients directly from Thailand to pack ultimate flavour into its dishes, such as the signature roasted red duck curry. Try the homemade coconut ice cream for dessert.
SUBLIME SUSHI AND SASHIMI Beyond the elsewhere-mentioned Zuma, Dubai is home to a fair few standout Japanese restaurants, including an outpost of Nobu. Better still, TOMO (+971 4 357 7888, tomo.ae) at Raffles Dubai, is helmed by chef-owner Chitoshi Takahashi who has devised a vast menu of authentic Japanese delicacies, best navigated with the help of your waiter. There’s a fun vibe over at Izakaya at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com). For a start, the so-called Wasabi Girl (she has wasabi coloured hair) makes
Motorino
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the head-blowing Japanese mustard at your table. Yet the food is of serious quality; plump, fabulously fresh sashimi and inventive sushi creations are always on the mark. Position yourself in full view of the live teppanyaki counter at Morimoto Dubai at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai (+971 4 512 5577, morimotodubai.com), which showcases Masaharu Morimoto's trademark culinary style, with seasonal seafood flown in from markets around the world, including Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji and Fukuoka fish markets.
PAN-ASIAN FLAVOURS When you crave Asian food in any one of its guises, nowhere does it better than the award-toting Mekong (+971 4 567 8304, dubai-palm.anantara.com) at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Its lengthy menu includes myriad Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese highlights (the duck curry is a big hitter), which you enjoy on rickshaw-style seating. From the team behind the globally renowned Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung (the Dubai branch of which you'll find in Mall of the Emirates) comes Asian fusion gastropub Han Shi Fu (+971 4 0228 1075, hanshifudxb.com), a funky spot in the Aloft City Center Deira hotel, where the handmade din sum is divine. Whatever
IN THE KNOW
Big name chefs JASON ATHERTON Marina Social, InterContinental Dubai Marina. +971 4 446 6777, ihg.com Atherton’s Social concept has won an army of fans in London, and its Dubai offshoot is a great destination for dishes big on detail.
DAVID MYERS Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. +971 4 512 5522, marriott.com Myers oversees two restaurants at this hip hotel: Basta!, a go-to for Italian staples, and the French farmhouse style Bleu Blanc.
HEINZ BECK Social, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. +971 4 818 2222, waldorfastoria3.hilton.com A master of modern gastronomy, Beck’s artistry is best conveyed through sublime dishes like salt-baked sea bass with cauliflower, truffle sauce and orange perfume.
THE FOOD
FOODIE DISTRICT
Wild & The Moon
IN THE KNOW
Healthy heroes COMPTOIR 102 Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 4 385 4555, comptoir102.com The menu makes use of the best ingredients from local organic farms to serve up tasty and nutritious dishes that appeal to health food devotees.
WILD & THE MOON Alserkal Avenue, +971 4 385 5120, wildandthemoon.com Here, the vegan chef has developed a wholesome menu of plant-based recipes to which nothing has been added.
OMNIA GOURMET Jumeirah Fish Harbour, +971 4 343 7181 Somewhat of a hidden gem, chef Silvena Rowe serves up a menu rife with healthy options, from vegan through to paleo.
you choose to order for mains, be sure to plump for a side of Grandma Han's ginger-laced chicken rice. Taking her culinary direction from the many varied street foods of Korea, Thailand, China, Vietnam and Japan, Miss Tess (+971 4 438 3121, misstessdubai. com) brings an element of fun dining to Taj Dubai, where the eclecticism of the menu is matched by that of the interiors. Over at the world's tallest five star hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, you'll find the buzzing Seven Sisters (+971 56 775 4777), the Dubai offshoot of the Beirut-based original. The extensive offerings from the raw bar are a highlight here, but if you're sharing dishes then don't overlook the appropriately named truffle heaven flatbread, 12-hour slow-cooked short ribs with a well balanced yakitori sauce.
THE BEACH AT JBR A brilliant pedestrianised area mere metres from the sand and sea, The Beach at JBR is the perfect place to head for a good-value feed for your family. Your best bet is to simply stroll the length of it, stopping to peruse the menus at places that catch your eye – there are myriad cuisines to choose from. The brainchild of Michelinstarred chef Thomas Keller, Bouchon Bakery at The Beach at JBR (+971 4 419 0772) is perfect for a morning pick-me-up. Indulge in sticky sweet pastries and a cup of custom-blended TK by Equator coffee. If the ocean air puts you in the mood for seafood, crack open a crab at Aprons & Hammers (+971 4 456 7888, apronsandhammers. com). Or, for good licensed options down this way, head to DoubleTree by Hilton. It houses both The Maine (+971 4 457 6719, themaine.ae) – part American brasserie and part European bistro – serving great seafood, and the always buzzing Ramusake (+971 4 5595 300, ramusake. ae), for modern Japanese. Ramusake
BEST OF BRITISH On Palm Jumeirah, housed in the beautiful Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, is the Great British Restaurant, otherwise known as GBR (+971 4 455 1101, royalhideaway.com). This is the place to come for expertly cooked (better than your mum makes)
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FOODIE DISTRICT
The Croft
roast dinners with all the trimmings, crispy battered chips with feather-light fish, and comforting cottage pie fashioned from slow cooked beef. Bookend your mains with a fabulous coronation chicken and a sweet treat such as the quintessentially English sticky toffee pudding. At The Croft (+971 4 319 4000, marriott. com), modern British cuisine with a twist is the culinary mantra (try the tongue and cheek pie, it's a surprisingly delicious revelation). With a focus on sourcing homegrown produce and working with local suppliers where possible, the menu is packed with the expected and the intriguing, with dishes such foie grasstuffed chicken and Chef Sentil's mum's curry among the highlights. The Scene (+971 4 422 2328, thescenedubai.com) by TV chef and author Simon Rimmer is the frontrunner at Pier 7, a hugely popular sevenfloor, seven-restaurant tower set on a (licensed) pier in Dubai Marina. British-style comfort food is the gist of it – think deep-filled pies, veal Scotch eggs, battered fish and chunky chips – while veggies and vegans have their own thoughtfully designed collection of dishes including curries and burgers.
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IN THE KNOW
Perfect pizza EATALY The Dubai Mall, 800 328 259, eataly.ae Eataly’s simple margherita is so good, the tomato sauce so rich and flavoursome, you may well forgo fancy toppings for ever.
BASTA! BY DAVID MYERS Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, +971 4 512 5522, basta-dubai.com The celebrity chef adds a sprinkle of stardust to the simple pizza here, serving up slices crisp from the wood-fire oven.
TORNO SUBITO W Dubai – The Palm +971 4 245 5555 Massimo Bottura is chef at The World's Best Restaurant, but when he opened this seaside spot he asked a fellow Italian to make the pizza dough for him, believing him to make the world's best.
DIFC Within Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is Gate Village, where amid the high-end galleries and auction houses are some of Dubai’s best restaurants. At Zuma (+971 4 425 5560, zumarestaurant.com) the ever outstanding Japanese food is best ordered to share. As it is at the always buzzing La Petite Maison (+971 4 439 0505, lpmlondon.co.uk/ dubai), which uses produce from local UAE farms in a number of its fabulous creations, all of which have their roots in FrenchMediterranean cooking. Greek-Mediterranean restaurant GAIA (+971 4 241 4242, gaia-dubai.com) has racked up the plaudits since it opened at the back end of last year, with the chef's passion for flavour evident in every dish. How about crumbly feta cheese baked and draped in honey to start you off? For something more casual BOCA (+971 4 323 1833, boca.ae) is a bar/ restaurant concept that does Mediterranean dishes to share, preferably with a bottle drawn from its very wellstocked cellar. La Petite Maison
THE FOOD Miss Lily's
CARIBBEAN QUEENS IN THE KNOW
The best burgers SALT Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim find-salt.com Once a mere food truck, now a sort of beach house, Salt's 'original' is served as two 100% wagyu beef sliders, which simply extends the pleasure of eating it.
BURGER FUEL The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, +971 4 445 8220, burgerfuel.com The concept is 100% New Zealand grass-fed beef, 150g of which is chargrilled to perfection and placed within a wholemeal bun.
MOYLO’S Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 4 388 3140, moylosburgers.com A home-grown, hole-in-the-wall joint on Jumeirah Beach Road, where 100% wagyu beef is used in all its homemade burgers.
Different to almost anywhere else in the Emirates, Miss Lily’s (+971 4 354 4074, misslilys.com) brings a true taste of the Caribbean to these shores in the form of authentic Jamaican dishes. Hailing from New York, this is the first international Miss Lily’s outpost, and it’s earned a reputation as something of a gem. Vibrant, fun and characterful, the self-styled ‘beach shack-meets-Jamaican diner’ boasts a number of must-try dishes including jerk corn grilled with toasted coconut, hot pepper lobster and a brilliant king crab with Scotch bonnet sauce. Ting Irie (+971 4 557 5601, tingirie. com) at Downtown Boulevard offers up Jamaican staples in a fun atmosphere courtesy of executive chef Craig Wong (of Jamaican-Chinese heritage), whose CV boasts stints at the multi-Michelinstarred Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck.
