Dubai Itineraries

Mix it up: four must-try cocktails in Dubai

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:11:46 -0400

Whether you’re sipping a classic martini at a sky-high bar or savouring an exotic mix at a sun-drenched beach club, we guarantee you’ll find the perfect drink for every occasion during your time in Dubai.

With countless bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, it’s the kind of city that demands that its cocktails be taken seriously, and we’ve managed to find four favorites that stand out from the competition.

Passion Fruit Martini at Skyview Bar

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Situated a lofty 200m above sea level on the 27th floor of the renowned Burj Al Arab, this popular bar and café offers some of the most impressive views of Dubai’s skyline.

During the day, afternoon tea is expertly paired with delectable sandwiches, pastries, and a range of carefully curated teas, but the place really comes to life at sunset when the cocktails come out.

The menu sticks to the classics, but the bartenders have a particular penchant for mixing martinis. While the simple stirred version is excellent, it’s the signature blend of vodka, amaretto, passion fruit, and a twist of lime and angostura that piques the most interest. If that sounds too sweet, try the more subtle cucumber and elderflower mix.

https://www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/burj-al-arab-skyview-lounge

The Hakka at Hakkasan

Atlantis, The Palm

There may come a point during your trip to Dubai when you need to step away from the glitzy hotel bars, the enormous malls, and daytime heat to recharge. While many people opt for a day of pampering in a luxury spa, we find that Hakkasan’s dimly lit dining room offers a similar sanctuary—you’re just swapping the hot tub for dim sum.

With tables tucked behind wooden lattice screens and a slew of inventive cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for a lunch or dinner that’s more on the intimate side. With names like Shanghai Rouge, Floating Goddess, and The Rising Phoenix, there are plenty of concoctions that may pique your interest, but we always recommend you stick with their signature mix—The Hakka. It’s the perfect balance of boozy vodka and sake, tempered by the exotic sweetness of lychee, lime, passion fruit, and coconut.

hakkasan.com/dubai/

Pisco Sour at COYA Dubai

Four Seasons Resort

Brunch is a popular way to ease into the Dubai social scene, and the city’s branch of the global Peruvian restaurant draws the biggest crowds with its punchy cocktails, exuberant live music, and platters of ceviche, tacos, and tiradito. Served from 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM every Saturday, opt for the Premium Package which allows unlimited drinks—including the signature Pisco Sour. The zingy mix of lime and pisco is sure to kick-start your weekend.

If the signature isn’t quite adventurous enough for you, then don’t hesitate to explore the 10 different pisco sour infusions. Ranging from wasabi and green apple to mandarin and coffee, you’re unlikely to experience flavor combinations quite like these anywhere else.

coyarestaurant.com/restaurants/dubai/

Capri Kiss at Praia Dubai

FIVE Palm Jumeirah

It would be difficult to find a cocktail that embodies Dubai’s beachside lifestyle more than the vibrant Capri Kiss at Praia Dubai. Mixing gin and prosecco with the cooling flavors of elderflower, cucumber, apple, lychee, mint and plenty of ice, it’s the perfect poolside companion.

With a bar, restaurant, pool, and private cabanas, it’s the kind of place you arrive for lunch and end up staying until long after the sun sets, with DJs playing until 3:00 AM each night. Situated on the trunk of the man-made island, The Palm, the views across the water to the skyscrapers of downtown Dubai are spectacular and you can always expect a friendly, party-ready crowd.

palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com/

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On the Ground in Dubai

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:05:25 -0400

Home to the world’s tallest building, and unique sight-seeing and dining experiences. Join us on the ground in Dubai. Explore more must-see attractions, hidden gems and unique experiences at: https:/

Dubai’s dazzling white sands

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:44:06 -0500

The coming months bring prime beach weather to the Arabian Gulf, and we snag a lounger at Dubai’s finest beachfront havens, including the stunning new Address Beach Resort.

Surfers dotting the balmy waves, children building sandcastles and sunbathers lounging on golden sands beneath cloudless skies – this could be your view in Dubai this autumn and winter. With the mercury rising higher than the record-breaking skyscrapers in this city between the desert sands and the Arabian Gulf (aka the Persian Gulf), the cooler months are the ideal time to hit Dubai’s beaches, where holidaymakers enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures of around 25C. Catering to the seasonal sunbathing influx between around September and April, a string of glamorous beach clubs and resorts lines the peninsular coastline and artificial islands, the newest of which is Address Beach Resort in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area.

Typically for Dubai, the Address group’s first beach property launched with two impressive records: the world’s highest infinity pool, which comes close to the Eiffel Tower in height and two Olympic pools in length, and the planet’s highest occupiable skybridge floor, from the 63^rd to 77^th floors at a lofty 965.7ft. If these steel-and-glass realisations of architectural fantasies seem hard to comprehend, relax in a curvy lounge pod embedded in the pool – with an equally incredible view of artificial Bluewaters Island and its Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, the world’s tallest at almost twice the height of the London Eye.

