BEACH ROAD by bike
In a city that is in thrall to the 4x4 and the flash red sports car, the common bicycle is often overlooked as a mode of transport. But no longer. We’re bringing back the bike. The perfect way to rediscover the unique shops and restaurants on Beach Road
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FROM THE BURJ AL ARAB TO THE FLAG AT UNION TROUSERS INTO YOUR SOCKS, POP ON YOUR HELMET, SLATHER
START 01
Ride Bike Shop
If you’re planning to cycle Beach Road, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to start. Bike rentals at this stall range from one hour to one day. It’s pretty steep, and you’ll need to bring ID and, if you’re a tourist, leave a deposit, but it’s the only bike hire shop on Beach Road. RIDE Bike Shop, Eppco Garage, Jumeirah Beach Road, near Umm Suqeim Park, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs40 to Dhs200. Tel: (050) 5882738. ridebikeshop.com
02
Maison Chic
Shipping over first-rate furniture from Indonesia, this interiors showroom has some hidden
gems, including an antique dentist chair and old-school Vespa with a sidecar when we visited. Worth a stop, even if you can’t fit a deckchair on the back of your bike. 733 Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, Fri 11am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3282511. maisonchicdubai.com
03
Ahmad bin Ali Muzafai Far D Supermarket
It may look like your run-ofthe-mill rundown convenience store, but the shop vying for the longest name on Beach Road sells everything from batteries to swimming shorts, via mini cricket sets and frisbees. Perfect if you’re planning a visit to the beach. Next to Stitches, 677 Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
04
Sweet Lane
A long bike ride deserves a treat or two, and Sweet Lane is the place to stock up on cupcakes and other mouthwatering baked goods.
Near Al Manara Street, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3944774. sweetlanecakes.com
05
Picnico
If you’re planning to hit the beach, make sure you pop into this vast adventure emporium stocking everything from skim boards, kayaks and wetsuits to more rudimentary items like sunblock and towels. Eppco Station, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri 11am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3941653.
06
And So To Bed
Chances are you’re not cycling around looking to buy a new bed, but the London-based supplier stocks some impressive beds at this showroom, and it’s well worth a gander – especially if you’re in the market for a place to lay your head. Villa 4, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3946832. andsotobed.co.uk
07
Fatburger
There’s no denying it. We love a burger as much as the next cyclist. There’s nothing better than beef in a bap to refuel, and this What’s On favourite is a good choice for a quick lunchtime pit stop. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sun to Thur 11am to 2am, Fri and Sat 11am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3945296. fatburgeruae.com
08
Turath Al Mandi
We’re big fans of this quaint Yemeni restaurant, and its reputation, built on its freshly baked flatbread and goat meat and rice, is on the rise. A fine spot for lunch or dinner. Near Umm Al Sheif Street, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3953555
09
Reem Al Bawadi
You’ll struggle to find a table in the evening at this bustling Lebanese restaurant, but in the day it’s a good place stop to and enjoy a fruit juice, or, if you have a bit more time to spare, munch on some mezze or enjoy a shisha
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HO YO
ON HER
_ ’ HOUSE IT S 15KM (AND THE SAME BACK) SO TUCK YOUR YOURSELF IN SUN CREAM AND HOP ON YOUR BIKE and a game of backgammon. Street 29b, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, daily 9am to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3947444. reemalbawadi.com
10
Mercato Mall
A long-standing favourite with families, Mercato is anchored by a giant Spinney’s supermarket should you want to make a picnic. Shoppers will like the high-street offerings, including Gap, Aldo, Laura Ashley, Massimo Dutti, Promod and Topshop, but if all that cycling has truly broken you then collapse in the Nail Spa or in front of a film at Grand Cinemas. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3444161. mercatoshoppingmall.com
11
Beach Park Plaza
Shopping malls are one thing Beach Road does not lack. However, none of them have as eclectic a range of restaurants as Beach Park Plaza, opposite Jumeirah Beach Park. Thai, Russian and Indian cuisines are on the menu at, respectively,
Soi55, the Secret Russian Dubai, daily 1pm to 1am. restaurant and Sapne, while there Tel: (04) 3460009. butafish.com is also the fun and futuristic Manga Sushi, and the impressive Samad Al Iraqi restaurant. Something for everyone. Near Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 9am to 1am. Tel: (04) 3428060. beachparkplaza.com
12
Lime Tree Café
A long-time Dubai favourite, the Lime Tree does some exceedingly good cakes (sorry, Mr Kipling) and a tasty range of healthy salads. Get them to take away as a treat for when you reach the beach park later in the day. Near Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 7.30am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3256325. thelimetreecafe.com
13
Bu Tafish