FOODIE DISTRICT
LA MER This trendy beachfront destination in Jumeirah has a contemporary mixture of restaurants and cafés, shops and attractions set against a scenic backdrop of sand, sea and sun. There are new eateries cropping up all the time but our favourites include Masti - Cocktails & Cuisine (800 62784, mastidubai.com), which has a bold new India vibe, with flavourful sharing plates by award-winning chef Hari Nayak. For authentic French Mediterranean cuisine, head to all-day dining concept LEVEE (+971 4 380 2000, leveecafeandlounge. ae) to try the La Mer risotto, which features scallops, tiger prawns, baby squid and bouillabaisse. The venue has a New York loft style vibe, but you can move to the terrace for beachy views. SMK – that's Smoked Meat Kitchen to you and I – (+971 50 703 2915, smk-uae.com) serves meat smoked over English oak, and topped off with homemade rubs, created by smoke master Luke Tully. Try the signature brisket bun, which comes with pickled red chilli, adding a fruity quality. Masti
GET ME TO THE GREEK Greek restaurants are very much in vogue in Dubai, with a bounty of new openings. Beyond the elsewhere mentioned Gaia (Foodie District: DIFC)
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Rue Royale
FOODIE DISTRICT
THE POINTE The latest foodie destination on everyone's lips, this Dhs800 million dining and leisure destination on the Palm Jumeirah waterfront brings over 70 restaurants to the scene – a selection of which you can't find anywhere else. They include the likes of Rue Royale (+971 4 241 2828, rueroyalerestaurant. com), home to chef Mathieu Viannay, who has 42 www.dxbcityexpert.com
real pedigree – his other restaurant is the two-Michelinstar La Mère Brazier in Lyon. You'll find some signature dishes from its French sibling on the menu here, along with new creations with a Middle Eastern twist. At high-end Greek restauarnt Ena (+971 4 243 6668, enarestaurant.com), 90 percent of the produce is sourced from small farms in Greece. A key ingredient used in a number of recipes
– including ice cream – is the fabulous feta cheese. Seafood Kitchen (+971 04 309 4520) is your go-to for market style fish, lobsters, oysters and more. Even the boutique Reel Cinemas has a foodie spin, serving signature dishes by US TV chef Guy Fieri direct to your seat. Wherever you choose to eat, The Pointe's location five kilometres out to sea and the stunning backdrop of Atlantis, The Palm is picture perfect.
THE FOOD and Ena (Foodie District: The Pointe), which both offer refined Greek fare, there are some traditional taverna types which are truly excellent. Locals will point you towards Elia (+971 4 359 8888, dubaimajestic.com), a cosy restaurant with a lovely glass terrace surrounded by greenery in the somewhat incongruous setting of the Majestic Hotel in Bur Dubai. In the kitchen is Cretan head chef Poppy Kourkoutaki, while charming restaurant manager (and fellow Crete local) Margianna Mavridou heads up the front-of-house team. The menu is divided into Greek classics – the cheese saganaki and chicken souvlaki are standouts – and more contemporary interpretations such as slow-cooked veal cheeks with eggplant purée. From the same team, Mythos Kouzina & Grill (+971 4 399 8166, mythoskouzina.
IN THE KNOW
Dinner with a view… …OF BURJ AL ARAB Beachcombers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com Open every day for a Pan-Asian buffet dinner, this lively restaurant is a family favourite.
...OF BURJ KHALIFA AND THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN Thiptara, Palace Downtown, +971 4 888 3444, addresshotels.com Robustly flavoured Thai dishes in a magical setting - flame-lit and aside the Dubai Fountain.
…OF DUBAI MARINA 101 Dining Lounge and Bar One&Only The Palm Dubai, +971 440 1010, thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com Drink in picture-perfect views while enjoying contemporary European fare from a menu rubber-stamped by super-chef Yannick Alléno.
Bleu Blanc
com) feels like a little slice of Santorini hidden away in JLT’s Armada Bay Hotel. Kitted out like a traditional seaside taverna with whitewashed walls, rustic furniture and light blue banquettes, the simple menu is a mix of traditional dishes such as keftedakia (meatballs) and grilled calamari, together with homestyle favourites like moussaka. It's also whitewashed walls all the way at Opa (+971 4 357 0557, fairmont. com/dubai/dining/opa), at Fairmont Dubai, where the traditions extend to plate-smashing and Zorba dancing and the homely dishes are executed to perfection.
FABULOUS FRENCH For decades Le Cirque was New York’s go-to spot for A-list celebrities and real estate tycoons (including a certain Mr
Trump). Now at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Le Cirque (+971 4 372 2444, ritzcarlton) is proving equally popular. The menu, which comes with a hint of Italian inspiration, contains just the right number of dishes to suggest that each has been honed to perfection – the subsequent taste test confirms it. A superb lobster risotto easily ranks among Dubai's 'musttry' dishes, while soft-as-butter Dover sole and a chocolate soufflé so light it could float from your table are among the notable highlights. Regardless of the quality of the food they serve, it’s often difficult for Dubai’s many hotel-run restaurants to shake off that hotel restaurant vibe. So it’s to places like Bistrot Bagatelle (+971 4 354 5035, bagatelledubai.com) we locals go for a hefty side of atmosphere to enjoy with our food at weekends. Let
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IN-MALL EATERIES
FOODIE FAVOURITE Pause for a bite to eat Brunches we rate
BASTA! Renaissance Downtown
Lobster Bake Brunch at NOÉPE, Park Hyatt Dubai
068 Brunch at Prime68, JW Marriott Marquis
Escape to Italy with all the flavours and aromas from Roma at this tasty brunch. Starting with an antipasti sharing platter of meats and cheese, each dish is delivered to your table. For mains there's beef tagliata and chicken scaloppini served with roast baby potatoes. Saturdays 1pm-4pm. From Dhs299, +971 4 512 5522.
Relax by the waterside, soak up the Cape Cod style ambience and watch the luxury yachts bobbing on the creek at this new gourmet brunch, which offers a choice of three dishes from the shellfish menu, as well as a show-stopping whole Canadian lobster to share. From Dhs350589 depending on the drinks package. Saturdays from 12.30-4pm, +971 4 602 1814.
A high-end affair, there's a delectable array of food including, 24 karat gold foie gras lollipops, Tsarskaya oysters, caviar and Josper-grilled Australian beef tenderloin. The James Bond themed event serves up the drama with table-side drinks – shaken not stirred of course. Fridays 1pm-4pm, from Dhs495, +971 4 414 3000
your waiter guide you through the menu highlights, such as a to-die-for black truffle pizza and spicy lobster linguine. You’ll find it inside the Fairmont Dubai. It's French farmhouse fare in a French farmhouse-style setting at the otherwise refined Bleu Blanc by David Myers (+971 4 512 5533, marriott.com). From a wonderful wood-fired grill centrepiece comes the likes of black angus butcher's cuts, charred king prawns and the incredibly good king crab leg – sweet and tender flesh balanced with salty capers. You'll find this slice of Provence at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel.
FRESH FROM THE OCEAN If you’re keen to dine with the of sand between your toes, book a table at Fish Beach Taverna (+971 4 511 7139, fishdubai.com). With a rustic Mediterranean feel, this restaurant is on the water’s edge at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and is amazingly atmospheric at night. In the ever-sostylish Jumeirah Al Naseem you'll find
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Fish Beach Taverna
THE FOOD
FOODIE DISTRICT
CLUB VISTA MARE Fancy soaking up spectacular views of the cityscape when sitting down to dinner? Club Vista Mare, a Dhs120 million beachfront promenade of restaurants, bars and cafés on Palm Jumeirah, allows you to do just that. Among the dining venues, each with an alfresco terrace, is Breeze Beach Grill (+971 4 568 3000), a beach grill concept that has a raw bar and deli counter. If you need to curb a craving for Lebanese food, head to Ibn Al Bahr (+971 4 553 9575), which delivers a delicious array of traditional dishes alongside fresh seafood on the grill – think tabbouleh, fattoush, hummus, and chargrilled fish. For a relaxed affair, there's gastropub The Tap House (+971 4 514 3778, thetaphouse.ae), which offers pub classics such as cottage pie, fish and chips and wagyu burgers. Fun theme nights take place throughout the week, such as Nan's British Roast on Sundays, as well as happy hour deals and a weekly Friday brunch.
The Tap House
Matto
Rockfish (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah. com) which does a mighty fine line in crudo – the yellow fin tuna with black truffle is particulary good. As is the saltcrusted sea bass, a main dish to share with a side of sautéed potatoes and wonderful sea views. At Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Geales (+971 4 316 5550, leroyalmeridien-dubai.com), a spin off from the London location, showcases fresh catches on ice backed up by a menu of comfort food staples, such as fish and chips, as well as a rather good seafood tagliatelle, that comes laced with plump prawns and chunky cod.
ITALIAN LIKE MAMA MAKES IT JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is home to arguably Dubai’s best Italian – Positano (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com). The restaurant does the full range of Italian staples exceptionally well, so you don't have to look beyond the likes of ricotta and spinach ravioli, in a wonderful roasted tomato sauce. However, the saffron risotto with slow braised ossobuco takes some topping. It's traditional Tuscan recipes all the way at the ever excellent
IN THE KNOW
Sublime steaks PRIME68 JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com The premium beef here is sourced from choice suppliers across the globe and tastes superb, matched by the views from the 68th floor.
STK Rixos Premium Dubai, +971 4 520 0000, togrp.com One of two Dubai outposts of the world- famous steak restaurant offers a winning mix of STK classics and dishes created only for Dubai.
