do.jpg

DO

Culture / Old & New Dubai / City Sights / Beach Clubs

Six Senses Zighy Bay

IT'S A SECRET

Unforgettable experiences within the Emirates and just beyond its borders, that most tourists don't get to know about...
Alserkal Avenue

OLD AND NEW DUBAI CULTURE

Does Dubai lack culture or are you just not looking hard enough. Make your own decision after visiting these important hubs...
COMPTOIR102-089.jpg

SHOPPING LOCAL

Dubai caters generously to the consumer and here are some of the city's homegrown concepts, Cherrypick'd...
At the Top, Burj Khalifa.jpeg

THE BEST LOCATIONS TO EXPLORE IN THE CITY

Some things you must see when visiting Dubai...
Al Fahidi.jpg

Al Fahidi District (Bastakiya)

Stroll down the waterfront beside the Creek and through the Textile Souk into Al Fahidi District (originally Bastakiya)...
Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue

Meander around Al Quoz district's Alserkal Avenue, the city's industrial art hub...
Aquaventure

Aquaventure Water Park

Atlantis Hotel's famous water park, Aquaventure boasts 42 acres of fun; including the Master Blasters, speed slide, rivers, rapids, Splashers children's play area, lush tropical landscapes and a private beach.
ayyam-al-serkal.jpg

Ayyam Gallery

Hailing from Damascus, Syria and now present in Beirut, Dubai, London and Jeddah, Ayyam Gallery has had a prolific impact on the Middle East's art scene.
Bloomingdales.jpg

Bloomingdale's

This famous “Big Brown Bag” department store is set over three levels and includes beauty, fragrances, jewellery, womenswear, menswear, kids, bridal, shoes and accessories.
Kinokuniya.jpg

Book World by Kinokuniya

A booklover’s Utopia. This gargantuan temple of wisdom houses thousands of books and international magazines, from fiction to autobiographies, encyclopaedias, language training
Boutique-1.jpg

Boutique 1

One of Dubai’s first fashion forward boutiques, stocking contemporary designer brands including Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham
Burj Khalifa.jpg

Burj Khalifa

Soar 124 stories and bask amidst the dwarfing surrounds of the world’s tallest building, with inevitable, awesome views of the city.
Cinema Akil

Cinema Akil

The GCC's first arthouse cinema; an independent platform creating awareness and bringing quality films, along with timeless cinematic art, to the UAE.
Citywalk.jpg

City Walk

Bringing together an array of dining and shopping amenities within one convenient, outdoor lifestyle concept.
closet case.jpg

Closet Case

Promoting new talent from their Brewer Street, London location, online shop and now, Dubai’s Design District, this independent menswear store stocks avant-garde Japanese designs and up-and-coming European labels.
Comptoir.jpg

Comptoir 102

Acquainting Jumeirah with Parisian bohemian chic, this peaceful environment and 'Yummy Mummy' hangout focuses on interior design, fashion accessories and food...
Concrete

Concrete

A multi-disciplinary space conceptualised by Alserkal Avenue, this award winning building, created by Dutch design firm OMA, houses a host of diverse art and design programs.
IMG_0424.jpg

Crank

An indoor fitness and cycling studio offering boot camp sessions, strength training and stretching classes.
Dubai Design District.jpg

D3 (Dubai Design District)

Affectionately named D3, this is a Dubai-centric hotspot for the city's creative types.
Deira-Old-Souk-Spice-Souk.jpg

Deira Old Souk & Spice Souk

Slip beneath the arches of the wind towers on the Deira side of the Creek and nip into Dubai’s largest and oldest souk.
AAB-SS19-IMG_0720-min.jpg

Designer 24

Here's how it works… Choose a dress online from a selection of their designers; including Marchesa, Herve Leger and Alex Perry.
DIFC.jpg

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

There are several galleries favouring impressionism and modern art in this suited and booted business hub.
Dubai Design Week.jpg

Dubai Design Week | October 2016

This year doubling in size with over 150 events across the city and over 550 designers participating in a six-day celebration of design.
DIFF.JPG

Dubai International Film Festival | December 2016

The 13th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is an annual celebration of film, supporting Arab cinema and the region's best talent, as well as a meeting-point to connect with industry leaders and media.
Dubai Opera.jpg

Dubai Opera

This iconic landmark taking centre stage amidst a Burj Khalifa backdrop provides a diverse schedule of opera, concerts, art exhibitions, theatre, orchestra, sports events, ballet, film and seasonal programmes.
1077296_392460424189505_194078910_o.jpg

Dumye

The perfect gift, each beautiful, handcrafted Dumye rag doll can be customised by you; choose the style, look and purpose by creating a personal message for the Purpose Pocket.
GIVDE-e1440678440430.jpg

Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde

The work of Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde precedes its established date of 2010 and since has continued to rise as one of Dubai's leading galleries on the international scene.
Garderobe_new.jpg

Garderobe

The brainchild of ex-Harvey Nichols buyer Micha Maatouk, Garderobe is well-stocked with ‘pre-loved’ and designer clothes and accessories from Micha’s well-connected friends.
Gold_Souk_new.JPG