Also on the rooftop is Asian fusion restaurant ZETA Seventy Seven, one of five dining options, while down on the 75^th floor are a fitness centre and a well-being studio offering yoga classes, as well as an 8,673sq ft spa with a sauna, steam room, couple’s suite and outdoor cabanas. The beach in question is sandy Marina Beach, with the promenade and the wavy green channel of Dubai Marina at the foot of the sky-pierced rectangle formed by the resort’s two towers, skybridge and lower bridge.

With so many activities on the resort’s doorstep, most guests won’t spend much time in their room, but the property nonetheless offers 217 rooms and suites – plus 443 one- to five-bedroom serviced apartments and plush residences. Staying in pads such as the three-bedroom, 3,000sq ft Presidential Suite, featuring a balcony perfect for family sundowners with views of Ain Dubai, beach breaks just got a whole lot more stylish and luxurious.

Insider tip: The resort’s address is The Walk, which offers one of motorway-riven Dubai’s most pleasant experiences of street life, with a mile-long pedestrianised avenue of markets, pop-up stalls, boutiques, buskers and cafés.

The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence; addresshotels.com/en/resorts/address-beach-resort

Four spots to lounge by the sea in Dubai

Experience Dubai’s beach life at these hangouts on the sands, which give a sense of the diverse options for spending a sunny day on the Arabian Gulf.

Feel the beat at WHITE Beach

Dubai superclub WHITE opened this chic beach club at The Palm Jumeirah’s first landmark resort in November 2019, offering skyline views across the Arabian Gulf from its infinity pool with in-water sun loungers. Relaxing in a shaded cabana segues into brunch or dinner at the restaurant and sunset DJ sets.

Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah; atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-the-palm

Praia Dubai’s island in the sun

Travel the Mediterranean through the cuisine at this restaurant and lounge on a palm-shaped man-made island’s landward stem – it’s technically the petiole, but no one’s checking with those stunning views of seafront skyscrapers to enjoy. Palm West Beach’s bronzed sunbathers and sizzling sunsets are right outside.

FIVE Palm Jumeriah, The Palm Jumeirah; praiadubai.com

A beach that defies belief at The Terrace

In Dubai, even beaches can be stupendous engineering feats. Jumeirah imported 1,000 tonnes of white sand from Saudi Arabia to create the beach on the artificial island home of its sail-shaped hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Along with two pools, SAL Restaurant and more, the beach is part of the hotel’s 10,8000sq ft outdoor terrace, which was itself made in Finland and shipped to Dubai.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim 3; jumeirah.com/en/article/experiences/dubai/baa/burj-al-arab-terrace

Beach getaways at One&Only The Palm

Back on The Palm Jumeirah, the One&Only resort’s secluded beach helps create its dreamy Moorish ambience, which you can experience with an indulgent beach day on its oversized daybeds, in its 9,000sq ft infinity pool and at its al fresco restaurants. Air-conditioned cabanas, private showers and a butler service add further luxury, with high-energy water sports and treatments at Guerlain Spa also on offer.

West Crescent, The Palm Jumeirah; oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm/experiences

A sense of place: Dubai

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:44:37 -0500

Forget waking up in a generic room. Book your stay at one of Dubai’s ultramodern hotels and experience the beauty of this city on the Persian Gulf coast.

With record-breaking skyscrapers, clusters of man-made islands and some of the world’s largest shopping malls, Dubai is a city defined by luxury. Its hotels and resorts are no exception, and we’ve selected a landmark property that reflects Dubai’s unique personality.

The sail-shaped skyscraper of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, located on the man-made islands in the Persian Gulf, is an icon of a coastline that’s made big changes in recent decades. This property has a distinct sense of place that reflects Dubai’s rise from desert outpost to futuristic metropolis.

Sail into the future at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

While the Burj Khalifa stands as the world’s tallest building, it’s the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah that symbolizes the city’s soul. One of the world’s tallest hotels, its 1,053 ft-high outline resembles a dhow sail—an homage to traditional Bedouin vessels. The glass-and-steel shell provides a link to the past, while its man-made island location and 56-story structure illustrate the ambition that continues to transform Dubai.

Opened in 1999, it’s the original ‘seven-star’ hotel, with more than 200 suites, a spa with serene views across the Persian Gulf, and unique dining experiences, like Al Muntaha, the acclaimed French and Italian restaurant. Visit the 10,8000 sq ft terrace, with its saltwater infinity pool, gold-tiled freshwater pool, and spacious cabanas to appreciate this historic hotel in all its glory.

Insider tip: The Burj Al Arab took five years to build, and every detail has been considered—you can choose between 17 types of pillows and enjoy the world’s most exclusive eiderdown duvets, featuring down harvested in Iceland.

