Dubai has become a go-to destination for British tourists and would-be expats. There’s an impressive range of facilities designed to cater to the needs of foreigners – which is perfect for those planning their Dubai holidays. But if you’d like to really discover what the country and its native culture are about, then you’ll want to take the time to delve a little bit deeper and to discover those lesser-known, authentic corners of the city.
Discover Old Dubai’s Timeless Charm: Al Fahidi & Al Seef
Like most major cities, Dubai has a few historical neighbourhoods. Here, the two we should concern ourselves with are Al Fahidi, in Dubai Creek, and the waterfront area of Al Seef.
In the former you’ll find an impressive diversity of architecture dating back to the fourteenth century, including the iconic sandstone wind towers. You might take the time to discover the fifty open ‘houses’, or to explore the watery part of the city on an abra, a must-see for anyone adding a cultural twist to their Dubai holidays.
The Creative Side of the City: Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz
The modern residents of the city also have plenty to offer in terms of creativity and artistry. Most of this is concentrated around Alserkal Avenue, which is widely considered to be the city’s creative hub. The Avenue is home to more than seventy different ‘concepts’. Among these are permanent art spaces like Concrete, as well as rotating exhibitions in Carbon 12. There are also a number of smaller design studios, and impressive little cafés.
For those looking to understand and appreciate the art on display, there are also extra talks and special events. Check your calendar before you head out!
Escape the Crowds: From Jumeirah Fishing Village to Al Marmoom Desert Reserve
It might be that you’d like to spend a little bit of time away from the city, and all of the hustle and bustle that comes with it. You don’t have to travel far to uncover some extremely interesting locations. Among these are Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, where you can watch local fisherman at work on traditional wooden ‘dhow’ boats, and enjoy fresh seafood. It’s a rare chance to delve into the city’s maritime heritage – after all, people were fishing here long before the discovery of oil in the middle of the 20th century.
There’s also a popular public beach, called Kite Beach, which offers a fairly relaxed community vibe. If you’d like to see wild animals in their natural habitat, however, you’ll need to travel to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. This area showcases an entirely different side of Dubai. It covers a tenth of the city’s total landmass, and provides a home for hundreds of species, including onyx and flamingos.
You can reach the reserve by car or by bus. If you’d like to push the boat out a little, you might even consider the authentic Bedouin Experience, which will allow you to understand exactly what life was like in the desert, more than a century ago.
