: E I D A I B U U D G YOUR CKER S ’ E R H E T SID IN
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? s s e o 7 o o 19 ome otsp ins r sh e c it c st h rga you n i d s hen touri e ba to fix n rou up w ual ts, th tains a n ed us rtcu oun e e e u b y cl th sho ve m g d n t vi ret s an the ll mo a H e p tel i , s w r e o o i a h b r wh e e e e w th r ble f e e ar t th cob u dom o b a ran
N G I A U D P W O A O G Y E N N R I L K W L R E I O E W T LL W F O O TH
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THE KEY
Cheap
Quicker
Health and fitness
Food
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1. Cut-price souvenirs
3. Fix your smartphone
6. Personal delivery service
Forget taking visitors to the usual haunts for them to pick up pashminas, mosque alarm clocks and Sheikh saltshakers. Most of the souvenir shops source their stock from The Antiques Museum. The name is misleading; it’s not a museum and has very few antiques. It’s two vast warehouses in Al Quoz, packed with knick-knacks and furniture from all over the world. It has a very strange pricing system and some serious bargains. Off 8th Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, daily 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3479935. Taxi: Behind Times Square. fakihcollections.com
Thanks to Celfixx, the simple answer to the most contemporary of questions is: yes, you can get your broken smartphone screen fixed. Celfixx, Ground Floor, Deira City Centre, Deira, Dubai, daily, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2954544. Metro: Deira City Centre. celfixx.com
Offering a different type of courier service, the staff at website Get Me are at your disposal regardless of whether you need to pick up cinema tickets, pay bills or bring your passport to the airport. Costs are calculated online and depend on whether your request is immediate (within the hour), flexible (within three hours) or relaxed (within 24 hours). Prices start from Dhs13. Tel: (800) 43863. getme-uae. com
2. Buy and sell second-hand books With stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, second-hand bookshop House of Prose is a great place to source rare or discounted books. They’ll also offer a 50 per cent buyback in cash for books you purchased from them. Jumeirah Plaza, Beach Road, Dubai, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3449021. Taxi: opposite Century Plaza. facebook.com/houseofprose
4. Free yoga classes Yoga doesn’t come cheap in this town, with many classes costing in the region of Dhs80. Praise be, then, for Fields Of Yoga, whose weekly sunrise sessions on the beach are absolutely free. You’re welcome to make a donation to charity if you wish. Jumeirah, Dubai, free. Sat 7am to 8.15am, free. Taxi: Beach next to DOSC. fieldsofyogadubai. blogspot.ae
5. Butcher delivery Don’t be put off by the name – 800 Meat delivers up some quality cuts of halal meat. Al Seef Tower 3, Cluster U, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: 800 6328. Metro: Dubai Marina
7. Military surplus shop The aptly named military surplus shop Colonel is piled high with everyything from army boots and clothes to sleeping bags and torches. Defence roundabout, 2nd December Street, Satwa, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Taxi: opposite French Bakery
8. Don’t queue at DEWA We might regret sharing this one but, after several decades in Dubai, we can reveal that the
DEWA office behind the Mazaya Centre is the quietest and most efficient in town. There is also plenty of parking and an ATM. Al Wasl Centre, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 7.30am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 6019999. Taxi: Behind Mazaya Centre. dewa.gov.ae
9. Mobile pet grooming If your dog or cat needs a grooming session but doesn’t play nicely with others, Shampooch offer a travelling grooming service in their specially-designed vans, which they’ll drive right to your door. Shampooch, daily 8am to 6pm, from Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3400507. shampooch.ae
10. Secret supper club Emirati entrepreneurs and dedicated foodies Buthaina Al Mazrui and Alamira Noor Bani Hashim run an underground, invite-only supper club at a secret location once a month. Previous locations have included a construction site, an empty swimming pool and a bus. E-mail: thedinnerclub57@ gmail.com
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11. Up-to-date price of gold Considering an expensive purchase? Before you trawl the avenues of the gold souk and get embroiled in some serious bartering for your desired piece of jewellery, remember to check the real-time price of gold on the electronic index at the entrance to the souk. Now, go haggle. Dubai Gold Souk, Deira