Gold Souk

The city’s famous Gold Souk, considered one of the largest gold bazaars in the Middle East. A maze of alleys behind the main arcade crammed with souvenirs and ethnic traditional costume jewellery
88160844_135737577947681_1976027123319570432_o.jpg

Hangar 4

A vast industrial warehouse with indoor and outdoor space in Port Mina Rashid, Hangar 4 holds one-off events, having played host to some of the biggest DJ's on the underground scene.
Harvey-nichols-3-2015.jpg

Harvey Nichols

From Isabel Marant to Balmain, Maison Martin Margiela, Givenchy, Marni, Dolce & Gabbana, Chloé, Dries Van Noten, DSquared, Paul Smith and Lanvin. Harvey (as the locals call it) is a one-stop shop for beauty,
ikon-house.jpg

Ikon House

Anyone with a deep interest in Scandinavian and mid-century modern furniture, needs know about Ikon House. Stocking authentic, iconic pieces and lighting from the likes of Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjaerholm and Hans J
Inked.jpg

Inked

Creating conceptual dinners, cooking workshops, brand activations, guest-chef pop-ups and private events, in a large open warehouse.
Karama-Market.jpg

Karama Market

This famous ‘market’ has been around since Dubai’s malls first started to sprout. You will find “real, genuine fakes” here, replicated from international designer brands.
Kite Beach.jpg

Kite Beach

This white sandy beach with shower facilities, volleyball nets, shelter spots, canoe and kite surfing rentals,
La Mer.jpg

La Mer

La Mer is a beachside destination full of family fun, allowing visitors to Dine, Shop and Do...
Lawrie-Shabibi.jpg

Lawrie Shabibi

When Lawrie Shabibi came onto Dubai's gallery scene back in 2011, they quickly established themselves as the ones to watch for contemporary art coming out of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
MDF-DB-SQ-WHT-76-1.jpg

Maison Des Fleurs

Modern and elegant, Maison Des Fleurs creates whimsical flower creations, inspired by classic French design, in their signature box.
majis.png

Majilis Gallery

Opening in 1989, Majilis Gallery was born of a desire to introduce international fine art within the city's once sleepy trading port.
Emirates-Mall1.jpg

Mall of the Emirates

Housing everything you need, from Harvey Nichols and Gucci to an Apple store and largest Carrefour supermarket in the city. Featuring over 500 international brands, from fashion to furnishings, electronics and sports.
Meena Bazaar.jpg

Meena Bazaar

Landing a parking space in this busy, built-up area is like spotting a Jumeirah Jane at Bombay Chowpatty. Home to textiles, ethnic jewellery shops and Pakistani and Indian clothing stores, as well as some cheap and cheerful eateries.
Meet_D3.jpg

Meet D3 | December

Dubai Design District's annual festival showcases a host of creative mediums; like art, fashion, design, music, food and technology.
Mirzam.jpeg

Mirzam

Made in Dubai, Mirzam creates chocolate in-house; the process can be observed and items may be bought in their warehouse and mixing facility in Al Quoz.
57251227_621792474961087_83239983774695424_n.jpg

Nara Escape

Ever envisioned a magical evening at a nomadic Arabian location— Nara Escape is desert glamping at its best...
Nasab 2.jpg

Nasab

Dubai’s members-only social club. Averse to pretence, Nasab offers creatives, entrepreneurs and artists a space to collaborate...
67967027_2414920255267092_9129546745401835520_o.jpg

NRG Fitness

This mini fitness centre in Dubai Marina has three rooms and a revolving schedule of classes only.
Priceless.jpeg

Priceless

A label lover's nirvana, stocking designer brands at knock off prices from the Al Tayer group, including Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney and Marni.
Qasr.jpg

Qasr al Hosn

Abu Dhabi’s symbolic birthplace and most historical landmark. Qasr (the Arabic word for palace) and Hosn (the Arabic word for fort) refers to the dual uses of this 250-year-old location;
Reems closet.jpg

Reems Closet

Vintage handbags, clothing and accessories handed in by hundreds of local women and sold on by the boutique’s own, you’ve guessed it, Reem. Here you’ll find as-new Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton bags for less than half the price.
Ripe Market1.jpg

Ripe

One of the first organic markets to hit Dubai. Ripe's aim is to provide customers with fresh, organic and seasonal produce.
Monte-Carlo-Beach-Club1.jpg

Saadiyat Beach Club

Complimenting the idyllic, white Saadiyat Island sandscape, this chic beach club is set on 9km of natural coastline.
Saadiyat-Beach-Golf-Club.jpg

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, with its Gary Player designed course is one of the world's most impressive golfing projects created to cater for all types of players, starting at 5290 yards, to the most challenging environment for the world's leading tour players at 7806 yards.
Sheikh_Zayed_Grand_Mosque.jpg

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A magnificent example of Muslim architecture. Natural materials were chosen for much of its design and construction due to their long-lasting qualities; including marble, stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics.
Sir-Bani-Yas.jpg