Umm Suqeim 3; www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah

The underwater-themed resort of Atlantis, The Palm

This colossal resort was the first built on The Palm Jumeirah, a palm-shaped island with a monorail and beach-lined foliage. Built by Sol Kerzner, the South African hotel magnate, this resort takes its aquatic theme seriously. Among the 1,500-plus rooms is the Underwater Suite, with views of sharks and stingrays gliding past floor-to-ceiling windows—a backdrop that can also be experienced while dining at the Mediterranean-inspired Ossiano Restaurant.

Continuing the ocean theme, enjoy free entrance to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can snorkel, dive, or view the 65,000 marine animals in the Ambassador Lagoon. The family fun also includes encounters with dolphins and sea lions, while the ShuiQi Spa and restaurants by Nobu Matsuhisa and Gordon Ramsay confirm the resort’s status as a Dubai classic.

Insider tip: For sundowners with a sweeping view of Dubai’s impressive skyline, head to the resort’s WHITE Beach, one of the newest and hottest beach clubs in town.

Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah; atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-the-palm

Step into the Arabian past at Madinat Jumeirah

This resort is a coastal garden of palm trees and desert-brown towers, with a network of canals straight out of Venice. Beyond the towers, you can always enjoy a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab.

Designed to resemble the historic district of Bur Dubai and traditional Emirati villages, the complex includes the Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, and Jumeirah Al Naseem luxury hotels, along with the Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf summerhouses. It’s truly a self-contained world, which includes a treasure-filled souk, a 10,000 sq ft kids’ club, and about 50 restaurants. Start your morning with hatha yoga at Talise Spa, before exploring the private beach or floating down the waterways on a traditional wooden abra.

Insider tip: At the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary, you can see and feed marine turtles—including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle—before they’re returned to their natural habitat.

Off Jumeirah Street and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street; jumeirah.com/en/collection/madinat-jumeirah

Serenity among the sands at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Located more than 30 miles inland from the coast, the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa celebrates Dubai’s desert roots in its ochre-walled oasis of greenery. In this setting of archways, courtyards, and palm trees, the Middle Eastern romance of Aladdin’s lamp comes to mind, and you almost expect a traditional Arabian falconer to appear. Indeed, falconry displays are on the list of activities, along with horse and camel rides, nature walks, and 4x4 drives through the Arabian Desert.

The resort is especially atmospheric at night, when lamps are lit, shisha aromas fill the rooftop lounge, and diners are treated to belly-dancing performances. After that, you can relax in your suite filled with handcrafted furniture, four-poster beds, artfully stenciled walls, and majlis-style sofas.

Insider tip: The Satori Spa’s signature treatment is the three-hour Blissful Desert Rose Experience, which begins with an exfoliation using finely ground olive pits and rose body wash, and ends with a frankincense-based scalp massage.

Al Qudra Road; babalshams.com

A room with a view: Dubai

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:45:29 -0500

Whether you’re looking for stunning views of the skyline or the ocean, we recommend the rooms to book for an unforgettable stay in Dubai.

Architectural wonders define one of the world’s most impressive cities: Dubai. An oasis located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, this breathtaking city is defined by its technology and sheer beauty. An unbeatable shopping destination, Dubai attracts international travellers searching for luxury and leisure, offering experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come.

There’s no limit to the city’s extravagance, with its palm-shaped islands, record-breaking skyline, and new businesses emerging on every corner. We’ve chosen six five-star resorts and hotels, where the only thing more impressive than the thread count is the incredible views.

Cityscapes seen from One&Only The Palm’s island setting

Take a break from from the mainland and explore the palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah. A glance from your suite offers an impressive view of the skyline, contrasting with the resort’s Andalusian-style architecture. Reminiscent of a Moorish palace, with palm-filled gardens and pristine beaches, this property combines Mediterranean romance with understated luxury.

Insider tip: A search for good food won’t take very long, with several restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs on Palm Jumeirah, including the resort’s own STAY by Yannick Alléno.

West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah; oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm

Catch a glimpse of an icon from Taj Dubai

One of the best views of the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building—can be enjoyed from the Maharaja Suite’s seemingly bottomless bathtub. At 35 floors, the panoramic vistas of the city will leave you speechless. The hotel’s décor, which combines elements of Indian heritage and contemporary design, creates a gorgeous atmosphere.

Insider tip: Treehouse, the hotel’s luxurious rooftop restaurant, is the place to be for an authentic inner-city experience with impressive views of the skyline.

Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay; tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-dubai/

Sea and skyline vistas from the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

Here, the Persian Gulf lies ahead and Dubai behind you, depending on whether you’re looking from an ocean-facing or city-facing room. The 237-room resort’s prime Jumeirah beachfront location overlooks nonstop waterfront activity; luckily, the pool area offers a relaxing place for an afternoon break. The spacious interior is especially serene, filled with elegant furniture, marble accents, and detailed bathroom mosaics.

