Food, shopping, wellness, nightlife & luxury experiences in Dubai
The best places to eat in Dubai — from street food to fine dining
An iconic, long-standing Iranian restaurant known for its succulent kebabs and authentic, nostalgic ambiance. A true Dubai institution.
A legendary Pakistani restaurant famous for its robust curries, tandoori bread, and grilled meats. A no-frills, incredibly popular spot.
A vibrant, casual Levantine street food restaurant offering delicious falafel, manakish, shawarma, and fresh juices in a quirky setting.
Authentic Palestinian bakery serving freshly baked manakish, fatayer, and other traditional Palestinian dishes, perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Experience traditional Emirati hospitality in a charming, serene courtyard setting. Offers authentic Emirati breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a vast selection of teas.
A contemporary Emirati cafe blending local flavours with a modern twist, offering dishes inspired by Emirati, Indian, and Persian cuisines in stylish surroundings.
Chef Reif Othman's innovative take on Japanese street food, specializing in kushiyaki skewers and unconventional sushi, known for its creative dishes and buzzing atmosphere.
Authentic Greek cuisine served in a rustic, laid-back setting. Known for its grilled meats, fresh seafood, and traditional mezes.
Dine at the world's highest restaurant in the Burj Khalifa, offering breathtaking views of Dubai and exquisite European fine dining.
An immersive underwater dining experience at Atlantis, The Palm, with a Michelin-starred menu focused on seafood and a spectacular aquarium backdrop.
A globally renowned contemporary Japanese izakaya, famous for its sophisticated ambiance, robata grill, and exceptional sushi and sashimi.
Marinated meat (chicken or lamb/beef) roasted on a vertical spit, shaved, and wrapped in warm pita bread with pickles, fries, and garlic sauce. A Dubai staple.
Deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas and spices, often served in a pita with tahini, salad, and pickles. A delicious vegetarian option.
Sweet, crispy Emirati dumplings drizzled with date syrup (dibbs) and often sprinkled with sesame seeds. A traditional dessert.
A strong, sweet, spiced milk tea, a beloved daily ritual in the UAE. Made with black tea, evaporated milk, sugar, and cardamom.
Levantine flatbread baked with various toppings, most commonly za'atar (thyme, sumac, sesame) and olive oil, or cheese. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Crispy fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat. A popular snack, especially in areas with large South Asian communities.
A traditional Emirati breakfast dish made from sweet vermicelli noodles flavoured with cardamom and saffron, often topped with a thin omelette.
Thin, crispy Emirati pancakes often served with cheese and date syrup. A delightful local breakfast item.
Dubai's largest fresh food market, replacing the old Deira Fish Market. Offers a vast selection of fresh fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and meat in a modern, hygienic setting.
An outdoor community market featuring organic produce, local artisanal goods, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Operates during cooler months.
A massive seasonal cultural and entertainment park featuring pavilions from dozens of countries, each offering authentic food, crafts, and performances from around the world. A paradise for international street food.
While primarily a shopping mall for Chinese goods, Dragon Mart has an extensive food court and several standalone restaurants offering a wide range of Asian cuisines, from Chinese to Vietnamese, at very affordable prices.
Offers hands-on cooking classes for various cuisines, from French to Italian and Middle Eastern. Caters to all skill levels, with experienced chefs.
Experience Emirati culture through a traditional cooking class, often combined with a cultural meal and Q&A session about local customs and traditions.
Professional culinary school offering short courses and workshops for enthusiasts, covering a wide array of international cuisines and techniques.
Where to shop in Dubai — districts, markets, and bargains
One of the world's largest malls, offering an unparalleled shopping experience with luxury brands, high street fashion, electronics, and entertainment.
Home to Ski Dubai, this mall combines luxury fashion, international brands, and a wide range of dining and entertainment options.
An open-air, European-style shopping and dining destination with unique boutiques, international brands, and a vibrant street art scene.
A creative hub featuring independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, design studios, and concept stores, perfect for unique finds.
A historic market with hundreds of retailers selling gold, silver, and precious stones. Known for its dazzling displays and competitive prices.
An aromatic market brimming with a vast array of spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional remedies. A sensory experience.
Explore a colourful maze of shops selling raw silk, cotton, embroidered fabrics, pashminas, and tailor-made garments. Great for custom clothing.