NUSR-ET Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach +971 4 407 4100, nusr-et.com.tr If you follow owner Salt Bae's wildly (or weirdly) popular social channels, you'll want to eat here, where the meat is as showstopping as his skills with a butcher's knife.
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Masti
folly by Nick & Scott
Bateaux Dubai
MADE IN THE UAE Although Dubai has more than its fair share of excellent restaurants, a huge helping of them are franchised from elsewhere in the world. However, if you want to head to somewhere you’ll only find in Dubai there are some great options to choose from. With cracking views of the sea, folly by Nick & Scott (+971 4 430 8535, folly.ae), by two longtime Dubaibased chefs with a rich pedigree – including a combined eight years at Gordon Ramsay Holdings – offers up a thoughtful menu of modern European sharing dishes. The cooking is precise, the flavours impactful, and what they can do with a mere
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Trèsind
mushroom and plain old radish needs to be tasted to be believed. If you want to see more of the city as you dine, hop aboard Bateaux Dubai (+ 971 4 336 6768, jaresortshotels. com). This popular floating restaurant will take you on a cruise along Dubai Creek so you can soak up the sights while tucking into a four-course meal. The boat is moored on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, at Al Seef. Trèsind (+971 4 308 0440, voco Dubai, tresind.com) offers a bold expression of modern Indian cooking and presentation, in which elements of molecular gastronomy are done to perfection. Plus, the mixologists here have developed a drinks
menu that's second to none in the city. You’ll also want to visit the wonderful beachside development that’s La Mer while in Dubai. After time spent exploring it, make Masti (800 62784, mastidubai. com) your final destination. Head upstairs to enjoy a couple of brilliantly inventive drinks – the mango chutney infused mahar mojito, for one – then go downstairs to enjoy food that’s termed an expression of ‘new India’. For something very different, Kishmish (+971 4 349 6665, kishmish.ae) in Dar Wasl Mall in Jumeirah, brings Afghan street food to Dubai for the first time via chef owners who have been family friends for generations.
THE FOOD Il Borro Tuscan Bistro (+971 4 275 2555, ilborrotuscanbistro.ae), within the grounds of Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel. The restaurant operates its own farm back in Italy, from which many of the ingredients are used in dishes here. The house-made pastas are particularly good - try the pumpkin tortelli with Umbrian truffle. Bellissimo. Torno Subito (+971 4 245 5555) at W Dubai – The Palm is Massimo Bottura’s first venue outside Italy. Owner/chef of the three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana in Modena (currently ranked the world's best restaurant), Bottura has implanted a more laid back, overtly colourful restaurant aside the sea here (think Bridgewater Tavern
vibrant walls, hanging Polaroids, names in lights, beachballs) inspired by the Italian Riviera of the 1960s. Quirks include a photo booth for diners to capture the moment, as well as the chance to take a pedalo out to sea, armed with a freshly cooked pizza and bottle of fizz. A Dubai birthed concept from Italian expats, Matto (+971 4 444 1335, mattodubai.com) at The Oberoi, Business Bay, indulges its diners in authentic recipes that have been handed down through generations of home cooks. The result? Pasta dishes to die for – we recommend the ragù e carciofi (homemade ricotta cheese gnocchi, lamb ragù, and deliciously
IN THE KNOW IN THE KNOW
Bar food
BRIDGEWATER TAVERN JW Marriott Marquis Dubai +971 4 414 0000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com The go-to place to enjoy high quality, filling fare. The fire-cracker calamari and parmesan truffle fries are willing bedfellows with an ice cold brew.
BUSHMAN’S RESTAURANT & BAR
Bushman’s Restaurant & Bar
The Lion by Nick & Scott
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort +971 4 567 8304, dubai-palm.anantara.com Prime slabs of succulent Aussie meat are the norm here. However, to enjoy it you’ll be faced with the near-impossible task of forgoing the classic beef and mushroom pie.
THE LION BY NICK & SCOTT The H Dubai, +971 4 359 2366, hhoteldubai.com Two of the city's top chefs (also of the elsewhere mentioned folly, see 'Made in the UAE, p34) add a touch of class to pub grub staples like the burger, which comes in sourdough topped with veal pancetta.
crispy artichokes). Likewise, you’d expect the Italian restaurant at Palazzo Versace Dubai to a showstopper, and thanks to chef de cuisine Marco Legittimo that’s exactly what Vanitas (+971 4 556 8820, palazzoversace.ae) is. Do bring your appetite; don't leave without trying the indulgent lobster agnolotti.
TASTY TAPAS With an open kitchen, funky murals and baskets hanging from its high ceilings, Salero Tapas & Bodega (+971 4 341 0000, kempinski.com) at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates looks more hipster eatery than traditional tapas joint. However, the Spanish staff, led by head chef Oscar Leon, ensure the no-nonsense, garlic-smothered tapas are entirely authentic. There’s a great selection of tapas to order, such as Galician-style octopus, along with three types of paella.
LOVELY LATIN AMERICAN There is currently fierce competition in Dubai for the tag of the city’s best Latin American restaurant, and in the thick of it is Waka (+971 4 444 1455, waka.ae) at The Oberoi, Dubai. Here, Chef Roberto Segura dishes up authentic Latin American flavours combined with Japanese seasonings and using French techniques. It has some of the best ceviche in the city, but make sure you start with a bowl of Wakamole to share. Their welcome twist is the use of smoked avocado. While you’ll be right to love Coya (+971 4 316 9600, coyarestaurant.com) at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai on Jumeirah Beach (in particular, its Arroz Nikkei – a mix of Chilean sea bass, rice, lime and chilli – is fabulous), we're also a fan of Muchahas Mexican Cantina (+971 4 327 5878, muchachasdubai.com) an off-theradar but hipster hotspot within Holiday Inn Express, Safa. Over at Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina, pan-Latin restaurant Toro Toro (+971 4 317 6000, torotoro-dubai.com) is overseen by South American chef Richard Sandoval, who delivers authentic, on-note dishes.
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Dubai Shopping Festival
The Shops
There’s no shortage of retail therapy in Dubai, from mega malls to edgy concept stores and traditional souks. The main malls are open until late – The Dubai Mall, for instance, is open from 10am to midnight, every day of the week – enjoy! 48 www.dxbcityexpert.com
THE SHOPS Loewe boutique, The Dubai Mall
MEGA MALLS Supersizing the retail scene since the early noughties, the city’s huge shopping malls invite you to slip on your comfiest sneakers and pound the marbled walkways. With more than 1,300 stores The Dubai Mall (800 38 224 6255, thedubaimall.com) is the grande dame of the city’s shopping scene. Adding to its 5.9 million square footage is the new, edgy (think concrete floors and exposed pipes) Zabeel extension, which offers quirky boutique style shopping and an electric go-kart track. It's also home to luxury shopping district, Fashion Avenue, a high-end repository of style with more than 150 fabulous shopping and dining experiences. For haute beauty buys, Perfumery & Co is the place to go. After restocking your dressing table, click your heels à la Dorothy and transport yourself to Level Shoes for designer heels, before loading up on more luxury labels at Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette Dubai, which has a dedicated glamour area showcasing the wares of coveted designers.
Another power player, Mall of the Emirates (+971 4 409 9000, malloftheemirates.com) has a handsfree shopping service, so you can drop off your bulging bags at designated points and have them delivered to your hotel. It'll free you up to continue exploring its four floors, anchored by ‘absolutely fabulous’ department store Harvey Nichols – Dubai and the highend Fashion Dome. Once you're all shopped out, you can hit the slopes at indoor ski resort Ski Dubai. Dubai Creek has its very own mega mall experience at Dubai Festival City (800 332, dubaifestivalcitymall.com) where mid-range brands rub shoulders with the Singapore-born department store Robinsons where you’ll find a collection of exclusive fashion labels. Located on the waterfront with a dedicated promenade, take time out from browsing this mall’s 400 stores for a dhow boat ride or to watch the nightly fire, light and water show. At the other end of the city, fronting a vibrant waterfront residential area, Dubai Marina Mall (+971 4 436 1020,
Etolie "La Boutique", Mall of the Emirates
Dubai Marina Mall
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City Walk
dubaimarinamall.com) is a no brainer if you’re looking to shop at a more leisurely pace. It's compact compared to the city's larger retail havens, yet is peppered with a trendy selection of high-street brands and a chilled collection of restaurants, many with outdoor terrace seating ideal for a lingering lunch overlooking the water. The only themed mega mall in the city, Ibn Battuta Mall (+971 4 390 9999, ibnbattutamall.com) pays architectural homage to the travels of the legendary Arab explorer of the same name with a succession of interlinked spaces reflecting global culture, from China to India. Wander through the dedicated exhibition before letting loose in the 400-plus stores, hitting the lanes of the busy bowling alley or catching a movie.