12. Easy car registration If you’ve ever bought or sold a car in Dubai, you’ll be familiar with the frustration of sitting in endless queues at the Umm Sequim Eppco Tasjeel centre. Our tip is to venture a bit further and visit the Al Aweer branch instead. For some unknown reason there’s hardly ever anyone there. Al Aweer Eppco Tasjeel Centre, Ras Al Khor Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur 7.30am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3330520. enocretail.com/tasjeel
13. 24-hour bakery Offering late night salvation to many a hungry soul, the 2420_What’s On_05.2013
hour Al Reef Lebanese Bakery is a post-party treasure. Normally at its busiest between 2am and 4am on weekends, it fuels throngs of taxi-halting revellers with fresh manakish. Al Reef Lebanese Bakery, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3945200. Taxi: Opposite Wasl Square
14. Beach cycle hire If a quiet walk along the beach just isn’t active enough for you, take advantage of a range of bikes and trikes available to hire on the cycle path at Jumeirah Public Beach. After a Dhs50 deposit per bike, prices start from Dhs20 for 30 minutes. Running/cycling track, Jumeirah Public Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily, Dhs30 for 20mins. Tel: (050) 8440556. Taxi: Dubai Marine Resort & Spa. q8byky.com
15. Cheap tech gadgets Although you wouldn’t guess it from the outside, the Al Ain Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road is the go-to spot for the city’s technology buffs. The ground floor Computer Plaza sells cutprice gadgets, repairs faulty gear
and even buys used video games. Al Ain Centre, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3526663. Taxi: Next to Spinneys. thecomputerplaza.com
16. Rock climbing trips The UAE has some impressive mountains, but few registered climbing groups. If you’re interested in scaling a cliff or two, the UAE Rock Climbers run organised climbing tours ranging in difficulty from beginners to seasoned rock stars. facebook.com/groups/uae. rock.climbers
17. Best views of Dubai fountains Popular with tourists, the crowds around the Dubai Fountains can get rather manic. For extra kudos take your guests up to Kino’s Café, a smoothie bar tucked away inside the Kinokuniya bookshop, which has a balcony overlooking the fountains in all their glory. Kinokuniya, Floor 3, Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4340111. Metro: Dubai Mall. kinokuniya.com/ae
18. Bargain upholstery If you want to avoid the ‘Ikea showroom’ look and fancy turning your hand to a bit of interior design, you can get your hands on cut-price interior fabrics at Silkland for as little as Dhs40 per metre. Silkland, Al Hareb Building, Bur Dubai, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3356199. silkland.com
19. Get your own post box If you’re a fan of online shopping or have your own company, then having a personal PO box is a useful thing indeed. You can apply online and it’ll cost you from Dhs450 per year, plus Dh50 registration fee. epg.ae/postbox
20. Off-road courses Master the sand with the Offroad Zone who run courses on how to dune-bash and survive in the desert. You can also join run free monthly group expeditions over the UAE dunes. Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 8.30am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3392449. Taxi: Near Khaleej Times. offroad-zone.com 05.2013_What’s On_21
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21. Shoe mending Who has time to polish and repair their shoes these days? Thankfully, this Barsha-based cobbler will pick up your kicks, repair them and return them to wherever you please, and do it with a smile. Rabwah Building, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 11am to 7.30pm, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3255016. Taxi: Opposite Lulu Supermarket. ndustshoes.com
22. Budget fish shack Let’s face it, dining in Dubai can get a bit overhyped. Sometimes all you really want is to pop into an innocuous looking beachside Portakabin and walk out with a freshly grilled piece of fish, rice, salad and bread and have change from a Dhs20 note. Bu Qtair, Street 2b, off Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Taxi: Opposite Umm Suqeim Marina
23. The best shop for big bras A true hidden gem for women needing a D cup and higher, British-owned lingerie shop 22_What’s On_05.2013
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TKD is not only a much-needed store, but also a truly great retail experience. The staff are lovely, as is the underwear. TDK, Town Centre Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3856353. Taxi: near Mercato Mall. tkdlingerie.com
24. Develop your own photos There’s reason to celebrate for photography enthusiasts who feel shunned by the rise of the smartphone snapper. The secluded art centre Tashkeel offers members use of its in-house darkroom, allowing them to develop, enlarge and experiment with film, prints and various stocks. Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba 1, Sat to Thur 8am to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 3363313. Taxi: Nad Al Sheba Police Station. tashkeel.org