Insider tip: Some of Dubai’s most popular beaches can be found in Jumeirah, including Umm Suqeim Beach, Jumeirah Beach, and Kite Beach, which offers kitesurfing, kayak, and paddleboard rentals.

Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah; fourseasons.com/dubaijb/

Old meets new at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

On the shores of Dubai’s saltwater creek, the Radisson Blu Hotel is framed by both old and new aspects of the city’s skyline. Having recently refurbished its 288 rooms and suites, the hotel has everything you need when you’re not exploring the city—including designer furniture, plush bedding, and upscale amenities. Plus, its proximity to Deira—Dubai’s commercial district—makes travelling to and from its world-renowned souks a breeze.

Insider tip: Home to Dubai’s most iconic souks—including the Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, and Spice Souk—the Deira commercial district is the ideal place to go on a treasure hunt.

Baniyas Road, Deira; radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-dubai-deira-creek

Skyscrapers and superyacht sightings at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa

Step onto your Super Deluxe Suite’s balcony and treat yourself with beautiful views of the city and sea. Containing three buildings and 504 contemporary rooms and suites, this vast hotel is set on 19 acres of gardens next to the Dubai Marina. It’s a showcase for yachting society, and the marina’s central location places must-see destinations on your doorstep, including the JBR Walk promenade, the Palm archipelago, and Emirates Golf Club.

Insider tip: The marina offers many outdoor activities, including superyacht charters, skydiving, dune buggy tours, jet-skiing, and guided walks along the promenade.

Al Mamsha Street, Dubai Marina; marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbbm-le-royal-meridien-beach-resort-and-spa/

Gaze over Jumeirah Bay at Bulgari Resort & Residences

Although known for its Italian-style luxury, the Bulgari Resort’s main attraction is its secluded, seahorse-shaped island setting, where you can escape the lively pace of the mainland. Its 101 rooms, suites, and villas—all designed by the architecture firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel—offer expansive views of the Persian Gulf and cityscape. The coral-inspired latticework sunshades set the tone for the hotel’s contemporary atmosphere, inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern design.

Insider tip: When it comes to enjoying an afternoon drink, there’s no substitute for the resort’s Bulgari Bar, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer great views of the surrounding waters.

Jumeirah Bay Island; bulgarihotels.com/en_US/dubai

Moorish architecture and metropolitan vistas at the Park Hyatt Dubai

After a night in the Lagoon Beach Suite, you might think you’ve woken up somewhere in the Mediterranean—the Moorish-inspired architecture, marine color palette, and sophisticated beach-house décor have that effect. But this resort is well within the city limits, and a short drive from some of the UAE’s best-known sights and shopping destinations. Its creek-side setting offers views that include a state-of-the-art championship golf course on one side, and traditional dhows (Arab sailing vessels) on the other.

Insider tip: The hotel’s central location allows you to explore the city’s contemporary sights, like the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, along with older areas like the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, which gives you a glimpse of Dubai before its rapid expansion.

Dubai Creek Club Street, Port Saeed; hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/united-arab-emirates/park-hyatt-dubai/dxbph

In the kitchen with...Ben Wan from COYA Dubai

Diners Club International — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 16:23:24 -0400

A decade ago, the zingy flavors and colorful ingredients of Peruvian cooking swept through food scenes across the world, with chefs proudly exporting Peru’s national dishes to London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Hong Kong and beyond. Today, most major cities in the world play host to at least one incredible Peruvian restaurant that serves simple ceviches, flame-cooked meats, hearty stews and delicate tacos – all washed down with punchy pisco sours.

Peruvian food has been influenced by every continent over the last few hundred years, with a consistent flow of immigrants bringing their own ingredients and techniques, and mixing them with the produce from Peru’s incredible mountains and coastal landscapes to create one of the original fusion cuisines.

In Dubai, COYA is the best place to sample Latin American flair. Set within the Four Seasons Resort, this buzzing dining spot brings the spirit of the Incas to the Middle East with its thoughtful interior design – think Peruvian masks, painted murals, antique furniture and a shimmering gold and teal blue color scheme.

But it’s the menu that really transports you to Lima. Executive chef Ben Wan and his team have conducted countless research trips to Peru since they opened in 2014, and they always return with a logbook full of traditional recipes and new-found regional cooking techniques.

When you visit the restaurant, you’ll see the team at work in the three open kitchens that dot the dining room, and every meal should begin with the guacamole made tableside for a touch of Dubai-style theatrics. From there, order a selection of dishes for the table and don’t miss the signature ceviche selection, the veal heart skewers, the lobster with chimichurri sauce and the oxtail empanadas. Oh, and always order two portions of the incredibly delicious potato churros, which are covered in manchego cheese and truffle. One plate is never enough.

