Top 10 Hidden Gems in Dubai!
Top 10 Hidden Gems in Dubai!
Dubai. The United Arab Emirates.
A city in constant evolution in a somehow very young country.
A city based on tourim and associatetd with luxury, superlatives and fakeness all around.
But Dubai isn’t all shiny and expensive cars !
There’s the Dubai well known for tourists, including the Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world, the brunches, the dancing fountains or the indoor ski station. And there’s the other Dubai.
Let’s discover some hidden gems in the UAE.
Bu Qtair
Hard to pronounce, even harder to find, Bu Qtair is one of these little hidden gem everyone heard about but doesnt quite know where it is !
« Seafood restaurant » is too fancy of a name for it, no menu or wooden tables there.
Fresh fishes, praws and seafood are presented to you raw!
After choosing your favourite, you get to eat them with your hands on the little plastic tables and chairs.
Be sure to get there early as there is ALWAYS a queue when it opens at 6pm and it’s on first come – first serve basis !
- Price depends on the fish & quantity
- Address: Street 4D, Close to Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
BBQ on the beach in Zero Gravity
Barbecuing on the beach is a Dubai to-do all year long !
And what’s better than doing it on a Saturday to cure the hangover, while watching the courageous sky divers jumping just above your head… While your personal chef cooks delicious grilled meats and seafood.
For an (even !) more laidback afternoon, grab the picnic package and enjoy cold cuts, fresh bread and cheeses to enjoy on the beach or on the grass !
Picnic packages start from Dhs733 for groups of two to five.
- Address: Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Al Sufouh Road
- Phone: 04 399 0009
Smiling BKK
Singular name for a very particular place. And by this, of course I mean it definitey doesn’t suck !
The Thai food is delicious, the menu endless, and the lights and decor are amazingly quirky! Oh, did I mention you call the waiters with a toy plastic gun ?
- Address: Shop 22, Al Wasl Plaza, Behind Emirates Petrol Pump, Next to Post Office, Al Safa,
- Phone: 04 349 6677
Bounce
As one of the only indoor trampoline facility in the world (YES even the walls are trampolines), Bounce is a super tiring but fun workout . Did I mention there is also basketball hoops and a dodgeball room ?
Bounce is hard to find though, make sure you bring a map for the taxi driver !
- Address: Building #32, 4B Street,Al Quoz 1
- Phone: 04 321 1400
Donut BBQ
Wait. What ? A barbecue. In a donut.
Choose a BBQ package, with or without a cook, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Dubai Creek in a donut shaped boat while you’re being served delicious meats and burgers ! Dreamy right ?
- Address: Port Saeed - Dubai
- Phone: 04 295 6000
Galleries Al Quoz
« Dubai has no soul. Dubai is superficial, fake and has no culture » we hear these often. Well, you’re wrong !
Have a walk around Al Quoz, particuparly near the Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz 1 and check out all the small independent galleries that change almost every day ! You will find local artists and a creative community exhibiting their art, photo, paintings and many more. Once more, bring a map !
- Address: Alserkal Avenue Arts and Cultural District - Exit 43 off Sheikh Zayed, Street 8, Al Quoz 1 - Dubai Phone: 055 289 7825
Riva SUP
One of the go-to for a healthy and active Friday is going stand up paddleboarding ! More than just paddling on a board, it’s all about a light and relaxing workout, with one of the best views on the Burj Al Arab and the beautiful Dubai Marina !
One hour is AED100, check out Riva Beach on the Palm Jumeirah !
- Address: Building 8, The Shoreline Palm Jumeirah Dubai
- Phone: 04 430 9466
Tom & Serg, Al Quoz
Tom & Serg is a must try for everyone coming to Dubai ! As an independant authentic café, Tom & Serg are famous for their down to earth vibe and home made style ! Organic products, great mood and a tad bit hipster style reworked warehouse made the uniqueness of this place ! Plus, their coffee is amazing.
- Address: 15A Street, Al-Joud Center, Al Quoz, Near ACE Hardware On Sheikh Zayed Rd
- Phone: 056 474 6812
RipeMarket
I’m a huge fan of markets so that one might be biased. Ripe Market offers crafts, local food and organic local products every Friday in Zabeel Park and Saturday night in Barsha Park, and the family vibe in a park is sometimes exactly what you need !
Grab some food from a food truck or a ground coffee, have a stroll around the lakes or a romantic picnic with your loved one, buy hand made jewelery redecorate your house or buy farm fresh products, everything is possible !
- Every Friday from 9am-5pm in Zabeel Park
- Every Saturday from 4pm – 9pm at Al Barsha Pond Park
Eastern Mangroves
Not in Dubai per se, the Eastern Mangroves are more on Abu Dhabi side.
This is the perfect activity to relax, catch up with friends and enjoy an extraordinary view of the Mangroves.
Plus, you can take amazing picture everyone will be jealous about !
- AED 150 per adult – 100 per child 6-10 years
- See locations & directions!
So if you want to visit the beautiful and vibrant city of Dubai, make sure you check out these original spots that Dont Suck !!