Dubai is a city of contrasts—where hyper-modernity meets deep-rooted traditions, and where the desert’s stillness collides with a skyline that gleams like a mirage. It’s both dazzlingly opulent and, in some corners, surprisingly raw. Our guide explores how it comes alive for the senses: what it feels like to be there, sounds of the city, the layered scents, the visually striking aspects of futurism mixed with hypnotic natural elements.
This guide is for those who want to experience both—the hidden and the high-profile, the indulgent and the elemental. It’s for those who move through the world with reverence for its contrasts, who seek meaning in every meal, every street, and every shifting dune. Whether sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail against the glow of the skyline or getting lost in the hush of the desert, Dubai is yours to discover.
In general, go beyond the obvious, respect its nuances, and stay open to discovery.
Go explore.
Meet our guest editor
A journalist, host, and hospitality consultant of Portuguese/Cape Verdean descent, Claudia de Brito was raised in Dubai and educated in London before moving back to the emirate and making it her permanent base. She has covered hospitality and travel for over a decade as the editor of several leading industry publications. In 2021, she was appointed Gulf Academy chair for MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and is now also a Middle East Academy Chair for World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
EAT | DRINK | STAY | SEE/LEARN/PLAY | SHOP | BE IN NATURE
Eat
Trèsind Studio
A love letter to the diversity of Indian cuisine, Chef Himanshu Saini transforms what some may consider ‘humble’ UAE-grown ingredients into a poetic, sublime experience to which he admits puzzles guests by what they think they know about Indian food.
Row on 45
Looks simple, tastes complex. A true occasion restaurant where every detail is choreographed—only 22 guests at a time, shifting spaces from lounge to open kitchen to library. A three-act culinary performance with a Japanese fine dining ethos, all unfolding around the glowing skyline.
Orfali Bro Bistro
The No. 1 restaurant on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list defies categorization. Aleppo-born Orfali brothers bring Syrian tradition into a new era, layering Levantine flavors with global influences in a striking two-story kitchen that doubles as a creative laboratory or playground, depending which of the three brothers you encounter. Orfali is a must-visit neighborhood eatery, perfect for lunch between sightseeing.
Manao
A deeply personal take on Thai, framed in minimalist rattan and wood decor. With the support of Mohammad Orfali, emerging Chef Abhiraj Khatwani translates memories into home grown masterpieces. With delicate leaf work, sticky rice roti, and fermented rice custard that double as texturized plating, his recipes are as visually stunning as they are deeply nostalgic. The house-made chamomile kombucha seals the deal for us.
Flamingo Room
A visual feast of African glamor, where brass and blush interiors meet time-honored flavors. Sit on the terrace by the lagoon, order the Calamari Mozambique, a golden, buttery indulgence with a prego sauce that lingers on the palate—a touch of the Mozambique coast where the owner’s father made his home. Before or after dinner, drift into Collective Africa for curated artisan pieces.
Kinoya
Pull up to the Kinoya’s ramen counter for a masterclass in ramen and izakaya flavors. Ideal for solo dining or quiet conversation, Hinoya immerses its guest in the artistry of broth, tare, and hand-pulled noodles, elevating an everyday dish into something sublime.
Al Ustaad Special Kebab
One of Old Dubai’s most beloved Persian eateries, where legendary kebabs are charcoal-grilled to perfection, infused with the history of a family that has served them for generations. A must to replenish the soul after wandering through the souks in Old Dubai.
Sucre (& bar inside Alma)
An elemental experience where fire and flavor take center stage. From Argentina to the Mediterranean, Sucre’s open-fire cooking transforms ingredients into something primal and deeply satisfying. DJs spin, cocktails flow, and the night stretches on from its haven inside Alma.
Drink
Mimi Kakushi
A sultry hideaway highlighting Japan’s storied love affair with American jazz in the 1920’s. Live music, dim lighting, and an inventive cocktail list inspired by the sounds that brought west rhythms to east flavors, make this one of the city’s most alluring date spots.
Galaxy Bar
A celestial, intimate space bathed in deep blues and gold. The drinks are as meticulously designed as the setting. Call ahead—seats are limited, and the experience is worth the wait.
BOCA
The natural wine movement has found a home in Dubai. Go for the selection, stay for the Spanish-inspired cuisine, and feel good about BOCA’s commitment to sustainability. It’s woven into every detail, from sourced ingredients, somm education, to inclusive workforce, earning BOCA the Sustainable Restaurant Award at MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.
Honeycomb Hi-Fi
A sanctuary for audiophiles and cocktail connoisseurs. Vinyl records spin by local and global selectors, while robata-style bites hit just the right smoky note. Ask for a seat at the bar for a front-row experience where contemporary tastemakers play.
Electric Pawn Shop
Neon-lit, music-driven, and buzzing with industry insiders. A place where the energy is unfiltered, the crowd is dynamic, and the martinis come ice-cold and unapologetically dirty.
1920
A bar that channels the excess and elegance of the Roaring Twenties. The Valentino cocktail—The Lost Explorer mezcal, maraschino, Ají Panca, Palo Santo—is a ritualistic experience best sipped as the city lights flicker to life 52 stories below.