MASTER YOUR OWN CEVICHE

If all this has made you hungry, we have asked Ben Wan to share his fool-proof ceviche recipe. This signature dish from COYA Dubai’s menu is a brilliant sharing plate to kick-start any dinner party at home (simply increase the ingredients according to numbers), and it’s best served with a well-mixed pisco sour or two.

It's a simple dish to master and it’s all about finding the perfect balance between the zingy citrus, punchy chili and subtle flavors of the tuna to create a fresh, rounded dish. This recipe is reliant on finding the best quality tuna possible and paying close attention to the seasoning – Ben recommends adding small amounts of salt at a time and tasting as you go. Most of the ingredients are widely available and any more niche items (like kombu) can be found at most Asian grocery stores or online.

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

40g kombu
2L water
100g white ponzu
30g chili garlic paste
5g chili oil
2g sesame oil
Lime juice to taste
Sea salt flakes
30g small bunch of sliced spring onions
A handful of chopped chives
Sesame seeds
100g high quality Yellowfin tuna

Method:

Make the kombu water 24hrs in advance by soaking the kombu in the water and leaving it covered and at room temperature.
30 minutes before serving, dice the tuna into small bite-size chunks and add to a mixing bowl. Season with salt and lime juice to taste.
Continue to mix for a minute or two to semi-cure the tuna.
Add a pinch of chives, sesame seeds and half the spring onions and mix further.
To make the dressing, mix the first five ingredients. Once combined, pour this over the tuna.
Serve in a bowl over ice, garnished on top with a pinch of spring onions, chives and sesame seeds.

To sample the real deal at COYA Dubai, we recommend making reservations at least 48 hours in advance – this remains one of the most popular dining spots in town, especially from Thursday to Saturday.

Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2

coyarestaurant.com/dubai

The Possibilities of Sustainable Travel in Dubai

Diners Club International — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 18:55:40 -0400

As magnificent, enthralling and mind-blowing as Dubai may be, the Arabian Desert is not the most sustainable place to build a metropolis, and the fast-developing city's impact on the environment has long troubled climate scientists. In places like this, where summer temperatures often top 38°C, massive amounts of energy must be used to keep the populace cool, not to mention the amount of water needed to keep the golf courses and manicured spaces green year round.

However, times and attitudes are changing in the region and over the past decade the local government has been making large strides to reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint, advocate sustainable development and improve the eco-friendly options for travelers.

This is a city that thinks big and makes change quickly, and the delayed Expo 2020 (1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022) aims to show us how the city is becoming a champion of sustainability with a packed program of talks, events, interactive exhibitions and hard-hitting installations. They’re leading by example with an events pavilion that’s projected to hit net-zero carbon status by the end of the expo, – specifically with the help of high-tech water-condensing and solar-gathering ‘trees’ that rotate to follow the sun.

There’s plenty of momentum in the right direction and it’s a hopeful time for a place that’s very good at implementing change on a monumental scale. Of course, the initiatives will take time to pay off, but as a visitor, there are even small choices you can make that can make a world of difference. From choosing a hotel with solid eco-credentials to supporting local conservation efforts, let’s look at some of the simple ways you can lessen your impact when you’re in town.

FIND THE RIGHT PLACE TO STAY

Six-star hotels set in gleaming skyscrapers and perched on man-made islands may not seem the most obvious ambassadors for tackling climate change, but you’d be surprised how many properties have introduced measures to lessen waste, reduce plastics and embrace ground-breaking technologies to save energy.

Among those leading the pack, the three properties that form JA Resorts & Hotels have incorporated solar panels to heat water for guest rooms and pools, and there’s an on-site desalination and bottling plant that provides complimentary water to guests in reusable bottles. Across town at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, they’ve taken a holistic approach with an efficient recycling campaign for paper, plastic, cardboard, oil and glass, LED energy-saving lighting, and a water-management system that’s affecting real change. What’s more, for every five towels guests reuse, the hotel group plants one tree in deforestation areas.

Out among the shifting sand dunes, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, is one of the original eco hotels. Since it opened in 1999, it has planted more than 6,000 indigenous trees and employed a team of dedicated field guides that actively protect the local population of oryx, gazelles and birds.

SHOP LOCAL

It’s almost as if shopping is a national pastime in the UAE, and Dubai is a place where local names and international brands stand side-by-side in gleaming, air-conditioned mega malls, while old-school souks still trade in spice, textiles and gold.

It’s among these loud, fragrant alleys that you’re going to be supporting the local economy the most. For handmade jewelry, head to the Gold Souk, where the skilled makers can craft bespoke designs or help you choose off-the-shelf pieces. As always in the souks, no price is set in stone, so be prepared to haggle. In the Spice Souk, don’t miss the high-quality saffron strands at local prices, fresh, organic dates, and locally blended teas.

