DUBAI: Everyone knows about the skyscrapers, shopping malls and ski resorts, but there’s more to Dubai if you dig a little deeper than the desert safari.
Dubai Creek abras
Crossing Dubai Creek by boat is one of the oldest ways of transport in the city. Abras are still popular with locals who use them like taxis on the water. You can cross the creek without dealing with the traffic on the road, and better still, it gives you a view of the old city and it’s really cheap. Tip: go just before sunset.
Al-Qudra Lake
During the cooler months in the UAE, visiting Al-Qudra Lake for a picnic is a good opportunity to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can spot a variety of birds by the lake and if you’re lucky, gazelles. You can also go for a bike ride around the area on a selection of purpose built tracks.
Coffee Museum
You can enjoy coffee and learn all about the story of the brown bean in one place. Tucked away in the back street of Dubai near the Creek, the concept of the museum is to showcase the regional and global history of coffee. The café-turned-museum features artefacts related to coffee making and drinking.
Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s art hot spot, Alserkal Avenue is home to several galleries with innovative regional and global artwork. With industrial compound warehouses in the industrial zone of Al Quoz, Alserkal usually hosts a variety of workshops.
Dubai Flea Market
In a variety of different locations every weekend around the city, the Dubai Flea Market is a place where people set up stalls overflowing with personal goods to sell. Started back in 2008, the market is usually held in various areas of Dubai throughout the year, including JLT Park, Zabeel Park and Mirdif.
Waterfront Market
Not an obvious pick, but this new place is worth a visit. One of the cheapest places to buy fish, fruit and veg, it’s a vibrant place with traders offering an array of fish locally caught. It was previously known as the Deira Fish Market, which was open for over 60 years.