MINI MALLS Not enough time (or patience) to trawl the jumbo malls? Dubai’s growing community of suburban mini malls will
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hit the spot. Kick-start your mall crawl opposite Burj Al Arab on Jumeirah Beach Road at the aptly named The Mall (+971 4 348 4848, themall.co.ae), which is home to a coterie of 55 handselected retailers, including French fashion brand Escales, luxury leather brand Native and Suit Express, where you can get a made-to-measure suit whipped up in just five days. Further along the road, a stone’s throw from Jumeirah Corniche, is Sunset Mall (+971 4 330 7333, sunsetmall. ae). Be sure to pay a visit to Dar Sara Boutique, which plays host to various hip international and local designs. With more than 140 stores to explore, the Italian Renaissance themed Mercato Mall (+971 4 344 4705, mercatoshoppingmall.com) is another top stop-off. Label lovers should check out pre-owned designerwear store Bagatelle, while there's also plenty of popular high-street stores for a fast fix. Hugging a corner spot on the adjacent
Al Wasl Road is the boutique Galleria Mall (+971 4 344 4434, galleria-mall. ae) where hip stores, such as trendy Californian beachwear label Beach Bunny, Zayan The Label and Atelier Perfumery (home to niche and speciality perfumes), cater to a wellheeled clientele. If you're passing by Palm Jumeirah, Golden Mile Galleria (+971 4 390 9999, goldenmilegalleria.com) calls with its curated selection of lifestyle stores, cafés and restaurants along the elegantly arched walkway. Fitting for its location, it stocks a good selection of beachwear. And you can stop by Ajmal Perfumes for some fragrant oud.
AN OPEN-AIR RETAIL AFFAIR A growing number of al fresco shopping spots add plenty of outdoor character to the retail scene, from plush European-style boulevards to artisan markets selling handicrafts you can't find anywhere else. At La Mer (800 637
THE SHOPS 227, lamerdubai.ae), stylish boutiques, like Via Rodeo and Trina Turk, rub shoulders with cool cafés along a strip of golden sand off Jumeirah Beach Road. Over at Dubai Creek, Al Seef (800 637227, alseef.ae) delivers a cultural vibe with its setting inspired by a traditional Arabian neighbourhood. Here, you can pick up everything from fashion accessories to perfumes and Emirati handicrafts. For a more modern feel, City Walk (+971 4 317 3999, citywalk.ae) has a profusion of funky designer-centric boutiques such as Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, and Whistles, among others, as well as regional designer hotspot Voguish Boutique. Nearby on Al Wasl Road, BoxPark (+971 4 317 3999, boxpark.ae) draws a hip crowd to its shipping containers, housing contemporary fashion from the likes of Urbanist and OnePiece. At the Dubai Marina end of town, The Beach at JBR (+971 80 063 7227,
thebeach.ae) blends boho chic market action with holiday-accessoriesoriented stores, including Sauce On-Sea, bordered by an esplanade packed with family-friendly eateries and attractions.
COOL CONCEPT STORES It’s hardly surprising that, with around 200 nationalities residing in Dubai, international design influences are making their mark on the city with a growing cadre of cool concept stores. Nestled in the heart of old Jumeirah is Comptoir 102 (+971 4 385 4555, comptoir102.com). The boutiquemeets-organic-café concept is a hidden treasure for discerning shoppers with its curated eclectic mix of fashion, jewellery, interior design and furniture pieces from around the globe. Popular creative hub Dubai Design District (d3) is home to some of the best, chiefly The Cartel (+971 55 725 1189). Founded by May Barber, it champions emerging and talented designers from
around the world, including exclusives from international fashion brands. Equally edgy is O Concept Store (+971 4 345 5557) in Jumeirah, which combines fashion and art and attracts young and passionate designers, artists and collectors from all over the world. The Edit (+971 4 332 0324), housed in a converted villa on Al Wasl Road, stocks choice ready-to-wear from cult clothing brands, including Paper London, Acler and AQ/AQ, plus statement jewellery, accessories and beauty products. There's also a fab coffee bar downstairs and pop-ups, and art exhibitions upstairs. For the latest streetwear trends, check out the Amongst Few flagship store on the Palm Strip (+971 4 386 9221, amongstfew.com). It has a stellar roster of local collections and independent labels, with a café next door serving deliciously healthy nibbles. With a flagship store at City Walk II, Bambah (+971 55 224 1538, bambah. com) is the place to go for statement pieces guaranteed to inject some fun
Comptoir 102
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Amato Couture
into your wardrobe – think generous ruffles, oversized bows and colourful floral prints. The brainchild of UAE-based designer Maha Abdul Rasheed, it's easy to see why stars such as Emma Roberts are fans.
HOMEGROWN HEROES The region’s young design guns are taking the fashion world by storm and many homegrown Emirati and Middle Eastern brands are thriving. Haute couture luminary Rami Al Ali rules the regional high-end fashion roost from his Al Wasl Road villa (+971 4 394 5607, ramialali.com). A Paris Fashion Week regular who is known for his ultra-feminine gowns, you can book a personal consultation at his atelier or check out his ready-to-wear line at Harvey Nichols – Dubai. Another respected designer, Furne One launched his avant garde label Amato Couture in the UAE in 2002 and has an A-list following, including Heidi Klum, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez, among others. You can shop the standalone Amato Luxe boutique located at Dubai Design District (+971 4 443 2449, amatoluxe.com) – think floral-inspired
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bomber jackets, billowing dresses and ethereal sweeping lace jackets in a pastel palette. The local branch of French fashion institute Esmod Dubai is responsible for a wave of fresh graduate talent and you'll be pleased to learn that it has its own dedicated retail outlet, Pôlette Concept Store (+971 50 356 2650, @polette.dubai), at City Walk. It's the only retail start-up platform in the world to launch university students’ fashion brands. What's more, it continues to stock pieces from celebrated alumni, including Canella Hostal, so shopping there is a little like picking up the wearable version of a future Picasso. More homegrown talent is in favour with the A-list, with bold designs by Dubai-based Madiyah Al Sharqi receiving the nod of approval by actress Sofia Vergara, among others. Make a beeline for her collections, which are available at Symphony in The Dubai Mall (+971 4 310 6904, bysymphony.com). Nathalie Trad (+971 50 483 4202, nathalietrad.com) is another one to watch. Born in Beirut and raised in
Dubai, this innovative designer, who was mentored by Proenza Schouler, creates innovating, sculptural, wearable works of art. You can find her pieces at Bloomingdale's at The Dubai Mall.
GET A CUSTOM-MADE SUIT Few of us can afford a trip to Savile Row and Dubai’s community of nimblefingered tailors and seamstresses is a great alternative. Local fabric stores are in abundance and you can have a made-to-measure suit or dress whipped up in just a few days. The traditional goto area for wallet-friendly sharp tailoring is Karama, where Dream Girl Tailors (+971 4 388 0070) is a long-standing favourite among ladies who lunch. Elsewhere, homegrown bespoke menswear brand Benjamin Siggers (+971 4 518 2669, benjaminsiggers.com) has mastered the art of perfecting the details that make a quality suit. Teaming traditional Italian style with personalised craftsmanship, these visiting tailors can come to you for a fitting. Alternatively, you can follow in the footsteps of tennis legend Roger Federer, who has had an outfit whipped up by the master tailoring team at
THE SHOPS Threads & Tailors (+971 4 347 7719, threadsandtailors.com) in Al Barsha, which specialises in made-to-measure suits and shirts at reasonable prices. For custom shirts, Bombay Shirt Company, in Central Park Towers, DIFC (+971 4 240 0778, bombayshirts.com), lets you select every detail, from the fabric to the thread and the buttons, with precise measurements taken to ensure a perfect fit.
HUNT FOR BARGAINS While the discount store phenomenon hasn’t quite made it to Dubai, there are still bargains to be had. A 30-minute taxi ride out of town, Dubai Outlet Mall (+971 4 423 4666, dubaioutletmall.com) is a repository for previous season style. Bag an affordable new wardrobe from highstreet names like Monsoon and Mango, or head to Priceless for designer finds. If you’re more a fan of Paris Fashion Week than Primark, The Outlet Village (+971 4 317 3999, theoutletvillage. ae) in Jebel Ali is your best bet. Three department stores and more than 125 top brands including Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture and Fred Perry can be found inside its Tuscan inspired interior. Stylish piazza cafés add to the Italian vibe. If you have an eye for a bargain and don't mind rummaging the shelves until you strike gold, head to one of the many branches of Brands For Less (800 8333, brandsforless.ae). As you can expect from the name, you'll find branded clothes and accessories, along with kids items for discounted prices here. Running parallel to Al Wasl Road is Beach Road, at the south end of which you'll find Garderobe (+971 4 394 2753, garderobe.ae). It sells pre-owned fashion from all the biggest brands – Gucci, Dior, Luis Vuitton – and is particularly strong on pre-owned Chanel, both clothing and accessories. RETOLD (+971 4 297 6777, shopretold.com) on Umm Suqeim Road is also brimming with pre-loved steals, from high-street to high-end, all from the wardrobes of the emirate’s stylish residents.