Stay
Mama Shelter
Quirky, cozy, and vibrant. Mama Shelter’s Dubai outpost is a lively (and delicious!) homebase to explore the city. Come for the skyline views & pool, stay for the new globetrotting friends you’ll surely meet.
The Lana
A downtown sanctuary with unrestrained splendor. From its infinity pool to its sprawling veranda, The Lana is designed for those who want to be at the heart of the city without ever feeling rushed.
Atlantis the Royal
The crown jewel of indulgence. Private skypools, high-profile restaurants, and a level of luxury that’s meant to be experienced at least once. Ranked No. 9 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels (2024), it redefines what an experiential hotel can be.
Zabeel House The Greens by Jumeirah
A social hub for digital nomads and global travelers. The lobby is a lively mix of professionals, creatives, and wanderers seeking balance between work, play, and the occasional outdoor workout.
XVA Art Hotel & Café
A boutique hideaway within the Al Fahidi district marked by historic Persian architecture tucked in maze-like corridors and proximity to the creek. This art hotel flourishes in its quiet courtyard, art gallery featuring emerging and established local artists, and intimate design creating a sense of discovery, for those who want to immerse in Dubai’s cultural roots and connect with its local community.
25hours Hotel One Central
A creative playground blending quirky design with a buzzing cultural scene. With an open-air courtyard, a cinema, and pop-up chef takeovers, it’s the go-to stay for travelers who want to plug into the city’s creative pulse.
Arabian Boutique Hotel
A rare glimpse of Old Dubai’s past. This 10-room, creekside retreat revives Emirati heritage with restored stone architecture and timeless hospitality. A breath of fresh air, just steps from the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Shop
Spice Souk/ Gold Souk
Like any great city, Dubai’s culture is embedded in its markets. The Gold Souk, Arabia’s largest, glistens with everything from delicate everyday pieces to high-drama gold creations. Nearby, the Spice Souk is a fragrant immersion into one of the region’s oldest trade, where chefs and travelers sift through saffron, cardamom, and dried roses. Visit at sunset when the markets come alive.
The Edit, Alserkal Avenue
A concept store featuring one-off womenswear, jewelry, and art from local designers. Stop for a matcha break between discoveries.
Retold
Pre-loved designer fashion, expertly curated. Beyond the vintage finds, Retold gives back, donating clothing and essentials to CR Hope Foundation in Zanzibar.
Mall of the Emirates
A more manageable alternative to Dubai Mall, with everything you need.
The Collective by Ripe
A space for local artisans and designers to show and sell their work. Meaningful souvenirs & homewares made with heart.
See / Learn / Play
Dubai Museum
Housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 from coral rock, this museum chronicles Emirati life before oil. Currently closed for renovation, but its historic walls still command attention.
Museum of the Future
A journey into what’s next — from AI to climate resilience. Step into an immersive world where digital preservation meets cosmic exploration. The Museum of the Future has an indoor activity for everyone in the realms of ecology, wellness, spirituality, natural history, and cosmic exploration.
XVA Gallery
A grounded alternative to Dubai’s gilded skyline, XVA Gallery inside the hotel boasts contemporary art from Middle Eastern talent.
Coffee Museum
A love letter to coffee culture, from ancient Ethiopian beans to Arabic brewing rituals. Sample regional brews and unearth the drink’s rich history.
Reel Cinema
Indie film lovers, this one’s for you. A luxe escape for cinephiles seeking arthouse gems or blockbuster indulgence.
Be in Nature
Platinum Heritage Overnight Desert Safari
Ride into the silence of the rolling dunes in vintage Land Rovers, track native wildlife, and dine beneath a sky dense with stars. This ride isn’t rushed. A moment to reconnect with nature’s vastness. A deep dive into the rhythms of the Arabian sands.
Al Qudra Lakes
A rare oasis in the middle of the desert, where the sight of flamingos wading through still waters feels almost surreal. The lakes, scattered across the dunes, attract migratory birds, gazelles, and even desert foxes. The wind carries the scent of acacia trees, and at dawn, the world is painted in pastel hues. A peaceful escape for birdwatchers, photographers, and those seeking quiet contemplation.
Arabian Horse Riding in the Dubai Desert at Bab Al Shams
Move through golden dunes on horseback, the desert stretching endlessly ahead. The rhythmic steps of the horses blend with the soft rustling of sand, and if you’re lucky, a falcon might soar overhead. An experience that feels both ancient and alive.
Hatta Dam
A turquoise escape in the jagged Hajar Mountains, where the air is fresh and still. Set out early exploring the calm waters by kayak, hike steep ridges, or simply take in the reflection of towering peaks in the reservoir.
Arabian Adventures
A conservation-driven outfitter committed to sustainability. Their curated experiences protect the UAE’s delicate ecosystems while offering deep immersion. Track the elusive Arabian oryx, explore hidden wadis, or camp under constellations—all designed to honor and preserve the land’s fragile beauty and rhythm.
Wadi Shawka
A hiker’s paradise where rocky trails weave through steep ridges and hidden pools.