Discover traditional Arabic perfumes (attar), oud, bakhoor (incense), and essential oils. Many shops offer custom perfume blending.
Authentic keepsakes and what to avoid
High-quality dates (especially Medjool or Fardh) and gourmet date products like date syrup, date paste, or chocolate-covered dates.
Unique and delicious chocolate made from camel milk, available in various flavours. A novel treat and genuinely local product.
Oud (agarwood) is a prized fragrant wood, available as oil (attar) or chips. Bakhoor are fragrant wood chips or pressed incense, burned for their beautiful aroma.
Traditional ornate coffee pots and small, handle-less cups used for serving Arabic coffee. A beautiful cultural keepsake.
Soft, luxurious scarves made from fine cashmere wool. Be cautious of imitations; look for reputable sellers and feel the quality.
Beautiful artwork featuring verses from the Quran, proverbs, or names written in elegant Arabic calligraphy. Can be found on canvases, wood, or metal.
Style hotspots in Dubai
The ultimate destination for luxury fashion, featuring flagship stores of global designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci.
Another prime spot for high-end fashion, housing prestigious brands and exclusive collections in a sophisticated setting.
Offers a more curated and boutique shopping experience with a mix of international and regional designer brands, alongside trendy lifestyle stores.
Focuses on emerging local designers, unique concept stores, and avant-garde fashion. Perfect for discovering something truly different.
Relax and rejuvenate in Dubai
An opulent, award-winning spa inspired by Ottoman traditions, featuring a stunning Turkish Hammam, various treatment rooms, and lavish facilities.
A luxurious urban sanctuary offering panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, with a range of rejuvenating treatments and an infinity pool.
Inspired by ancient healing techniques, this sprawling spa offers a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments, including a traditional Hammam.
A tranquil haven with a Thai-inspired design, offering signature Anantara treatments, a traditional Turkish Hammam, and unique spa facilities like the Liquid Sound Pool.
After dark in Dubai
A chic open-air rooftop bar offering stunning 360-degree views of Dubai's skyline, with creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
An elegant rooftop bar at the Four Seasons Jumeirah, known for its sophisticated ambiance, panoramic views, and exquisite cocktails. Perfect for a classy evening.
A popular, high-energy industrial-style bar with live music, great food, and a vibrant crowd. Multiple branches across the city.
A sprawling multi-concept entertainment destination featuring various bars, lounges, a pool area, and often hosting international DJs and events.
A stunning architectural masterpiece hosting a diverse program of world-class performances, including opera, ballet, theatre, concerts, and comedy shows.
An immersive, spectacular live show featuring breathtaking acrobatics, aquatic stunts, and aerial artistry, inspired by Dubai's pearl-diving history.
Experience traditional Emirati hospitality with an authentic dinner, often held in a wind-tower house, followed by an insightful Q&A session about local customs and traditions.
Splurge-worthy experiences in Dubai
Explore Dubai's coastline, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab from the luxury of a private yacht, complete with catering and stunning views.
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Arabian Desert, spotting gazelles and camels, followed by a gourmet breakfast in a traditional Bedouin camp.
An unparalleled underwater dining experience with a Michelin-starred seafood tasting menu, surrounded by the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium.
Get a bird's-eye view of Dubai's iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and The World Islands, on a thrilling helicopter tour.
Experience a premium desert safari with vintage Land Rovers, a falconry display, traditional Emirati dinner, and stargazing in a private Royal Desert Retreat.
Best cafes and coffee spots in Dubai
A pioneering specialty coffee shop and eatery in Al Quoz, known for its industrial-chic vibe, excellent coffee, and delicious all-day breakfast and lunch menu.
A popular spot for specialty coffee, artisanal breads baked in-house, and a wholesome, globally inspired menu. Great for breakfast and brunch.
Offers a traditional Emirati coffee and tea experience in a charming, heritage-rich courtyard. Perfect for experiencing local culture.
A charming, hidden gem in Al Quoz's 'The Courtyard', serving Australian-style coffee, pastries, and light bites in a relaxed, greenery-filled setting.
A bright, modern cafe with multiple locations, known for its excellent coffee, extensive breakfast menu, and contemporary interior.
Specializes in the beloved Emirati Karak tea, offering various twists on the classic alongside traditional Emirati breakfast and snacks, overlooking the Dubai Fountain.