While it’s unlikely you’ll be doing much cooking during your time in the Emirates, this shouldn’t stop you heading to Waterfront Market to marvel at the produce that artisans manage to grow, rear and catch in the region – the fish section is particularly impressive with pink-eared emperor fish, milkfish and hamour all glistening on beds of ice. There’s also a farmer’s market at the Circle Mall on the first Saturday of each month, which is a fantastic place to pick up locally produced souvenirs and gifts for friends back home.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Restaurants the world over use the buzz words ‘local’, ‘seasonal’ and ‘sustainably sourced’ to describe the ingredients used in their dishes, and while this is the case in Dubai, it’s more of a challenge for chefs and restaurateurs to find truly local ingredients in the desert.

However, there are some restaurants that put in extra effort to champion local producers, and plant-based pioneer Just Vegan is among them. The original branch in the Dubai Marina was one of the first totally plant-based dining spots in the city when it opened in 2017, and five new restaurants are planned for 2021 as a result of its success. The latest opening on Jumeirah Beach Road is bigger, and greener, with plenty of foliage hanging from the ceiling and a menu that puts a vegan twist on all of their dining classics – from burgers and hot dogs to pizza and pasta.

SUPPORT LOCAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Set to the backdrop of skyscrapers and highways, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of the Dubai Creek is an important (if unlikely) migratory stopover for hundreds of waterbirds. In winter, vibrant pink flamingos steal the show, but keen-eyed birdwatchers can spot more than 170 species in this network of mudflats, mangroves and lagoons. The small entrance fee contributes to the continued upkeep and protection of the land, ensuring no new developments are constructed nearby.

There’s more great conservation and research happening in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which was founded in 1999 to reintroduce mountain gazelles, sand gazelles and Arabian oryx, and now covers more than 5% of the Emirate of Dubai’s total land. To experience the solitude of the desert away from the roaring 4x4s of the Big Red sand dune, contact Arabian Adventures, one of eight approved tour operators that arrange camel trekking, wildlife watching, falconry exhibitions, and overnight stays in traditional Bedouin tents.

Dubai: Been There, Done That?

Diners Club International — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 18:18:16 -0400

Whether it’s your first time in the desert kingdom or you’re a return visitor, Dubai’s the kind of place that’ll thrill, surprise, charm and overwhelm all who step foot on the sand – no matter how well you know the city, or how many preconceptions you may have. Most first-time visitors will want to tick off the main attractions, so we’ve pinpointed a few of our favorites, and recommended alternatives that’ll bring a fresh perspective on this fast-changing city of extremes, which always has one eye on the future and one on its past.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Discover the designers of The Dubai Mall

With 1,200 shops, more than 150 restaurants, a giant ice rink, an indoor theme park and an enormous aquarium, it’s like this mall at the foot of the Burj Khalifa has swallowed a small city. Given its scale, set aside at least half a day to explore the indoor avenues, and expect to find flagship stores from almost every major fashion, beauty, tech and homeware brand there is. thedubaimall.com

Insider tip: Be sure to download the dedicated app to avoid getting completely lost and to pinpoint your favorite stores.

Get lost in the souks

Before the oil-funded metropolis grew on the edge of the Persian Gulf), Dubai was a maze of sikkas (alleyways) running between clusters of low-rise sandstone buildings. A key port on the Spice Route and Incense Route, it was here that Iranian spice merchants and Indian silk sellers traded their wares. Today, the scene is a little different, but you can still find stalls creaking under the strain of spices, fabrics and crafts – simply follow your nose and venture into the labyrinth beyond the souks’ main drag.

Insider tip: Bring plenty of small change and get ready to haggle. The sellers have had generations of practice, so start your bids 50% lower than the asking price and you’ll get good value.

A LINE IN THE SAND

Scream down the Big Red sand dune

No trip to the desert city would be complete without getting sand between your toes – so head to Big Red for a spot of sandboarding. Known locally as Al Hamar, the 300ft sand dune to the east of the city got its nickname for the high iron oxide levels that give it its deep crimson hue – which is amplified in the setting sun. With sides as steep as alpine black runs, it’s become an adrenaline-fueled playground for sandboarding, quad biking and dune bashing (the art of skidding, sliding and jumping a 4x4 around the slopes). Many companies offer tours.

Make a day trip to Hatta

Built in the serrated shadows of the Hajar Mountains, this small enclave was once an important staging post on the overland route from Oman to Dubai. A journey that used to take two days on camelback now takes less than two hours by road, making it an easily accessible day trip from the city. The mountains form the backbone of activity in Hatta, an exclave of Dubai, with guided hikes to hilltop forts, downhill biking through the sheer-sided passes and kayaking tours along the emerald ravines.

