HANG LIKE THE LOCALS

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Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai Marina​

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Granted, there are so many exciting days out in Dubai ranging across (but not limited to) Dubai Miracle Garden, Aquaventure Water Park and Desert Safaris galore but it wouldn't be fair of us to try and sell you on somewhere we hadn't been ourselves. Dubai Marina is home to many designer shops, infamous restaurants and affluent residential complexes known as Jumeirah Beach Residences all concentrated into an area of about 4km squared. Here, you will become accustomed to the sound of low rumbling engines most likely coming from the likes of a Maserati, Mercedes-AMG or Mustang cruising down the main boulevard while you do some window shopping. World renowned venues such as Zero Gravity which is a lounge/bar that serves as the landing spot for Skydive Dubai participants are waiting to welcome you upon your arrival. All in all, it's a great day out offering you the best of the Emirati high life with a hint of adrenaline charged skydiving or flyboarding at your fingertips.

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WHERE TO BE SEEN

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Cove Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

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Cove Beach is a name that is exalted by anyone who is someone in Dubai. It shares its grounds with Jumeirah Beach Hotel's exclusive private beach reserved for guests and members, while offering an uninterrupted view of the Burj al Arab. If you're all about snapping Instagram-worthy pictures of yourself reclining on a poolside chaise longue while sipping a cocktail or two, then this is the place for you. Other hangouts such as Nasimi Beach or Mercury Bar probably possess the same carefree elegance in the air, which could resemble the chic sombre vibes of Cove Beach. We suggest visiting all of the above - better safe than sorry!

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TRENDY NEIGHBOURHOODS TO STAY IN

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Barsha Heights, Al Barsha

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Dubai's hospitality scene is awash with four and five star hotels that are all competing to provide guests with the most extravagant experiences. Pictured above is four star Atana Hotel which you can find in the Barsha Heights neighbourhood in two parallel towers along Sheikh Zayed road. As most of the hotels in Dubai follow pretty much the same rule book on standards, the way to tell whether or not an establishment is right for you is to look out for the neighbourhood it is situated in (we'll expand more on this later). If you're going very high end, set your sights on the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the Armani Hotel which is inside the Burj Khalifa or the Meydan Hotel and Racecourse which was commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (the ruler of Dubai) himself. FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Gevora Hotel or Avari Hotel will give you that rockstar feeling without burning through your pocket as quickly.

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DAYS OUT

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Souk al Bahar, Downtown Dubai

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Acting as a gateway into Dubai's rich heritage dating back to its origins as a humble dessert settlement, all the Souks in Dubai are impressive in their own right. The particular benefits of Souk Al Bahar are presented by its proximity to the Dubai Fountains, the Dubai Mall and restaurants and bars galore. Although being in Downtown Dubai gives you the chance to brush shoulders with Dubai's elite, you will find many outlets of modern day household names such as Fortnum and Mason, Five Guys and Nando's. If you're looking for a more authentic experience, the resemblance of Dubai Gold Souk or Spice Souk in Deira to historic Dubai will quench your thirst for knowledge. While on the subject, another pre-modern establishment worth mentioning is Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

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OUR TIPS

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1. Currency Exchange Rates

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We're beginning to see a recurring trend here, so hopefully this shouldn't be a big shock. You will find the best when changing other currencies into AED from a Bureau de Change in the Emirates. We recommend shopping around in places such as Mall of the Emirates but keep your eyes peeled for those Bureaus that offer good exchange rates but charge horrendously high fees.

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2. Know Who to Trust

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At risk of sounding like your parents - the majority of people who approach you when you are out and about in Dubai have good intentions at heart but it is still important to be wary. There are certain situations you don't want to get caught up in that could mistakenly end with you being on the wrong side of the somewhat stringent law in Dubai. With that being said, don't be too open to engaging in conversations with strangers who approach you even if it's the good-looking topless one who has been staring at you from across the beach bar for the last hour.

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3. Marked and Unmarked Taxis

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Taxis will become a necessity when getting around simply because it's impossible to walk anywhere in the Arabian heat. All approved government taxis are marked with a specific white body and red/orange roof pattern which usually don't cost too much unless you are going to locations on the outskirts of the CBD. There is the option of taking private taxis which are usually more plush cars equipped with better air conditioning but you run the risk of being majorly ripped off as there is no visible metres in these. If you do end up taking one of these taxis, try consulting with your concierge or a trusted local who can give you a guide price on the distance you are travelling so that you don't end up paying more than you should.

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4. There's no such thing as night time in Dubai

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The horror stories you hear about people getting thrown in jail for showing a little too much shoulder are all myths. It would be wiser to dress and act more conservatively in areas like Deira where they're not as accustomed to foreign visitors. If you're looking for clubs the heavy hitters are Mahiki, Billionaire Mansion or WHITE just to name a few and if you are lucky enough to be around on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday you'll get to experience a brunch like no other. Dubai celebrates every weekend as if it's the last so whether you fancy mobile brunch on a yacht or underwater at Ossiano - The Palm, your wish is the metropolis' command. And to top that all off - ladies night means free drinks, meal deals and complementary goodie bags so neither parched throats nor empty stomachs will be the topic of conversation at any point on your night out. Be careful not to be too drunk and disorderly on the streets and keep in mind that there is a zero tolerance on drugs. Generally, the party doesn't stop though. At all. Ever. No matter what. Okay fine, except for the months of Eid. Other than that, go wild!

 

5. Know your Neighbourhoods

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As we mentioned before, the neighbourhoods of Dubai are a tell-tale of what to expect before you get there. By no means is our list comprehensive but if you're confused about where to stay or visit (like we were before we got there) then hopefully the following should help:

• Deira - Oldest part of the city, cheaper hotels but far from the centre of action

• Barsha Heights - A good although bare area but still under a lot of construction. Therefore, the views and amenities could be better

• Dubai Marina - Great for those looking for serviced apartments rather than hotels with a central location

• Downtown Dubai - The hub of tourism and opulence held in high regard by locals and expats alike who aren't tight for cash. The creek also extends into Business Bay where you can find JW Marriott Marquis Hotel which is famous for being the second tallest hotel in the world

• Palm Jumeirah - A man made island extending into the Gulf where you can find high end, luxury beach clubs and resorts

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

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1. Zaya Nurai Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

2. Dhayah Fort, Ras-Al-Khaimah

3. The Ruler Palace, Ajman

4. Wadi Wirayah, Fujairah

5. Sharjah Clock Tower, Sharjah

 

 

 

NB - Dubai is among the most liberal member states of the UAE so familiarise yourself with local laws and customs before venturing further afield.

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