Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates is the fifth city in the fifth country I’ve lived in. Dubai is hard to describe if you’ve never visited, but if I had to compare it to what I know, I’d say the city would be a mixture of Miami, Vegas and Scottsdale, AZ all wrapped into one. It’s nonstop like Vegas, with big shiny buildings with flashing lights. Insane amounts of wealth everywhere like Miami and reminiscent of the beautiful desert including flowers and palm trees like in Arizona. Dubai is a city where people can come to get away from reality. Everything is over the top, and the city actually becomes your “playground.” Boat parties, all you can eat and drink brunches, dressing up, shopping, incredible restaurants, rooftop pools, day time beach clubs and the list goes on and on. In a nutshell, this city is the epitome of excess and gluttony. I’m not saying this in an entirely negative way, because it definitely is experience.
Now that you’re all up to speed on the lifestyle of Dubai, let’s get some misconceptions out of the way! First, if you’re not muslim living here, you don’t have to wear an abaya or a head scarf. The local culture is very understanding and accepting of westerners here. Second, Dubai is extremely westernized and forward-thinking. 85% of the population is comprised of expatriates, and the Brits make up most of the western demographic. Third, drinking is absolutely allowed here, but only within hotels, which is where most of the fun partying happens. Finally, it is extremely safe here, probably one of the most safe places I’ve ever lived. People living here are extremely honest and trustworthy. You could leave your mobile phone sitting out on a table and come back hours later to find it still there. Living in a safe city, by yourself as a foreign expat woman, really brings a sense of security when living abroad.
Moving on to my recommendations or things I’m “obsessed” with. If it isn’t obvious already, I love finding new “vibey” places to eat or grab a coffee. So here are my recommendations when visiting Dubai.
FOOD + COFFEE
Coffee + Food + Vegan/Vegetarian: Comptior 102
Vegan Cafe: SEVA Table
West Beach: Koko Bay + Lucky Fish (West Bay Beach)
Authentic Thai: Pai Thai
Breakfast: Brunch & Cake (The Point & Al Wasl)
La Mer Beach: Row of cute places to eat
Mexican: Tortuga (Great view of the Burj Al Arab)
BEST Pizza: Pitfire Pizza
TIMEOUT Market: Drinks and various places to eat
Greek: OPA — authentic Greek food and traditions of smashing plates and music
Local UAE Coffee: Arabica 100% (multiple locations)
POOLS + BEACH CLUBS
Bab Al Shams (In the desert): Leave the city and spend a day or overnight in this gorgeous, incredibly decorated hotel for a pool day including an insane lunch buffet or stay overnight.
West Beach: Koko Bay, February 30, Lucky Fish — the West Bay beach clubs are such a vibe, feeling as if you’re almost in Mykonos. Good music, amazing ambiance and gorgeous drinks. Highly recommend for a day in the sun and water or for sunset drinks.
Chill Pool Day: Jumeriah Zabeel Saray Hotel - this hotel is on the palm and it has the most elegant vibe with a gorgeous pool overlooking the sea. The beach area is lovely as well as the drinks and food.
Chill Pool Day: Waldorf Astoria on the Palm
Chill Pool Day: Westin Hotel — check out the Heavenly Spa here as well. Probably one of the best massages I’ve had, ever.
Chill Pool Day: The Address Fountain Views
Party Pool Days: Zero Gravity or BLA BLA
BRUNCHING & GOING OUT
There is a never-ending amount of things to do when it comes to going out and spending the day partying, drinking and hanging with friends. Here is a list of a few of my favorite places and activities I’d recommend.
Boating: Find yourself a boat to get on — for any reason, birthday, goodbye party, or just for fun. Being out on the water is absolutely incredible and you’ll get to have the best views of the city.
Brunch: Treehouse, Saffron at the Atlantis, KOYO, Lucky Voice, Amazonico, Mr. Myagis, Seven Sisters
Of course you have to visit some of the other Emirates when you’re here such as Abu Dhabi to visit the Grand Mosque, go to the Lourve Museum, and if you have time take a quick boat to Nurai Island for the day. This is something I HIGHLY recommend you check out, it is a stunning, picturesque island 15 minutes by boat away from Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi. It is known for its turquoise waters, beach activities and chill vibes, with great food and drinks, and music played by a DJ.
It’s been an unbelievable whirlwind of a journey and I am so proud and glad to say that I was able to spend time in the Middle East and experience a new culture and way of living.
Save translation
شكرًا لك (thank you)