This cheerful diner-esque fish restaurant is always a fun place to dine. Where else does the restaurant manager dress as a sea captain? Either grab a booth or grab some fish and chips to take away. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1,
FLAG POLE / UNION HOUSE The halfway stop on your ride
14
Loca
Our pick of the restaurants and bars at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Loca does some good quality Mexican staples (we recommend the chicken taco) and a superb selection of beers. Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 3461111. dxbmarine.com
15
The Village Mall
The star of the show at this neighbourhood mall is S*uce, a boutique selling charming
jewellery and hard-to-find clothing from quirky labels. It is also home to shabby chic café Shakespeare & Co, one of the many Hey Sugar outlets for a sugar boost courtesy of a cupcake, and a branch of Boots, should you need a pharmacy for some blister plasters. Desperate for a mid-journey rub down? Ladies can take their pick from SensAsia Urban Spa and Sisters Beauty Lounge. On yer bikes, chaps. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm
16
The Zoo
One of the coolest and most original shops in Dubai, The Zoo is full of pop-culture knick-knacks, retro clothing and trendy wall-art. It is worth having a look and coming back later to stock up on bits and bobs for your apartment. If you’re more of a vintage fan then check out adjoining store Bambah for carefully sourced original clothing and accessories. 142 Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (050) 5353875. facebook.com/thezooconcept MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 43
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RENT A BIKE
Where to hire your cycle…
Wolfi’s Bike Shop
There are both road and mountain bikes available for hire at Wolfi’s for Dhs100 a day, or, if you’re a more serious cyclist, you can go all out and hire a bike with a carbon fibre frame for Dhs200. Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchange 2 and 3, Dubai, Dhs100 for 24 hours. Tel: (04) 3394453. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. wbs.ae
Adventure HQ
You can hire road or mountain bikes from this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise for just Dhs100 per day, helmet included. Remember to take photo ID along with you. Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily Dhs100 for 24 hours. Tel: (04) 3468824. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. adventurehq.ae
17
Sunset Mall
A good one for the city’s fashionistas, Sunset Mall is a shiny new spot boasting some high quality boutiques, including Rivaage and VallyDez for designer labels, plus the recently opened Collars & Cuffs tailors. You’ll also find Tropicana Flowers should you want to add some blooms to the basket on your bike and pretend to be all French and Amelie-esque. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel (04) 3307333. sunsetmall.ae
18
Jumeirah Beach Park
One of the best beach parks in the country, and definitely worth a stop. It’s just Dhs5 to enter, and you will have access to the pristine beach, picnic spots and, most importantly, public toilets. It is important for gentlemen to note that Saturday is ladies’ day. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, Sun to Wed 7am to 10.30pm, Thur to Sat 7am to 11pm, Dhs5. jumeirahbeach.org/ jumeirah-beach-park
19
Biker’s Cafe
You might feel a little embarrassed rolling up to this motorcycle-themed café on your pushbike, but the friendly staff will help you get over that.
Burgers, sandwiches, cakes and nibbles are all available. As the name suggests, Biker’s Café is popular with the biker community and, if you’re lucky, there will be some handsome hogs hanging about outside. Just remember, no jokes about beards or leather. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7.30am to 1am, Thur and Fri 7.30am to 5am. Tel: (04) 3493585. bikerscafedubai.com
20
Kite Beach
This public beach is one of the few places where Dubai’s kite surfers are given free rein. Find a spot on the sand and watch the surfers out on the water, grabbing some speed and pulling off tricks. Nessnass Beach, between Jumeirah Beach Park and Dubai Sailing Club, Dubai
21 Barracuda Restaurant
Barracuda is the place to pull up if you’re in the mood for some fresh, uncomplicated fish dishes. And why on earth wouldn’t you be? The restaurant serves a simple, uncluttered menu that allows you to pick your own fish and have it grilled to your taste. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3940408
22
Kartell
Quirky shops are what Beach Road is famed for (as well as its many restaurants, of course), and this swish designer furniture store is definitely one of them. The high-end chairs, tables and lamps don’t come cheap, but they are awfully pretty. Villa 746, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3488169. kartell.it
23
Dhow And Anchor
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the perfect end point to your mammoth bike ride. It’s not far away from the bike rental shop, and you can nip inside to reward yourself with a refreshing drink at the Dhow and Anchor pub. If it’s a weekend, they also have several screens showing the weekend’s games. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 4068999. jumeirah.com
STOP
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