They say you never explore the country you live in like those you visit. To celebrate our UAE special, we recommend the hidden gems within our fabulous seven emirates.
Take your dog to…
Bert’s Café, The Greens
This place is a bit of a favourite for those who call The Greens home. With quaint décor and French food, this upmarket café is worth visiting even if you live further afield. It’s the perfect spot to stop for of breakfast or coffee (maybe even both) after a leisurely walk in the surrounding area – and with outdoor seating, you can even take your dog with you. For bookings and information, call (04) 3619292, or visit bertsdxb.com
Find some treasures at…
Antique Museum, Al Quoz
Who says you need to be abroad to shop for souvenirs? Quite possibly the largest souvenir shop in the city, Antique Museum requires a full day out to be appreciated. In this Aladdin’s cave of treasures you’ll find Arabic furnishings and home décor at very reasonable prices. It used to be a barterers paradise, but the owners have since switched to fixed price – great news if you don’t feel comfortable going into cost-battle with the professionals. For more information, call (04) 3479935, or visit fakihcollections.com
Get bespoke threads at…
Parmar Tailors, JLT and Bur Dubai
Considered one of the best tailors in Dubai, Parmar may edge on the slightly more expensive side but you get what you pay for. Quality service and craftsmanship have given it a reputation as the king of threads. Buy some fabric, pick a design and have a special party frock made to measure – you shall go to the ball! For more information, call (04) 428 9494, or visit parmartailors.com
Drink in the view at…
Cielo Skybar, Dubai Creek
“Panoramic views” is an overused phrase, but the scene from Cielo Skybar is panoramic like no other. Sitting on the waters edge at Dubai Creek, this is the ultimate cocktail destination to wow visitors. The open-air terrace nods to the Balearic isles, with white furnishings and pale blue lighting. Those seeking some seriously cool Instagram snaps should grab some friends and go for a few sundowners. cielodubai.com
Get on the list for…
The Dinner Club by no.57, various locations
It’s an unusual concept – banqueting with strangers in an undisclosed location – but The Dinner Club taps into a dining concept that’s very a la mode. Founders Buthaina Al Mazrui and Alamira Noor Bani Hashim pick weird and wonderful locations and exciting menus, allowing guests to experience a true one-off – think dinner on buses and in empty swimming pools. Be warned, getting an invite isn’t easy but if you’re considered worthy, you’ll find yourself in very interesting company. For more information email thedinnerclub57@gmail.com
Take a hike…
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
On the outskirts of Al Ain, bordering Oman, Jebel Hafeet Mountain offers an eye over the vast expanse of terrain in the UAE. There is road access to a viewpoint near the top of the mountain giving an impressive view of the desert below. Jebel Hafeet offers a ‘real’ off-road experience that many city dwellers don’t often see.
Get the gear…
Mirabelle Boutique, Bloom Gardens
This LA concept boutique does off-duty celeb chic like no other. Whether you’re looking for wardrobe basics or statement pieces, owner Salma is often on hand to offer some on-the-spot styling. With a broad range of designers at mid-range price points, it’s a great way to grab some unique pieces without burning the plastic too much. For more information, visit mirabellebelles.com
The art of it…
Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah
It’s gripe that’s common among many UAE residents – “there aren’t enough galleries and museums”. Head to Sharjah and you’ll find that exactly the opposite is true. With culture and heritage at its core, this emirate is spilling over with all things arty. Arguably the best space to see some temporary and permanent exhibitions from the region’s leading artists is Sharjah Art Museum. Paintings, sculptures and instillations fill three floors, where visitors can explore creativity new and old, regional and international. For more information, visit sharjahmuseums.ae
Rest your head…
Ajman Saray, Ajman
Tucked away from rival luxury hotels, Ajman Saray is able to offer a pristine, and very private, coastline. Its 205 rooms and suites are a marriage of eastern and western design, and many overlook the Arabian Gulf. The hotel is an ideal stay-cation for those who want to escape hectic life in the larger emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Facilities include restaurants, bars and, of course, a beautiful private beach complete with cabanas and loungers. For more information, visit ajmansaray.com
Dive right in…
Al Boom Diving, Fujairah
With warm currents and extensive coral reefs, the east coast of the UAE is full of tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles. With such an array of marine life, it’s little wonder that Fujairah is the destination of choice for divers. Scuba trips are available for all abilities, from the likes of The Three Pinnacles, which is a group of three islands close to the shore, to Inchcape 1 and 2, which are wreck dives up to 30m deep. Al Boom Diving offers PADI accredited courses and is located at Le Méridien, Al Aqah Beach Resort. For more information, visit alboomdiving.com
Back to basics…
Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum, Umm Al-Quwain
Umm Al Quwain gives visitors a taste of the UAE pre-oil. For a canned history of the region visit Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum. Once upon a time it was home to one of the emirate’s rulers, and later became the headquarters for the local police. Inside you’ll find old artefacts such as jewellery and weapons, as well as information about the fort, which guarded the entrance to the old town and protected against outside attacks.
Water baby…
Adventure Sports,
Ras Al Khaimah
Make the most of living by the sea and indulge in the region’s plentiful water sports. Ras Al Khaimah is ideal for a retreat or day trip, with offshore activities including water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. Whether you’re looking to zip across the water with friends or learn advanced sailing, RAK is littered with bays, beaches and coves ideal for wave-chasers and thrill-seekers. Mountain biking and climbing are also top of the activity list. Most hotels offer watersports, but for detailed activities and courses, visit adventuresports.ae. For mountain biking, visit outdooruae.com
Images: Getty