25. Top class cycling track The UAE has started to embrace cycling in a big way. Don’t believe us? Head to the brand new 67km cycling track out towards Bab al Shams. Umm Suqeim Road, Al Qudra, Dubai, daily, free. Taxi: Near Dubai Bypass Road
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26. Watch a camel race Camel racing is one of the UAE’s most traditional yet underrated cultural experiences. Between October and March, daily races are run at 7am and 2pm at the enormous Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, amid a chaotic scene of camels and horn-blaring 4x4s. Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, Al Ain Road, Dubai, 7am and 2pm, free. Tel: (04) 8326526. Taxi: Exit after The Sevens stadium. dcrc.ae
27. Sell or swap motorcycles Aprilia has scooters, dirt bikes and motorcycles for sale. But if you want to trade in your ride, then this is the place to go, and it’s one of the most respected names in the business. Aprilia, Warehouse B3, Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3476712. Taxi: next to Max Garage. apriliame.com
28. Rent a tuxedo If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t need a tuxedo every weekend, then why not rent one from Murad Boutique? There’s a Dhs1,000 deposit but the hire
is a mere Dhs250. And for our Caledonian brethren out there, they also lend kilts. Murad Boutique, Al Ghazal Mall, 2nd December Street, Satwa, Dubai, daily. Tel: (04) 3458979. Taxi: end of Al Wasl Rd
29. Buy personalised golf clubs The Al Badia Golf Club’s hi-tech TaylorMade Performance Lab is a golf nut’s dream. Not only can you book in a two-hour swing analysis session, but they will also record your results and order you a completely customised set of clubs. Al Badia Golf Club, InterContinental Dubai, Festival City, Dubai, Dhs595. Tel: (04) 6010111. Taxi: Near Festival City. albadiagolfclub.ae
30. Eat a camel burger In terms of local delicacies, you’d struggle to top a tasty bit of camel meat. Tucked away in Bastakiya, Local House café does a camelheavy menu including a rather good burger. Local House, Al Fahidi, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri 1pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3540705. Taxi: Bastakiya. localhousedubai.com
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31. Traditional barber’s Vintage red barber shop chairs, old school shaves, friendly barbers and all for Dhs15. Hussain Mahmood, Satwa Road, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3544354. Taxi: Chelsea Hotel
32. Specialised carpet repairs Are you sick of looking at that stain that’s been spoiling your carpet since your last party? Thankfully, Al Madaen Carpets can tackle the most challenging stains, spillages and rips, whether on a machine-made rug (Dhs30 per metre) or a handmade one (Dhs60 per metre). Al Madaen Carpet Trading, Plant Street, Satwa. Tel: (04) 3454488. Taxi: Iranian Hospital
33. Food tours of Old Dubai Arva Ahmed grew up in Deira in the 1980s, and is passionate about the cuisines in Old Dubai. She now runs food tour company Frying Pan Adventures, helping you eat your way through an Arabian Pilgrimage, a North African Food Safari or even Little India On A Plate for Dhs350. fryingpanadventures.com
34. Real French cobbler The Level Shoe District at Dubai Mall has made quite an impact, offering not only 40 individual boutiques selling shoes from 250 designers, but also for its range of shoe-related services including a French cobbler who crafts bespoke shoes as well as a shoe shine service, resoling and heel mending. Level Shoe District, Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5016888. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. levelshoedistrict.com
35. Dhs20 curry delivery Thali, an Indian meal consisting of several small dishes, is very popular in Dubai, and is now available for delivery in JLT, courtesy of 800 Thali. The best bit? It takes only half an hour to arrive and costs Dhs20. Damac Lake View Tower, Cluster B, Lake Level, JLT, daily noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: 80084254. Metro: JLT. 800thali.com
36. The ultimate food wholesalers Ever been set on cooking a
new recipe only to find that the ingredients are not stocked in shops? Worry no more. The Green House Supermarket and Warehouse, in the Sharjah Industrial Area, supplies many of the UAE’s professional kitchens with everything from woks to Thai curry paste. It’s a foodie’s gold mine. Street 16, Sharjah Industrial Area, Sharjah, Sat to Thur 8am to 6pm. Tel: (06) 5332218. Taxi: off Al Wahda Street
