If you love exploring unique cultures across the planet, then you are in the right place! I am going to uncover the hidden gems in Dubai and dazzle you with it’s traditional and original charm.

Hidden Gems in Dubai, here we come !

We’ll wander in bustling souks, relish Emirati cuisine, shop for carpets, cool off in ambient courtyards, glide in traditional  boats and flirt ever so slightly with the gold dust that Dubai has sprinkled on us. There are more than one ways to enjoy hidden gems in Dubai ! 

 

A Slice of Original and Traditional Dubai

It was late April in Dubai, when the apricot sun dipped beneath the sand dunes. From the shade of my richly tapestried tent, I munched on a chocolate-covered date and watched gazelles hop around desert shrubs. 

I rubbed my eyes – this must surely be a dream. Were all my favorite authentic experiences coming together in a perfect marriage?  Just then, I heard footsteps.

“Coffee for you Ma’am” said a gentle voice as a stream of rich coffee trickled into my cup from an Arabian coffee pot. The decadent drink on my lips proved the reality – Dubai has concealed more gems than revealed! 

Staying true to the style of Three Tickets Please, I will show you an unseen and secret rhythm of this gorgeous Emirate. These elusive and gracefully preserved secret spots of Dubai are sure to surprise you.

 

1. Bastakiya Quarter – Allure of Old Arabia

A collection of elegant sand colored homes and wood take you back in time. What once belonged to Persian traders is now a mosaic of boutique stores and artistic galleries.

A labyrinth of wind towers and narrow alleys, Bastakiya Quarter drips with old world charm. Bargaining over amethyst and sapphires in the quaint jewel stores of Bastakiya, you may begin to feel like a character from Sinbad the Sailor.

Tall close corridors of the winding alleys, keep you in shade and channel cool breeze. Explore this beautiful cluster of brick homes and peek into Dubai’s past.  A time before glass and steel skyscrapers poked the stratosphere. As you venture deeper, all the traffic noise from the street drowns completely.

Tips

1. Go early or late evening for the best experience. Midday heat can be a bummer so don’t forget to carry water.

2. Drop in one of the authentic cafes and restaurants for a taste of local food.

3. Visit the many museums here for a true slice of Emirati culture (free entry)

2. The Lost Chambers Aquarium –  Atlantis, The Palm

Rising from the coast of Persian gulf is the staggering Atlantis Hotel standing proudly at the crown of Palm. No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to Dubai’s iconic man made island. The Palm, Dubai is an artificial archipelago designed to look like a date palm enveloped by a crescent. Its massive ‘fronds’ make some of the world’s most expensive real estate.

At the crown of Palm, lies the famous  luxury hotel Atlantis. While Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis need no introduction, some hidden gems in Dubai are in plain sight like this mega aquarium called  Lost Chambers, Atlantis.

Swim with stingrays as thousands of colorful fishes dart in the turquoise waters of Atlantis. While most people are busy with the dolphin rides outside, you can enjoy a tranquil afternoon with your vibrant marine friends.

Tips

1. Try the ‘Aqua Trek’ for a complete immersion into fascinating marine life. 

2. For a more economical option  choose ‘Behind the scenes’ tour.

3. This aquarium is theme based, so every room has a unique pavilion and a story associated with it.

Lovely beduoin- style floor cushions are provided so you can spend as much time as you like in this zen atmosphere before heading out back to Dubai’s frenzied outdoor.

3. Market of the sailor – Souk al Bahar

No one loves offbeat spots like we do. Tucked in the shadow of Burj Khalifa, this quaint market is easily eclipsed by the glitter of it’s celebrity neighbor – The Dubai Mall.

Souk al Bahar is an upmarket store with pocket friendly prices. Very few people cross over from Dubai mall across the ornate bridge to reach this hidden gem in Dubai.

Tips:

1. Definitely eat in one of the fountain facing restaurants while watching the dancing fountains.  Thiptara for Thai, Serafina for Italian and Abd El Wahab for Levantine cuisine are our top picks. 

2. If you want to have alcoholic beverages then the licensed restaurants here offer that while the ones in Dubai Mall do not. 

3. Its a nice place to escape Dubai’s heat after you are done with major sightseeing like Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, Dubai mall with lesser crowds and costs.

Inside you can buy everything from Iranian carpets to Indian saffron, enjoy traditional food or watch the dancing fountains, the choices for food and shopping are unlimited.

4. Camel milk Ice-cream

Majlis cafe is an underground lair of deliciousness. Try Arabic ice- creams and milkshakes made with camel milk. Curious cakes and unusual cafe au laits will catch your fancy. Don’t even get me started on the ambience 🙂 Its so warm and inviting. Try the pistachio, saffron and date flavored ice-creams for a real U.A.E  experience.

 

Tips:

1.Camel milk has a slightly salty and gamey taste, so camel milk chai may not be everyones’ cup of tea! Sorry, I can’t stop playing with puns 😉

2. The prices are pocket friendly starting from about 10 dirhams.

3. It’s an underground open air cafe in the Souk of Dubai Mall, you may walk right past it without realizing it is a cafe.

5. Cruise across Emerald waters

In a land scorched by lightening speed of modernity, let me whisk you old world charm of palm fringed oasis. At Madinat Jumeirah, enjoy the slow life gliding in the emerald waters of this five star hotel.

Meander with the twisting canals in traditional boats called Abra and spend a few Arabian nights here.

Tips:

1. Boat (Abra) ride is free for guests of Madinat Jumeirah.

2. Some amazing views of Burj Al Arab and hence photo opportunities from the boat ride .

3. Best time to go is evening.

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6. Oryxes and Gazelles

Watch elegant desert gazelles play with oryxes,  just one hour away from the bustling heart of Dubai. Move away from the trendy center of downtown Dubai and head to ochre sunsets of the Arabian desert with Platinum Heritage tours.

Tips:

1. Bear in mind children under 5 are not permitted.

2. Try their sparkling date juice

3. Most of their tours are at sunset and the desert rapidly cools at night, so carry a light jacket.

This is not your average ‘desert safari’ with the cliched sequence of dune bashing and bellydancing. These luxury tours are specially crafted for discerning travelers. You can easily customize it to your taste.

7. Arabian Tea House

In the sweltering heat of Dubai’s desert are pockets of green and calm. With rustic enclaves and trickling fountains, Arabian Tea house is one such hidden gem in Dubai. Soft drapes and wicker chairs frame the decor. Overflowing flowers from corners add a the burst of color while staying understated.

A bit of blue here and there is easy on the eyes and till you comfortably nestle in your cushions, the menu card catches your attention. Yummy snacks and beverages is what you need at this point, and they deliver on this.

Tips :

1. Try the delicious Shawarma and garlic hummus dip. It was really scrumptious. The staff was polite and brought us some complementary desserts made out of vermicelli.

 2. It’s a bit tricky to locate this cafe – Here is the address 

That’s it from us folks! Hope you enjoyed this treasure hunt – finding the hidden gems in Dubai. Tell us what you think about this post and share your favorite finds in Dubai ! See you in another part of the world ! 🙂