SHOP THE SOUKS The emirate is famous for its atmospheric souks, which are a treasure trove for everything from gold jewellery to aromatic spices. Put your bargaining skills to the test (it’s a sure thing) at the glittering Dubai Gold Souk on the Deira side of Dubai Creek. A hub for gold traders since the 1930s, its 300 or so shops are thronged by tourists seeking a gilded buy (Arabic name necklaces are a popular choice). It's easy to arrive by taxi, but if you really want to ‘go local’, hop aboard a motorised abra at Bur Dubai Abra Station and set sail for Deira Old Souk Abra Station (operating from 6am to midnight, Dhs1 per person per trip, see rta.ae). Close by, the blink and you’ll miss it Spice Souk is home to a fragrant clutch of market stalls fronted by hessian sacks overflowing with aromatic spices. For a fragrant buy of a different kind, head to the Perfume Souk, which is great for getting your hands on the traditional Arabian scent, oud, as well as potent essential oils.Dubai Textile Souk, on the opposite bank of Dubai Creek, is a fabric nirvana for shoppers
with an eye on bespoke tailoring. The colourful souk has everything from swathes of sari silk to bolts of embroidered cotton. Another treasure trove for jewellery, Gold & Diamond Park (+971 4 362 7777, goldanddiamondpark.com) on Sheikh Zayed Road is home to more than 90 retailers showcasing sparkling buys at competitive prices. Plus, you can have your own designs custom-made at the hands of beautifully skilled local artisans. Just tell them what you want, and then negotiate the best price. Designed in the style of an authentic Arabian marketplace Souk Madinat Jumeirah (+971 4 366 8888, jumeirah. com), is a firm favourite among tourists, with its labyrinthine lanes lined with barrows and stalls selling souvenirs, jewellery, oud and other trinkets. Similarly, Souk Al Bahar (+971 4 362 7011/12, soukalbahar.ae) in Downtown Dubai has over 100 shops, many of which are situated on the waterfront promenade on the fringes of Burj Lake, offering everything from carpets to handicrafts, jewellery, art and perfume.
The Outlet Village
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Bounce
The Activities
Sleep is overrated. With all that Dubai has to offer, we say see and do as much as you can during your stay and save those zzz’s for the flight home 54 www.dxbcityexpert.com
THE ACTIVITIES The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD No prizes for guessing what is Dubai’s number one visitor attraction. At 456 metres above sea level, the observation decks at the world’s tallest tower, At the Top, Burj Khalifa may not invite you all the way to the tip – that would be the radio mast at 828 metres – but they’re high enough to give you a head rush. Step inside the high-speed elevator and be transported in the blink of an eye to the entry point on Level 124, where you can zoom in on the world below through high-powered telescopes, before moving up another level for panoramic views of the ever-developing city. At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY ticket holders can climb further towards the clouds to Level 148, home to the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace (it's 555 metres high, in case you were wondering). At the Top opens for sunrise sessions from 5.30am. Advance bookings via +971 4 303
4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls.
At the Top, Burj Khalifa
ALL THE FUN OF THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN Lights, camera, action… Now just add water. The world's tallest performing fountain, The Dubai Fountain is the definitive crowd-pleaser. Thousands of robotic jets, hidden beneath the 30-acre Burj Khalifa lake, shoot water 500 feet into the air – the equivalent of a 50-storey building – while colour projectors work their magic. The mesmerising performances are set to a rotating musical repertoire featuring the recorded likes of Andrea Bocelli, as well as Arabic and world music. Whether you’re seeing it for the first or the 50th time, it’s sure to give you goosebumps. Shows take place daily from 1pm1.30pm (1.30pm-2pm on Fri) and every 30 minutes from 6pm to midnight. Plump for a prime viewing spot from a
The Dubai Fountain
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lakeside restaurant table or catch it for free from the Waterfront Promenade. Those after a premium view can step onto the floating The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk for a stroll past all the action – you’ll be just nine metres away from the jets at its closest point. Open from 5pm-11pm daily. Alternatively, you can set sail on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride for the ultimate view from an abra. Operating daily from 5.45pm-11.30pm (the last boat departs half an hour prior to closing). Visit burjkhalifa.ae.
Al Seef Dubai Creek
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DELVE INTO HISTORY Peel back the shiny sweetie wrapper that defines modern-day Dubai and discover the city’s rich cultural heritage. Step back in time with a visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (+971 4 353 9090, dubaiculture.gov.ae) on the bank of Dubai Creek. In the early 1900s the area was populated by affluent merchants and traders and bordered by Al Fahidi Fort, which now houses Dubai Museum. Its collection of beautifully preserved traditional wind tower homes have evolved into
museums, art galleries and cultural spaces connected by a maze of winding alleyways and quiet courtyards. Over in Jumeirah, Etihad Museum (etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.ae) offers a review of contemporary history by telling the story of the 1971 formation of the United Arab Emirates through a compelling curation of photographs, films, documents, artefacts and interactive displays. Located next to Union House, the striking structure resembles a manuscript, with seven tapering columns representing the pens
THE ACTIVITIES
For daily INSPIRATION follow us ON SOCIAL MEDIA @dxbcityexpert TOP PICK
Quoz Arts Fest Returning to the artistic alleyways of Alserkal Avenue, Dubai's favourite street festival is back with its quirky carnival feel. The event (which has run since 2012) brings together Dubai’s key players on the art scene to celebrate the diverse culture and creative fields in the region. This year
the theme is 'In Search Of...' so you can expect some thought provoking art pieces exploring this. Along with art installations, the two-day festival welcomes a host of family-friendly activities, workshops and live performances, including a free concert by Palestinian band 47Soul. This time, there will be a foodie exhibition in
collaboration with London's V&A Museum titled 'Food: Bigger than the Plate'. Plus, there are some film screenings, and unique dining concepts to coincide with the event. Drawing a loyal crowd each year, it captures an arty atmosphere with a community feel. Entry is free. alserkalavenue.ae www.dxbcityexpert.com 57
Opera Gallery
used to sign the unification agreement. Open daily from 8am-10pm. Dhs25 for adults, Dhs10 for students and free for children under five. At Dubai Frame (dubaiframe.ae) in Zabeel Park, you’ll be guided through a multimedia exhibition charting the city’s rapid transformation from fishing village to modern metropolis, before scaling the 150-metre-high observation deck, and then exiting via a swirl tunnel depicting the future of the city. Open daily from 9am-9pm. Dhs50 for adults
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and Dhs20 for children (aged 3-12). Under threes go free.
WORKS OF ART Dubai has a thriving art scene that runs the full gamut of styles and influences. Hip art hub Alserkal Avenue (+971 50 556 9797, alserkalavenue. ae) in Al Quoz, comprises more than 60 art, design and creative spaces, including galleries The Third Line (+971 4 341 1367, thethirdline.com) and Custot Gallery Dubai (+971 4
346 8148, custotgallerydubai.ae). Over, in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), there are several art galleries, each attuned to its swanky surrounds, including an outpost of the internationally renowned Opera Gallery (+971 4 323 0909, operagallery. com), home to some magnificent contemporary art pieces, and The Empty Quarter (+971 4 323 1210, theemptyquarter.com), the city’s only space that's devoted exclusively to fine art photography.
THE ACTIVITIES A game-changer for Dubai's contemporary art scene, Jameel Arts Centre (+971 4 873 9800, jameelartscentre.org) is making waves as the country's first non-profit, non-government cultural destination. Located on the Jaddaf waterfront, the museum is home to striking curated commissions, projects and solo and group exhibitions drawn from both the Art Jameel Collection and collaborations with regional and international artists. Open Sat-Thur from 10am- 8pm, Fri 12pm-10pm. Street art initiatives are also adding new creative impetus to the city’s public spaces. Check out the Dubai Walls project (dubaiwalls.com) at City Walk where the work of 16 renowned artists including Ron English, Nick Walker and Blek Le Rat take pride of place. Similarly, the Dubai Street Museum project on 2nd December Street in Satwa draws on themes from
the UAE’s history and heritage for an eye-catching stroll.
CATCH A SHOW For an evening out, it doesn’t get much more glamorous than tickets to Dubai Opera (+971 4 440 8888, dubaiopera. com), which offers an impressive lineup of local and international operatic, ballet and musical productions. The building itself is an architectural wonder, with its dhow-shaped design by Janus Rostock a stylish tribute to Dubai’s maritime history. Another must-see is the emirate’s first in-residence show, La Perle by Dragone (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com). Staged inside a purpose-built, state-of-the-art aqua theatre in Al Habtoor City, the performance is awash with aerial feats and cutting-edge technology – it's the only place in Dubai where it rains indoors. Performances take place at
7pm and 9.30pm Tue to Fri, and at 4pm and 7pm on Sat. The Rotunda (+971 4 556 6666, rotundadubai.com) at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, welcomes an electric roster of live acts and immersive shows to its 500-seat, 360-degree viewing venue inspired by Rome’s famous Pantheon. Drawing on the 50-year legacy of its Las Vegas cousin, an annual calendar of events sees legendary headliners, theatre acts, mind-blowing magicians and comedians take to the stage.
SPLASH AROUND Belly flops and swan dives are par for the course at Dubai’s gold standard water parks, with fun for water babies of all ages. Located in front of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) was first on the scene, and remains Breakers Bay, Wild Wadi Waterpark
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Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis The Palm
a popular choice with over 30 rides and attractions. From kid-friendly slides and the relaxing lazy river to the truly terrifying Jumeirah Sceirah (which propels you to speeds of 80 km/h), it’s wet and wild all the way. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Over on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure Waterpark (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Atlantis The Palm delivers 17 hectares of H2O action. Dare to make the dramatic descent that is the Leap of Faith, jump in a two-person inner tube and journey through the Tower of Neptune to a shark-filled lagoon, or relax in a private, poolside cabana. Open daily from 10am to sunset. Laguna Waterpark located in the hip
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La Mer neighbourhood (800 637 227, lagunawaterpark.com), which has four different zones – Splash, Slide, Surf and Relax – and all manner of hair-raising rides to hurl yourself down. The central Water Slide Tower is at the heart of the action, with a host of cool attractions, including five rides, plus a family zone, lazy river, and pool lounge with swim-up juice bar. The star attraction, however, is the WaveOz 180 Florider – the first of its kind in the region – where you can tackle the competition-level wave on a body board or stand-up board. Open daily from 10am-8pm. It also has a children’s zone featuring an AquaPlay and Splash Pad. Tickets cost from Dhs125 on the door. In Jebel Ali, Legoland Water Park (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) at
Dubai Parks and Resorts is designed especially for families with kids aged two to 12. Slide, splash and swim through 15 Lego-inspired water slides, raft rides and pools. You can even construct your own Lego raft to help you on your way. Winter opening hours are 10am-6pm daily. For something on a smaller scale, head to JBR where you can find AquaFun (aquafun.ae). This epic inflatable water park challenges you to run, jump and slide your way past more than 72 obstacles without falling off. Open daily from 9am-7pm. From Dhs150, or Dhs120 for kids.