Insider tip: At night, the sky is cloaked in an outstanding celestial display and there are plenty of glamping sites should you wish to gaze at the stars from the comfort of your sleeping bag.

LIQUID THRILLS

Cross the creek aboard an abra

With the souks spanning either side of Dubai Creek, you’re going to need to cross it at some point, and there’s no better way than on board a traditional abra. Once rowed across the river, these now-motorized wooden boats leave the Deira Old Souk dock every few minutes for the short chug across the salty water. When you’ve reached the south side, make the short walk to Dubai Museum, which tracks Dubai’s turbo-charged evolution from a small fishing and pearling town to a global center for finance and tourism.

Insider tip: Cash is king on the waterways, and to pay for your crossing, you simply hand a small fare to the driver when you board.

Explore beneath the waves at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

As with everything else in town, Dubai’s developers have thought big with this gargantuan aquarium at The Dubai Mall, with 400 sharks and rays alone in its 10-million-liter tank. There’s more than 140 species, ranging from sand tiger sharks to giant groupers, and some memorable experiences on offer, including cage dives and glass-bottomed boat trips. thedubaiaquarium.com

Insider tip: The aquarium is open until 10pm on weekdays, and until midnight on weekends, giving the option of a serene underwater wander after dinner in one of the mall’s restaurants.

ART ATTACK

Glimpse a new perspective at the Dubai Frame

Nearly a decade after it was first proposed, this enormous picture frame brought yet another astonishing structure to the skyline in 2018. Rising 492ft from Zabeel Park and sitting between historic and modern Dubai, the giant rectangle manages to bring borders to this fast-expanding city. Once inside, galleries on the ground floor tell the history of Dubai, but most people skip this to whisk straight to the 305ft-long viewing bridge, which features a glass-floored walkway and views across the old city of Deira to the north and the towering skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road in the south. A neon tunnel will then lure you into an augmented-reality exhibition covering future visions for this madcap city. thedubaiframe.com

Insider tip: To linger longer in the area, spend time strolling through Zabeel Park with its shady picnic areas, boating lakes and hidden sculptures.

Dip into the thriving contemporary art scene

With more than 200 nationalities currently living and working in the country, the fusion of cultural perspectives has created an art scene that’s as progressive as it is diverse. The Jameel Arts Centre in Jaddaf Waterfront champions contemporary work from every walk of life. You can expect to see pieces made by Dubai’s Pakistani and Bangladeshi laborers hanging next to prized pieces from India, Iran and beyond. More modern art from local talent can be viewed in the cluster of galleries in Alserkal Avenue, a regenerated industrial area that has a packed events program.

Insider tip: From poetry nights and expert-led talks to special artist previews, keep up to date with the calendar by visiting alserkal.online/events.

The Taste of...Dubai

Diners Club International — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:34:52 -0400

Dubai’s food scene is as global as its largely expat population and as ambitious as the record-breaking skyscrapers overlooking the Persian Gulf. Michelin-starred chefs and humble immigrants alike serve recipes from far and wide, reinterpreting their national dishes and evolving Arabic cuisine, which can still be tasted in traditional form in the older districts bordering Dubai Creek. When you’re drawing up your bucket list of restaurants to book and dishes to try, don’t miss these renowned dining destinations and local haunts to experience the classic tastes of Dubai.

A TASTE OF TRADITION

Fifty years ago, Dubai was a dusty outpost with camels roaming freely and dhows drifting along the creek. Today you can still taste this desert heritage at a number of places. A great place to start is the famous Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi Street), located amid the shady lanes and sand-colored wind towers of the Al Fahidi Historical District, a heritage neighborhood built by Persian settlers in the early 1900s. Revive yourself from the languid heat with a cup of gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) in a classic setting of turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains and gazebos in this former pearl merchant’s house. Try traditional Emirati dishes, including a breakfast tray of balaleet (an omelet and vermicelli), date syrup, khameer bread, lamb tikka, salona deyay (chicken stew) and cheese-stuffed sambosa pastries, washed down with karak cardamom, cinnamon and saffron tea or a date milkshake.

Cuisine from other parts of the Middle East and across the Gulf of Oman has been popular for as long as workers have arrived from the Indian subcontinent and beyond to build Dubai. This has brought an unbeatably global diversity to the city’s restaurants and markets. You can experience the decades-old expat food scene at the Pakistani Ravi Restaurant (off Al Dhiyafa Road). Dishes include a classic Punjabi mutton, chicken or vegetarian achari curry, made with pickling spices and served with naan bread against the atmospheric backdrop of the Al Satwa neighborhood’s casual eateries and street life.

Khubz, typically pita-like tandoor-cooked flatbreads, have long been central to Arabic cuisine, and Dubai’s Home Bakery continues this tradition. Established in 2011 by baking businesswoman Hind Habib Al Mulla, the chain’s branches at The Dubai and Galleria malls are essential stops for sweet treats from cheesecake to pistachio kunafa, a Middle Eastern dessert.