37. Independent magazine shop Definitely a niche enterprise, but proof that Dubai’s cultural offering is diversifying, The Magazine Shop, run by the guys behind Brownbook, sells independent magazines and raw coffee, as well as hosting regular talks and magazine-related events. Gate Village 8, Podium Level, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Thur 7am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 4574283. Metro: Emirates Towers. themagazineshop.tumblr.com
38. Buy a vintage watch If you want to buy a classic timepiece in Dubai, there is only
one place to go: Momentum. This small store in DIFC sells beautiful watches ranging from less than Dhs1,000 to well above Dhs50,000. And all of them are collectable vintage models. The Gate Building, Marble Walk, DIFC, Dubai, daily 9am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 502111351. Metro: Emirates Towers. momentum-dubai.com
39. Marina-based wraps delivery A pop-up shop in Media City selling freshly made wraps, made with the popular Pakistani bread, roti. Yes, please. Aswaaq Supermarket, Office Park Building, Dubai Media City, Sun to Thur 11am to 3pm. Tel: (04) 4524927. Metro: Dubai Internet City. motiroti.me
40. Cheap round of golf If you’re looking to hit the fairways without scoring a financial double bogey, check out Sharjah Golf And Shooting Club. At Dhs220 for a peak time round, it’s cheaper than its competitors. Emirates Road, Sharjah. Tel: (06) 5487777. Taxi: just after National Paints Bridge. golfandshootingshj.com 05.2013_What’s On_23
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41. Danger-free trips to Yemen and Iraq This new UAE adventure tour company offers tailored packages to Yemen, Afghanistan and Iraq, with Pakistan and Armenia to be added to the list. They promise that ‘your safety will always be the prime consideration.’ Tel: (050) 7357922. offbeattours.com
42. Learn professional kitchen skills
44. Stay in Bastakiya Not everyone likes staying in a five-star hotel. Some folk prefer to stay somewhere a little more authentic, which is where a charming boutique B&B can come in handy. Orient House has just two guest rooms and is right in the heart of Bastakiya. Orient Guesthouse, Al Fahidi Street, Bastakiya, Dubai, Dhs1,000. Tel: (04) 3519111. Taxi: Opposite Al Musalla Post Office. orientguesthouse.com
This professional cooking school and café in JLT offers a large range of basic cooking skills classes, including sauce making and knife skills. Scafa, Unit 6, Promenade Level, Cluster 1, JLT, Dubai, daily, from Dhs500. Tel: (04) 3794044. Metro: JLT. scafa.ae
45. Dinner and recipe delivery
43. Craft courses
46. Find old-school Casio watches
The Sewing Parlour has taken over a patch in Al Quoz gallery shop Objects & Elements and offers classes and workshops offering to make everything from bunting to jewellery. Objects & Elements, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: (055) 6155711. Taxi: Behind Times Square. remadedxb.com 24_What’s On_05.2013
Ideal for people who hate the supermarket or need foodie inspiration, dinnertime.me delivers groceries to your door, complete with four recipes. dinnertime.me
Classic City might sell wigs, industrial-sized liquid soaps and very odd shoes, but they also have a counter full of retro-cool Casios including the calculator and the lusted-after gold one. Classic City, Al Satwa Road, Satwa, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm Tel: (04) 3491012. Taxi: 81a Street
47. Freshly baked bread Freshly baked baguettes, pastries and patisserie treats are to be found at Crumbs Elysee. Crumbs Elysee, Al Thanya, Dubai. Tel: (04) 328433, daily 6am to midnight. Taxi: Reem Al Bawadi. crumbselysee.com
48. 24-hour handyman The last thing you want during the scorching summer months is for your air-con to break down. Thankfully, Cool & Cool offers 24-hour maintenace. As well as working on your air-con, they can help with plumbing, electrical, cleaning and masonry. Cool & Cool Home Maintenance. Tel: (04) 4586233. cnc-uae.com
49. Host holidaymakers in your spare room In a modern day version of couch-surfing, you can post a listing for your spare room online, review applications of the people who want to stay there for a short holiday, agree a price and then welcome them in. airbnb.com
DUBAI ONLINE Five local apps to have on your phone
GRAND CINEMA Need to check the cinema timings for Transformers 8? No problem. RTA DUBAI Book taxis from your phone. It even has a fare calculator that lets you know the exact price. UAE PARK A simple way to pay Dubai and AD parking fees. Handy in the summer. MO*VIDA The nightclub’s app allows you to book tables, queue jump and see what’s on. iDUBAI Maps everything from government offices to clinics, banks, hospitals and hotels. All apps are available from: store.apple.com/ae
50. Personal errands Too busy for errands? Delivery service Mashaweer could be your knight in shining armour, as they offer to pick up and deliver anything, anytime, anywhere. mashaweeruae.com