BEACH AND POOL ACTION Want to feel the sand between your toes? If you’re not staying on the beach, or simply fancy a change of
HIT THE TRACK
Supercars are a common sight in Dubai – even the police force has a Bugatti Veyron and a Lamborghini Aventador, among other cars, in its fleet – and motoring fans will be pleased to learn that you can do more than snap a selfie next to these gleaming vehicles. At Dubai Autodrome (+971 4 806 2220, dubaiautodrome.com) you can slip behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Challenge, Formula DXB single seater or Audi R8 V10, among other supercars. Track experiences combine classroom and behind-the-wheel training from a professional racing driver, before you’re let loose to do a few laps on your own. The complex is also home to Dubai Kartdrome, which has an indoor and outdoor circuit suitable for those aged seven and above. The 1.2-kilometre-long outdoor circuit is designed for more confident drivers who can definitely test their mettle on its challenging 17 corners, tunnel and bridge and take on the fierce competition. Simply arrive and drive.
Dubai Kartdrome
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scenery, there are plenty of places to head to. The emirate's newest stretch of beach, La Mer (meraas.ae) in Jumeirah 1, features more than 130 shops, cafés and restaurants flanked by 2.5 kilometres of sandy coastline. Kite Beach (kitebeach.ae) at the Umm Suqeim end of Jumeirah Beach Road is a firm favourite among the kite-surfing fraternity (lessons available), with a community vibe centred around a clutch of on-trend cafés and family-friendly facilities, such as XDubai Skatepark and XPark Jr. adventure park. For a dash of glamour, The Beach at JBR (+971 4 317 3999, thebeach.ae) is sure to appeal, with its meandering walkway bisecting a profusion of cafés, restaurants and shops and a stunning stretch of sand with a premium view of the under-construction Ain Dubai observation wheel. If you're more of a beach club devotee, there are plenty of exclusive
Dubai Hills Golf Club
spots to chill at, including Cove Beach on Bluewaters Island (+971 05 454 6920, covebeach.com). Laze on an oversized daybed by the shore or the pool, grab a bite at the restaurant or order a sharing dish from the Sea Lounge for the perfect beach day. From Dhs100 to Dhs700, depending on bed type and the day of the week. Open daily from 11am-3am. Unwind by the outsized infinity pool and lap up the lush view of Dubai Marina's skyscraper studded skyline at DRIFT Beach Dubai (+971 4 315 2200, driftbeachdubai.com), One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. Take your pick from the drinks menu curated by award-winning mixologist Eric Ballard and indulge in classic Provençal cuisine at the restaurant. The pool and beach are open daily from 10.30am-8pm. In the shadow of Burj Al Arab at Jumeirah Al Naseem, Summersalt (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com) is a prime,
THE ACTIVITIES Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis The Palm
sophisticated and stylish spot to pull up a sunbed. The music here is kept on the quiet side in aid of the pervading chilled out vibe - and it's all the better for it. The beach club is open from 9am-9pm.
MEET THE MARINE LIFE Dunk your head beneath the surface to discover more cool attractions. Home to over 65,000 marine animals, The Lost Chambers Aquarium (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai will enchant visitors of all ages. It has over 20 themed exhibits housing marine creatures from all over the world. Book a behind-the-scenes tour or be brave and dive with sharks. Open daily from 10am-10pm.
Besides its retail pull, The Dubai Mall is home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (advance booking +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls), one of the largest suspended aquariums on the planet. Marvel at more than 70 different marine species including some 300 sharks and rays, or rent some scuba gear and sidle up alongside the inhabitants of the 10-million-litre tank (no diving experience required). Meanwhile, the zoo offers a peek at the habits of other water-loving creatures, such as penguins and giant spider crabs. The star of the show, however, is the meanlooking 750kg King Croc. Open daily from 10am to 12pm.
SWING INTO ACTION Most of the world’s golfing greats have teed off on Dubai’s flawless
fairways and the emirate is recognised as a major golf destination. The first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988, Emirates Golf Club (+971 4 380 1234, dubaigolf.com) remains a firm favourite among Dubai old timers and club-toting visitors. Annual host of the European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, it has two 18-hole par 72 championship courses, a challenging Par 3 Academy Course, and an iconic clubhouse inspired by the shape of a traditional Bedouin tent. The Majlis course hosts the Desert Classic, while the Nick Faldo-designed The Faldo is also the only 18-hole course in the region to offer night golf. Swanky residential community and golf club Jumeirah Golf Estates (+971 4 818 2000, jumeirahgolfestates.com) has a duo of Greg Norman-designed
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championship courses, Fire and Earth, inspired by the great parkland courses of Europe and North America. The Earth course is home to the annual DP World Tour Championship, the grand finale of the European Tour’s 47-tournament Race to Dubai. For an easier ride, the Peter Harradine-designed The Track, Meydan Golf (+971 4 381 3733, meydangolf. com) places a huge emphasis on fun and welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities. Different tee box options on each hole offer varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, and with day and night tee off times available, the added bonus of the Dubai skyline as a backdrop adds to the experience. Another Peter Harradine-designed 9-holer well worth a swing at is JA The Resort Golf Course in Jebel Ali (+971 4 814 5555, jaresortshotels.com), where the likes of Tiger Woods and Ernie Els have teed off previously. Sweeping views of the city, with Burj Khalifa always in sight, adds to the allure of a round at Dubai Hills Golf Club (+971 4 362 7555, dubaihillsgolfclub.com). The stunning championship course has wide fairways, but the bunkers and undulating greens are less forgiving. It's also home to par-3 course for those keen to sharpen their skills.
GET A FALCON’S EYE VIEW A sure way to make the folks back home green with envy is to tick skydiving off the bucket list. At Skydive Dubai (skydivedubai.ae) you can leap out of an aeroplane, tethered to a professional, for a tandem skydiving experience over Palm Jumeirah. It’s the best vantage point from which to see the scale of the fronded island – unless you’ve got your eyes closed. The jump window opens at 10am, with the first plane usually taking to the skies 60 minutes later (weather permitting). Alternatively, for an equally memorable jump over the emirate's golden dunes, head to the Desert Campus drop zone. Seawings (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.
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com) offers scenic flights over iconic landmarks for a bird's-eye view of the city. Sign up for the Dubai Creek Silver tour, a 40-minute ‘dock to dock’ seaplane excursion over the historic Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and more. Timings depend on the tour you select. Or, take a helicopter ride (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com) for a one-of-a-kind perspective of the city skyline and make the most of the incredible photo opportunities along the way. If you simply haven’t the stomach for flying through the air, iFly
BE PAMPERED BE PAMPERED
SARAY SPA, JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI Drawing on the ancient customs of the Caravanserai, the healing rituals here are rooted in tradition for good reason. Rejuvenate with a Hamman treatment before immersing yourself in the Dead Sea Floatation Pool. +971 4 414 6754, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
AWAY SPA, W HOTEL Beautify yourself at this futuristic looking spa with its line-up of stellar treatments designed to leave you looking and feeling your best. Start with a high intensity workout in the FIT®gym before a full body scrub, facial and mani-pedi. Complete the transformation with a fresh face by the make-up artists on hand. +971 4 245 5533, marriott.com
OLA SPA, LAPITA, DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS A Polynesian escape in the city, guests are invited to re-centre with holistic treatments. Find your bliss in the aromatherapy steam room or rejuvenate with a Moroccan Hamman ritual in the dedicated room designed to replenish. +971 4 810 9999, experiencelapita.com/spa
Dubai (+971 4 231 6292, theplaymania. com) offers an exhilarating flying experience in its indoor wind tunnel. Open from noon to 10pm Sun to Wed, noon to 11pm on Thur, and 10am-11pm on Fri and Sat.