FIVE MUST-TRY DISHES

Try these traditional Emirati favorites at the Arabian Tea House and other spots in Bur Dubai, the old town on the western side of Dubai Creek.

Margoogat – a satisfying chicken or lamb stew that mixes chunky vegetables with turmeric, cumin and other spices in a tomato-based sauce.

Machboos – similar to biryani and Saudi Arabian Kabsa, this traditional Bahraini rice dish of shrimp, lamb or chicken mixes whole spices, including cinnamon and cardamom, with dried lemon.

Manousheh – a Lebanese import that looks like a pizza, Emiratis love this spicy, white flatbread for breakfast, topped with herbs, cheese, meat or sweet ingredients.

Luqaimat – the Middle East’s hot, crunchy answer to the doughnut. Try a fresh plate of the bite-sized dumplings, sprinkled with sesame seeds and drizzled with sticky date sauce, alongside your coffee.

Chebab – another sweet treat, these spiced pancakes are filled with sour cheese and honey or sweet date syrup and heated for an oozy breakfast.

A TASTE OF THE FUTURE

Dubai is a truly global city, attracting millions of expats to its building sites and corporate offices alike, and this cosmopolitan spirit infuses the cuisine on offer. Workers from the Philippines, Pakistan and everywhere in between flock to markets and neighborhood restaurants for local interpretations of their national dishes, while branches of Michelin-starred empires offer menus that are every bit as ambitious as the landmark hotels they occupy.

In this desert-warmed melting pot, anything is possible, not just in terms of the global choice but in the fusions produced by the enthusiastically experimental dining scene – such as Akiba Dori’s (off Ras Al Khor Road) mix of Japanese street food and ‘Tokyopolitan’ pizza. Inspired by Tokyo’s anime-plastered Akihabara neighborhood, the neon-lit restaurant in the Dubai Design District serves dishes from Wagyu tacos to cinque formaggi pizzas in a setting designed to resemble a Japanese backstreet.

The humid Amazon may seem a world away from the Persian Gulf, but Latin cuisine is hugely popular, with outposts of renowned South American-inspired chains and Rumba Dubai’s (Club Vista Mare, The Palm Jumeirah) Cuban experience on offer. Its vintage furniture and pastel palette transports diners from an artificial island to 1950s Havana, with ceviche and tacos served alongside mojitos and Montecristo cigars.

Contemporary Asian food is another trend to look out for, like at 3Fils (1 Al Urouba Street) in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurant’s Discovery list for dishes such as seaweed salad and crispy eel, and the Japanese robatayaki restaurant chain ROKA’s Dubai branch (The Opus by Omniyat, Al A’amal Street, Business Bay).

Vegan food is increasingly popular as well, as seen at Just Vegan’s plant-based, greenery-filled restaurant at Pearl Marina Hotel Apartments (off Al Marsa Street). Dubai’s traditional Middle Eastern favorites are evolving, too. There’s currently a craze for Turkish cuisine, which you can experience at Turkish-Lebanese fusion restaurant Zou Zou (La Mer, Jumeirah 1) and the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach’s branch of Nusr-Et (Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2), the Istanbul-founded steakhouse chain operated by social media favorite Salt Bae.

THREE ESSENTIAL CONTEMPORARY RESTAURANTS

Add this trio of in-demand restaurants to your dining itinerary for a mouth-watering overview of the key strands in Dubai’s multifaceted dining scene.

Contemporary Peruvian at COYA Dubai

Brunch is a popular way to ease into hot Dubai days, and the city’s branch of the global Peruvian franchise draws the biggest crowds with its cocktails, exuberant live music and platters of ceviche and croquettes. The vibrant Latin restaurant serves classic dishes from tacos to tiradito.

Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2; coyarestaurant.com/dubai

Indian gastronomy at Trèsind

Indians have been bringing recipes to Dubai for more than half a century, and Trèsind’s flagship puts a self-described ‘modernist’ spin on this rich strand of the city’s culinary scene. Featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ Discovery list, its blue dining room is an elegant backdrop for chef Himanshu Saini’s molecular interpretations of Indian cuisine. Trèsind Studio also offers an intimate chef’s table experience for up to 20 diners.

voco Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road; tresind.com

Steak with a difference at Doors Freestyle Grill

The ‘freestyle grill’ concept at this steakhouse on Dubai Creek includes carnivorous riffs such as beef sushi, beef steak burgers and beef asado. The menu of melt-in-your-mouth favorites features lamb rack and the only-in-Dubai striploin steak embellished with a delicate layer of gold, while shisha and whimsical mocktails add to this contemporary experience of Arabian dining.

Al Seef Street, Al Seef; doorsdubai.com/en