7 Areas in Dubai to Experience Authentic Emirate Life

  • April 11, 2019
  • 0 Comments
Image

The way to live in Dubai is to enjoy its rich cosmopolitan culture with a generous drizzle of the local flavor. The Middle Eastern city has made a name for itself among select international destinations and nothing can take away that crown of charm from Dubai.

Your stay at Dubai is incomplete if you miss some of these experiences that are unique to Dubai. Among the umpteen number of choices for entertainment that is available we picked these special seven.

1. Desert Safari

Desert safari

A must-do for anyone visiting Dubai for a vacation or staying on work. The Dubai Desert Safari takes you through an exciting vehicular journey on the colossal mounds of sand - also known as "dune-bashing".  With a stop at a campsite, one gets the opportunity to ride camels, get henna tattoos and be entertained by a belly dancer during dinner.

Different service providers offer safaris from various points including residential locations such as Al Barsha and Deira City Centre.

2. Spice Souk

Dubai Spice Souk in Deira

Deira, Dubai Creek area invites you to the busy commercial hub of Bur Dubai. A visit to the Spice Souk will engulf you with the aromas of fresh spices and other food ingredients.

This vibrant Spice market is closest to the Gold Souk. From celebrity chefs to home cooks, each augments his or her expertise by handpicking the best of the lot from the Spice Souk's colourful range of spices, herbs, rice and fruit. High-quality saffron strands at local prices is the best deal to take home along with A-grade and sun-dried organic dates. Dried fruits, candied nuts and locally-blended teas are irresistible to the food aficionado who is sure to stock up.

3. Masjid Al Rahim

Masjid Al rahim Dubai Marina area

Inaugurated in 2013, Masjid Al Rahim is the only mosque in Dubai Marina and was built at the request of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. The mosque includes minaret and is crowned with a single dome, which is a symbolic representation of vault of heaven in Islamic architecture. It can accommodate 2,000 people and remains crowded on Fridays.

4. Ras al Khor Wildife Sanctuary

Flemingos at Ras al khor bird sanctuary

Nature in Dubai is a surprising one for many as very few imagine what life appears to be, beyond the desert land and the sea. However, the city never ceases to amaze you. If you are staying at Business Bay you won’t miss a chance to have a quick dash to the Sanctuary to catch a break.

One among the few urban protected areas in the arid zone, Ras al Khor is a wetland of global importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is identified as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. The sanctuary is closely monitored by the Dubai Municipality and is fenced off to protect the area. This wetland reserve also serves as a breeding ground and home for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but it is the beautiful Flamingos that steal the show in winter. When one gets a closer look, among the mass of pink feathers you may spot grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey and more.

5. Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai miracle garden

From nature reserves to man-made archipelago, Dubai continue to blow your mind with its meticulous urban planning. Between mid-November to mid-May, a 72,000 sqm space and one of Cityland’s signature creations – Dubai Miracle Garden comes to life every year. Launched on Valentine’s Day, 2013, and set in the heart of Dubailand, this garden blooms with its 150 million flowers arranged in colourful arches and patterns, and in the myriad shapes.

Having earned two Guinness World Records Dubai Miracle Garden reinvents itself each year with a whole new concept and design experience for its visitors. The community has given its own endorsement with more than 1.5 million visitors per year.

6. Human Waterfalls at Dubai Mall

Human waterfalls Dubai Mall

A special but understated attraction of Dubai Mall is the Human Waterfalls where the cascading water occupies the height of the mall. It is a visually striking water feature amidst the enormous shopping center and a crowd puller due to its dramatic design.

The Dubai Mall is located on the Financial Center Road and very close to residents of Downtown Dubai.

7. La Mer Beach

Surfers at Dubai beach

The modern attractions of Dubai include La Mer, meaning The Sea, is a sprawling 13.4 million sq ft development on reclaimed and existing land between Pearl Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bay. Featuring wide open walkways lined with palm tree boulevards, graffiti art and cabanas this new neighborhood is a seamless blend of minimalist and contemporary design.

As the latest addition to Dubai’s beach cred, La Mer is where you should head to eat by the beach, indulge in some high-end shopping, watch a blockbuster or try your hands at some experimental surfing.