THEME PARK THRILLS Thrill-seekers, screamers and scaredycats can get their air-conditioned theme park kicks at IMG Worlds of Adventure (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls), the world’s largest indoor park,
THE ACTIVITIES iFly Dubai
which has four zones: Cartoon Network, Marvel, Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. It’s an animation superhero love fest with more than 20 rides and attractions, including a first-of-its-kind Hulk 3D ride with 18 IMAX projectors and a seriously bone-chilling Haunted Hotel. Open from 11am-10pm Sun to Wed, and 11am-11pm Thur to Sat. Next up, Dubai Parks and Resorts (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) in Jebel Ali has an impressive roster of rides spread across three theme parks and a water park. Wet and wild fun of the tot-friendly variety is mandatory at Legoland Water Park (see Splash Around). Once you’ve dried off, explore the six themed lands at Legoland Dubai, home to 40 rides, shows and attractions, and 15,000 scale Lego models. Fans of the Hindi film scene can get their Shah Rukh Khan on at Bollywood Parks Dubai, with a host of rides and attractions inspired by
Bollywood Parks Dubai
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XPark Junior
nine all-singing and dancing Bollywood films, complete with 30 colourful live shows a day. Or, sit down and strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime at Motiongate Dubai, with rollercoasters, multimedia ‘dark rides’ and live shows based on blockbuster film characters including Ghostbusters, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, The Hunger Games and The Smurfs, who even have their own village. Fear factor alert: not all rides are suitable for tender young minds – or adults of a nervous disposition – so check before you ride. Motiongate and Bollywood are open daily from 3pm to 11pm until the end of the month. Legoland is open from noon to 8pm Sat to Wed, and noon to 9pm Thur and Fri.
EXPERIENCE SNOW AND ICE Where else but Dubai can you stroll along the beach in the morning and go skiing on real snow in the
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afternoon? A winter wonderland in the middle of the desert, Ski Dubai (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Mall of the Emirates boasts the world’s first indoor black run, a waddle of people-friendly penguins and is the de facto destination for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Don’t fret if you haven’t packed your salopettes, as you can hire clothing and equipment on-site. Be sure to catch the penguin parades between 2pm and 8pm daily. Open from 10am-11pm Sun to Wed, 10am to midnight on Thur, 9am to midnight on Fri and 9am-11pm on Sat. An Olympic-sized rink, Dubai Ice Rink (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at The Dubai Mall is the perfect spot to cool off with public sessions for beginner
and intermediate skaters. Catch a snowflake on your tongue at one of the regular snowfall sessions, with Penguin Pal skating aids available for little ones (minimum one metre tall) and Snowmen for wobbly adults or kids 12 years or above. Check for session timings.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN New to the family-centric collection of activities in and around the popular Kite Beach strip is XPark Jr. (+971 4 328 4175, xparkjr.com), which blends desert and forest influences to create a fun, natural playscape. Kids get to splash in streams, climb trees and hang out in treehouses, as well as explore meandering paths, cascading fountains and the on-site petting zoo. With a mud kitchen also part of the outdoor fun, don’t forget to pack a change of clothes. Dhs45 per child (for two hours, with one with accompanying entering for free). Open from 8am-6pm Sat to
THE ACTIVITIES Wed and 8am-8pm Thur and Fri. You can step into a tropical jungle at The Green Planet (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com). Located at City Walk, the five-level glass bio-dome recreates the ecosystem of a tropical forest, with over 3,000 plants and animals and the world’s largest indoor man-made tree. As you descend from the top of the dome via a winding path, you’ll encounter exotic animals along the way, such as toucans, macaws, porcupines and even a sloth. From Dhs89. Open daily 10am-7pm Sun to Wed and 10am-8pm Thur to Sat. The kids will be bouncing off the walls at the region’s biggest trampoline and entertainment park, Bounce (+971 4 321 1400, bounce.ae), which has more than 80 interconnected trampolines to jump around on, as well as a free running arena, and the awesome X-Park Adventure Challenge Course with a zip line, bouldering wall and sea of pipes for nimble feet to navigate. From Dhs75.
Open from 10am-10pm Sun to Wed, 10am to midnight Thur, 9am to midnight Fri and 9am-9pm on Sat. The future is here! Get them thinking about their career choices early at edutainment centre KidZania (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabianadventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at The Dubai Mall. Here, little ones can try their hand at 80 different jobs, from Emirates A380 pilot (there’s even a simulator) to chef. Open from 10am-10pm on weekdays and 10am-11pm at weekends. For a smart play experience, OliOli in Al Quoz (+971 4 432 3232, olioli.ae) curates content from the best children’s museums, science centres and art studios in North America, Asia and Europe. Kids take part in hands-on activities designed to nurture curiosity, imagination and exploration, with eight galleries spread over two floors. A standout feature is the region's first textile
playground by artist Toshiko MacAdam – a large-scale structure made from brightly-coloured crocheted and knotted nylon. From Dhs60 to Dhs120 for two hours (free for those aged up to 11 months). Dhs40 for accompanying adults. Open from 9am-7pm Sun to Wed and on Sat, and 9am-9pm Thur and Fri. Up for waves and arcades? How about sunshine and slushies? Rally up your holiday companions and check out Wavehouse (+971 4 426 2000). Located in the shopping avenues at Atlantis, The Palm, this novel entertainment destination is the new place to go for a day-to-night adventure for people of all ages. Grab a board and catch a wave as Surf's Up invites you to experience the rush of surfing without stepping foot in the ocean, while little ones can run wild at Levels, a soft play area meets modern take on the classic arcade. There's also a four-lane bowling alley. Open daily from noon to midnight.
Timings may be subject to change during public holidays.
The Green Planet
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SoBe
The Nightlife
Evenings out are packed full of fun, with Thursday and Friday nights usually the busiest. The legal age to drink alcohol (and enter a nightclub) is 21, so if you're blessed with youthful looks, be sure to bring your ID. We’ve included taxi references to help you find your way. 68 www.dxbcityexpert.com
THE NIGHTLIFE Base Dubai
THE BIGGEST CLUBS Glow sticks at the ready. Dubai’s big, bigger, biggest mentality has made it to the dance floor with a slew of funky clubs and mega dance venues designed to keep you moving all night long. The city’s open-air super club, BASE Dubai, (taxi: Dubai Design District +971 55 313 4999) draws huge crowds and names to boot – Rita Ora, Jason Derulo, and 50 Cent to name but three. It also has a world-class sound and lights system. Open 11pm-3am, Thu-Sat. Another seasonal, alfresco hotspot is WHITE Dubai (taxi: Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, +971 50 443 0933), a huge, tiered rooftop venue beloved of the city’s party-hardened and sometimes stage for global acts. Open 10pm-4am, Thu-Sat. Chameleon Club Dubai (taxi: Byblos Hotel, +971 4 448 8000), turns the tables on dark clubs, choosing instead to bathe the dancefloor in a kaleidoscope of colour, from hot pink
to emerald green and sparkling blue. Its extravagant design features over 60,000 lights, along witih heart-shaped ceiling arches and a suspended DJ booth with acrobatic dancers doing their thing. Open daily, 8pm-3am. The musical genres at Industrial Avenue (taxi: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, +971 52 293 5907) span R&B, hip hop, dancehall, grime and tech house across Mon, Tue, Thur and Fri, when it's open from 9pm-3am. The same venue also houses The Shoreditch, a bar hidden behind a secret door, named in honour of London district where men old enough to know better ride around on scooters. Expect to see none of that here. Soho Garden (taxi: Meydan Racecourse, +971 56 822 2559) captures the hipster vibe of London’s Soho, with a swimming pool area, four bars to lean on and resident DJs. Open from 8pm-3am, Tue to Sun. For a slice of R&B and hip hop, head to
Soho Garden
Industrial Avenue
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nightclub 1OAK DXB (taxi: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 52 881 8888). Like its sister venues in New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, big name MCs are often in the house. Open from 11pm-3am on Sun, Tue, Thu and Fri.
DAY-TO-NIGHT BEACH CLUBS AND POOL PARTIES Weekend pool and beach parties that turn into evening dance-offs are a big thing in Dubai, thanks to the sunny climes. Zero Gravity (taxi: Skydive Dubai, +971 4 399 0009) is famed for its huge poolside and a beachside brunch that kicks off at 1pm on Fri and Sat, but you can bag a spot on the beach The Penthouse Dubai
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from 8am and stay long into the evening. In fact, the fun never really stops here, making it hands’ down the biggest party in Dubai. Brand new on the scene is bohemian themed WHITE Beach Dubai (taxi: Atlantis, The Palm, +971 4 426 2626). There's a top Mediterranean restaurant onsite that serves up fresh seafood to keep you fuelled while you tan. While the day stints here have a laid back feel, like its sister super club by the same name, it raises the tempo after dark with live DJs and entertainment. Open daily from 10am-12am. The Penthouse Dubai (taxi: FIVE Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 455 9989) on the 16th floor is a lively adults-
only rooftop day club and evening lounge offering spectacular views of the stunning Dubai skyline. Featuring two glass-lined swimming pools, guests can enjoy the sunset overlooking the Palm with a chilled drink in hand. It’s open Sat to Wed 12pm-3am, while on Thu-Fri it stays open until an eye-watering 5am. Do you have the stamina to last the distance? Nikki Beach Dubai (taxi: Pearl Jumeira, +971 4 376 6000) is as plush as you’d expect from the upscale global brand. There are deals and themed nights throughout the week, but Fridays is when the real party starts in earnest from lunchtime. Open daily from 11am-8pm.
THE NIGHTLIFE THREE FOR THE WISH LIST
SO YOU CAN SAY YOU'VE BEEN THERE Dubai is home to some truly iconic venues. Here's a trio you can enjoy with a drink in hand
1. Despite often mistakenly referred to as a seven-star hotel (five stars are the classification maximum, we think you'll find) there's no doubting the pulling power of Burj Al Arab. You don't have to stay here to get a peek inside, but you do have to book ahead for drinks at Gold on 27 (taxi: Burj Al Arab, +971 4 301 7600), which, as the name suggests, takes a sledgehammer to subtlety.