Sir Bani Yas Island (Anantara)

The Emirates' very own Jurassic Park, Sir Bani Yas Island is 87 km2 and can be reached via private charter, seaplane or 20 minutes by boat (off the port of Jebel Dhanna, Abu Dhabi).
Six_Senses_priv.jpg

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Set on a private cove, an unassuming entrance of spindly goats and unkempt mountain road are opposites of what is within.
Six Senses.jpg

Six Senses Zighy Bay | November 26.2013

A dusty road speckled with modest homes surrounded by mountains paints a humble picture. While sporadic trees act as lookout and spindly goats resilient to the harsh sun, courting the shade of nearby breezeblocks, look bored by our very existence.
SMCFCU.jpg

SMCCU (The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding)

The SMCCU is a non-profit organisation established to increase awareness and understanding between the various cultures that live in Dubai, addressing the local customs and religion of the region.
IMG_6495.jpg

Snoopy Beats

One of Fujairah’s best kept secrets, Snoopy Island has white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and hosts themed events for committed music-lovers.
Sole_DXB_16.jpg

Sole DXB | November 2019

Launched in 2010, Sole takes product design and brand marketing seriously, as the Middle East’s progressive communication platform for the latest in urban fashion, footwear and alternative culture.
Madinat Jumeirah.jpg

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai's most convenient souk, Madinat (as it's more commonly referred to) is the perfect place to take Dubai newbies.
sauce-dubai-ae0f175f1458.jpg

s*uce

A national treasure and known for nurturing local talent, this Dubai fashion cult fave was the first on the block...
Symphony.jpg

Symphony

A contradiction of clinical whitewashed wood, with homely touches. This store supports young talent, especially local, featuring a selection of luxury, ready-to-wear, accessories ...
Tashkeel.jpg

Tashkeel

Since 2008, Tashkeel has been Dubai's corner stone for the local artist community, facilitating and encouraging professional art and design.
Textile Souk.jpg

Textile Souk

A treasure trove of colours and textures from around the world, selling viole, silk, satin, velvet and more. Shop around as prices are negotiable.
The-Beach.jpg

The Beach

With several plazas, shops, restaurants, kids play area and an open-air cinema, this beach-side complex is more LA than Dubai.
The_Collective.jpeg

The Collective

A collection of lifestyle and homeware brands all under one roof, carefully curated by regional success story, Ripe and founder Becky Balderstone, The Collective is housed in the tranquil Courtyard of Al Quoz...
The Creek.jpg

The Creek

Soak up the sights of the boats effortlessly gliding along with eager seagulls ravenous for remnants of leftover catch.
The-Dinner-Club-by-No.57.jpg

The Dinner Club by No.57

Emirati duo Buthaina Al Mazrui and Alamira Noor Bani Hashim created The Dinner Club 57 in November 2012 and brought something new and exciting to the city.
Burj_Khalifa_fountain.jpg

The Dubai Fountain

Set on the Burj Khalifa lake, the choreographed fountain performs daily, shooting water jets as high as 500ft (the equivalent of a 50 storey building) and is 900ft long.
Dubai Mall.jpg

The Dubai Mall

It can be a mission to simply get from one end to the other in the world's largest mall. But touch screen maps and golf buggies are at hand for the weak and weary.
Dubai-Miricle-Garden-e1397149375228.jpg

The Dubai Miracle Garden

It may surprise you (or maybe not, in our city full of record breaking stunts) that Dubai is home to the largest natural flower garden in the world.
The-Fridge.jpeg

The Fridge

Based in a large two-storey warehouse in the city’s creative hub of Al Quoz.
Green_Planet_2.jpg

The Green Planet

The region’s first bio-dome, this immersive experience recreates the world of a tropical rainforest, with over 3,000 plants and animals. Allowing you the opportunity to engage and explore first-hand, the rich biodiversity of one of the world’s oldest living ecosystems.
54516283_10156702114858283_6994121329754505216_o.jpg

The Hatch

In the belly of the now floating hotel, Queen Elisabeth 2, seven metres under water, this underground venue plays home to impressive deep-house line-ups.
The-Odd-Piece.jpg

The Odd Piece

Eclectic home owners need know about The Odd Piece at Al Wasl square. Housing a combination of original, mid-century modern furniture designed by founder, Arwa Hafiz and vintage-then-updated finds...
The-Third-Line.jpg

The Third Line

An International player in the contemporary art market, The Third Line is the go to gallery for those wanting to scope out the fastest growing names in Arab and Iranian art today.
XVA-Gallery.jpg

XVA Gallery

One of the first contemporary galleries in the UAE, XVA Gallery was established in 2003, specialising in art from the Arab world, Iran and Subcontinent...
Zaya.JPG

Zaya Nurai Island

A natural private island just a short boat ride from Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat. Hop on a 15-minute boat ride from the jetty and arrive on a sumptuously designed, tranquil isle surrounded by aqua waters and white sand...