Experience Life as a Local by Doing These 6 Things

Experience Life as a Local by Doing These 6 Things

Dubai features a myriad of world-renown attractions. Many are touristy, and as such are quite pricey. Here we would like to share with you some of the things that the locals like to do, most of these cost little or next to nothing, allowing you to save up for the splurge on a romantic Dhow Dinner Cruise:
Take an Abra across Dubai Creek – Take a small wooden boat across Dubai Creek from the Old Souk to the Spice Souk for a unique experience you’ll appreciate. The cost 1 AED ($0.30 USD)

Shop, Shop, Shop – The locals love to shop! (You would too if you needed to keep yourself out of the 45° C summer heat.) That is why Dubai has so many malls. The Dubai Mall is the largest in the world, and features Dubai’s #1 attraction, the Dubai Fountain. Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, and JBR’s “The Walk” are some of Dubai’s other popular malls
Titillate Your Senses with Sights and Smells of the Dubai Gold and Spice Souks – Head down to the Dubai Gold and Spices Souks on the opposite banks of the Dubai Creek. It is said that over 20% of the world’s gold passes through the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk features some of the cheapest Saffron in the world.

Enjoy a Day of Family Fun at Jumeirah Beach Park – This public beach is popular amongst the locals because of its pristine white sand and family BBQ areas. Entrance fee is 5 AED ($1.40 USD), and you can rent an umbrella for the same, and a sunbed for 15 AED ($4.10 USD)
Experience an Evening of People Watching at the JBR’s “The Walk” – “The Walk” is a fun place to be for an evening of people watching with its Euro-style outdoor cafes where you can dine “al fresco”. Many of the locals like to drive down the strip to show off their wheels.

Delight in a Dhow Dinner Cruise on Dubai Creek or New Dubai – Experience a romantic dinner on a “Dhow”, a traditional Arabian sailing ship on the Dubai Creek or around New Dubai, as you take in the salty breezes blowing past. This type of excursion is best done between the months of October – May. Also, a word of caution, there are many poorly done Dhow Dinner Cruises offered so you must beware. We have received good feedback on the ones listed below:

Dubai Creek:

Sultan Sea Cruise – One of the largest Dhow ships, this cruise starts the evening with Arabic coffee and dates then moves on to an elegant buffet and tanoura dancing. Dhs220 (adults), Dhs120 (kids)

Sun & Sky Floating Restaurant – Known for its red canopy, this dhow dinner cruise hosts a buffet, magic show, DJ, and henna painting. Dhs120 per person

Rustar Floating Restaurant – Rustar claims to be the largest Dhow restaurant, greeting you with a red carpet and a rock waterfall onboard. Dhs295 (adults), Dhs200 (children)

New Dubai:
Aisha Floating Restaurant – This one takes you through the Dubai Marina and around Palm Jumeirah. It features a buffet and a professional belly dancer. Dhs170 per person

Universal- Cruising through Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, known as “New Dubai” this Dhow offers a buffet and a unique tanoura show. Dhs140 per person

Tour Dubai – Enjoy a two-hour dinner cruise around the Marina and Palm Jumeirah on the Sheikha or Tour Dubai III topped off with a professional belly dancer. Dhs250 per person

With these and other great traveling tips, we are here to serve. Click here to let us help you plan your next Dubai vacation.