DRINKS WITH A VIEW Dubai has one of the world’s most spectacular skylines, and there are plenty of places you can soak up the view of glittering skyscrapers or cool blue Gulf waters. For a spectacular view of Burj Al Arab, head to the terrace of Bahri Bar (taxi: Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, +971 4 432 3232), where you can reflect on the day while sipping drinks to a smooth jazz soundtrack. Open from 4pm-2am, Sat to Wed and 4pm-3am Thur and Fri. Over on Palm Jumeirah, SoBe (taxi: W Dubai - The Palm, +971 4 245 5555) comes to life just before the sun sets, offering panoramic vistas that will blow up your Instagram and a daily sundown ritual involving the bar staff and a whole lot of smoke.
2. You don't have to try hard to imagine what the QE2 (taxi: Mina Rashid, +971 4 526 8888) was like in her heyday, when she ferried people across the Atlantic Ocean from Southampton to New York, as the decor is pretty much unchanged. No doubt a former favourite of the Queen Mother's, the Gin Bar stocks 40 varieties of the spirit and is open daily from 5-11pm. Elsewhere onboard, The Golden Lion is an old-school pub.
3. No must-do list for your holiday in
So photogenic you’ll feel like you’re in a magazine shoot, the Jetty Lounge (taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage, +971 4 399 9999) rocks white linen style and beanbags aside the shimmering sea. Open daily from 2pm-2am. Moving downtown, Treehouse (taxi: Taj Dubai, +971 4 438 3100) is known for its views of the city skyline towards Burj Khalifa. Make yourself comfortable as this open-air lounge comes to life afterdark, with house music spun by resident DJ Taylor. It’s open from 6pm-2am on weekdays and 6pm-3am at weekends. Heading further downtown, Cielo Sky Lounge (taxi: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, +971 4 416 1800) offers uninterrupted views of the Creek, offering a glimpse at Dubai’s rich history as a trading port.
BEST LADIES’ NIGHTS
Dubai would be complete without a mention of At.mosphere (taxi: Burj Khalifa, +971 4 888 3828) in the world’s tallest tower. You’re so high up here (122 floors) that you’ll almost think you’re seeing the earth’s curvature. With such a spectacular view you almost forget that the plush interior is matched by some seriously good (and seriously pricey) drinks.
Ladies’ nights show no sign of waning in popularity in Dubai. Who knew handing out free beverages to half the population would prove to be such a good idea? You can bar hop over multiple levels at Dubai Marina’s Pier 7, and on ladies’ night Asia Asia (taxi: Pier 7, +971 4 276 5900) is a great place to begin your journey. The views are great, the vibe leans towards classy but still fun, and every Tue from 8pm you’ll get three drinks just for not being a man. Another dress to impress affair, with nary a natural eyelash in sight, takes place every Tue from 7pm-1am at STK Downtown (taxi: Address Downtown, +971 4 425 3948). The renowned steakhouse offers up its fine cuts as part of two or three course menus, yours for
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Vault
DUBAI INSTITUTIONS Dubai is home to a few spots that are famous for delivering an evening to talk about. Barasti (taxi: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, +971 4 399 333) has been ruling the roost for 20 years, pulling in thousands of revellers every weekend. It combines live music, daily sunbathing sessions, a sandbetween-your-toes dance floor and more serving stations than you can shake an empty glass at. The Irish Village (taxi: Al Garhoud, +971 4 282 4750) is another much-loved gem. The haunt of many a local (friendly) expat, the traditional interior opens out onto a large garden dotted with picnic tables. It has a great line-up of events that take place year-round. Plus, you'll find additional outposts at Riverland Dubai and Studio City.
The Irish Village
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Dhs199 and Dhs239 respectively, along with three free drinks. Be prepared to kick off your heels for a bit of a boogie. You'll also feel the urge to hit the floor at Japanese hotspot Ramusake (taxi: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai, +971 4 559 5300), where the atmosphere gets cranked up to party mode as the night grows ever younger. You get free drinks all night, but there's a minimum spend of Dhs100 per person to book a table. Another Japanese joint worth a few of your holiday dirhams is Morimoto Dubai (taxi: Renaissance Downtown Hotel, +971 4 512 5577), where Kira Kira! offers three complimentary drinks along with 40 percent off a select menu (choose the spicy tuna tacos) as DJ Trix spins the decks. Be
sure to snag a table on the terrace. Every Tue from 8pm until midnight. If you're on the lookout for something more chilled, Monday nights at the Beach Lounge (taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 4 432 3232) offer up cabanas, fire pits, sand between your toes, and picture perfect views of Burj Al Arab – oh, and free flowing sparkling between 8-10pm.
BEST BOYS’ NIGHTS Thankfully guys don’t have to miss out on all the discounted fun, and can bond over the male equivalent of a girls’ night out thanks to dedicated evenings dotted throughout the city. It’s all about the gents at Palm Jumeirah every Mon at The Tap
THE NIGHTLIFE FIVE OF THE BEST
VENUES WITH A TWIST In the mood for a different experience? These nightspots have you covered
2. Not just a theatre venue and much more than a club, MusicHall Dubai (taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 447 6646) is an eclectic fusion of art, cuisine and dance, all rolled into one. From rock to reggae and jazz to salsa, no two nights are ever the same with its impressive roster of live world music acts.
1. Speakeasys have never really worked in Dubai before because, well, not enough people could find them. Poppy (taxi: Renaissance Downtown, poppy-dubai.com) by David Myers seems to have bucked that trend. You’ll have to ask the staff to help you find it, but when you do we promise it’s worth the hunt.
4. It’s hard to describe what Wavehouse (taxi: Atlantis, The Palm, +971 4 426 1166) actually is. Indoor and outdoor spaces house a restaurant, arcade machines, bowling lanes, a wave rider and other family-friendly activities. But yes, it also has an adult-only bar, and it’s decent. Fuel up for a night of live music and fun on tap.
3. How low can you go? Dive seven metres down and discover the blazing underworld of The Hatch (taxi: Port Rashid, +971 50 375 9715); QE2's boiler room turned party cave. Luring night owls with its enigmatic mystique, it's a novel setting for an evening full of high jinks.
5. Located on the 44th floor of the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City and decked out like an American diner, The 44 (taxi: Habtoor City, +971 54 5811 758) has dart boards, pool tables, a pinball machine and the highest bowling alley in the world.
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Q's Bar and Lounge
House (taxi: Club Vista Mare, +971 4 514 3778) from 7pm to midnight when, for Dhs145, you can take your pick from the dedicated food menu accompanied by three house drinks. Vault (taxi: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 3000) kindly offers men a complimentary drink upon arrival every Sat, along with special offers throughout the evening (from 8pm-11pm). This buzzy bar, perched high up on the hotel’s 71st and 72nd floors, also offers great views of the city’s glittering skyline. Guy Fieri’s Kitchen at Reel Cinemas (taxi: Jebel Ali Recreation Club, +971 4 449 1903) has possibly the best deal in town for men. Every Wed at the American TV chef’s plush venue, guys get a burger and unlimited hops for Dhs99 from 7pm to 9pm. A snooze during a late film screening might be called for afterwards, though. Thursday nights at Oeno Wine Bar (taxi: The Westin Dubai, +971 4 511 7373) is 'Himsville', which roughly translates as guys eating and drinking to their
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liking from a fixed menu from 8pm11pm for Dhs249. Ladies in tow are also treated to three complimentary drinks.
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUES Dubai has always had an active live music scene and there are some real gems to discover. Quincy Jones' first ever bar, Q’s Bar & Lounge (taxi: Palazzo Versace Dubai, +971 4 556 8865), has an ever-changing schedule of acts featuring next generation stars, directed by Quincy himself. Smooth operators can shuffle their feet at the Jazz Club pop-up at The Green Room located on the upper floor of Galvin Bistrot & Bar (taxi: The Square, City Walk, +971 4 590 5444). Live performances take place Tue through Fri from 9pm-2am. Sticking with the same genre, Jazz@ PizzaExpress (taxi: JLT Cluster A, +9714 441 6342) has won plaudits for its commitment to a full programme of live entertainment, including crowd pleasing solo singers on Sun, Tue, and Fri.
With a global reputation for awesome live music, it's may come as no surprise that there is a Hard Rock Café in town (taxi: Dubai Festival City Mall, +971 4 232 8900). Here, you can check out wall-to-wall musical memorabilia, including a bolero jacket worn by the late Prince, and Mick Fleetwood’s Tama drums, before rocking out to live and loud sounds. In the concrete maze of JLT you'll find the ever buzzing Nola Social House & Eatery (taxi: Armada BlueBay Hotel, +971 4 399 8155), where every Tue, Fri and Sat from 8.30pm you'll be treated to live funk and soul tunes. Of course, sometimes you just want to have fun. And Lock, Stock & Barrel (taxi: Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, +971 4 392 7120) has most definitely carved a reputation for providing just that. The award-winning behemoth is busy every night thanks to its great resident bands, regular drinks deals and a young crowd intent on enjoying every moment of their time in Dubai.
Create stories worth telling
Whether you’re seeking adventure or culture, we share your passion for new experiences. Take on the Arabian dunes in a 4x4, camp under the starry desert sky or set sail on a moonlit dhow cruise. From our first hello to our parting farewell, we make sure you’re looked after at every step. Book now and join us on an Arabic adventure to remember.
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