Alternative shopping
While Dubai is known for its glamorous high-end malls, its traditional markets, called souks have also found a dedicated international audience. One can find textile souks selling rolls of fabric, silks and cottons; and spice souks for the world’s finest spice varieties. Don’t forget to visit Dubai Gold Souk as well.
- Al Satwa neighbourhood: One of the oldest areas of Dubai, Al Satwa accommodates a wide range of retail stores, tea houses and roadside eateries. Along with the most exquisite fabrics, visitors also get to buy embellishments, feather trims and vibrant beading. After shopping, spend time at the cafés or restaurants that are open until the break of dawn. Due to the diverse population of this area, travellers will be able to witness different cultures under one roof.
- Ripe Food and Craft Market: Another popular souk in Dubai is the Ripe Food and Craft Market that is frequented by locals and tourists. The market features a vast expanse of homegrown produce, organic items and local artefacts. In addition to this, the market hosts pop-up events throughout the year.
- Arte, The Makers’ Market: This is the largest art, fashion and crafts fair, taking place at different locations across the city. Painters, artists, bakers and crafters come here to showcase and share their work.
Budget bites:
Dubai’s local food scene is flourishing as tourists today are keen on experiencing traditional Emirati cuisine.
For some pocket-friendly food options, there is the 2nd December Street where you can find quaint cafés and eateries serving Indian, Iranian and Lebanese cuisine among others. Savour a shawarma at Al Mallah, a popular Lebanese food chain in the UAE.
Your trip to Dubai is incomplete without a visit to the legendary restaurant Ravi at Al Satwa Street. The outlet serves Pakistani curry delights, rice dishes and baked naan at low prices.
Indulge in sweet treats and baked goods at Al Reef Bakery, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah. The bakery is known for manakeesh, an Arabic snack of baked bread topped with cheese and other fillings. For Levantine dishes, visit Zaroob or Zaatar W Zeit for affordable options.
Seafood lovers must visit Bu Qtair restaurant for a selection of fish or prawns, fried up in fresh spices served with rice or locally baked bread.
Artsy Dubai:
Those who wish to experience Dubai’s past, should take a trip to Old Dubai and get a glimpse. Maybe even cross the creek on an abra, a traditional wooden boat. One of the core institutions highlighting Dubai’s art and culture is the Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, that explains the history of the region in an interactive style. Then, there is the Etihad Museum that screens a documentary about the UAE’s past and showcases a timeline illustrating the area before the formation, the unification process, creation of the constitution, and subsequent declaration of the Union in 1971.
Other renowned Dubai museums are Shindagha Museum, Jumeirah Mosque and The Coffee Museum at Al Fahidi Historical District. At the Coffee Museum, you get to try out authentic coffee spread across Ethiopian, Egyptian and Emirati styles of live brewing, complemented by traditional décor and seating.
Get updates on the contemporary art scene of Dubai from Jameel Arts Centre, featuring galleries, library, a restaurant, a writer’s studio, a rooftop terrace and a shop. You can also stroll through Alserkal Avenue, the region’s foremost arts and culture hub housing creative spaces, modern galleries, a private museum and a local chocolate factory.
Travel like a local:
The city offers fully-automated railway transport in the form of Dubai Metro and the Dubai Tram. These modes of connectivity provide easy access between attractions such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, the Deira Gold Souk, Dubai International financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers among others. Dubai Metro and Tram tickets prices start at Dhs 3/ ₹58.
Pro tip: Travellers can sign up for a smart membership card (Nol) to travel cash-free throughout the city’s public transport network and avail added discounts.
Nisha Shroff and Sanchita Nambiar
