TEAR OUT GUIDE
With its five-star hotels and luxury shopping, Dubai is a playground for the rich and famous. However, local knowledge opens up plenty of budget-friendly experiences. Here’s how to make the most of your time and money.
ALSERKAL CULTURAL FOUNDATION
alserkalculturalfoundation.com
This non-profit foundation runs the most dynamic cultural space in the Al Fahidi Historic District. Free galleries showcasing traditional and cutting-edge works by local and international artists orbit a central courtyard anchored by an arty café. Most of the art is for sale, a small shop sells gifts and there’s a reading room and workshop space.
KITE BEACH
This long, pristine stretch of white sand, off Jumeirah Rd and next to a mosque, is clean and has lots of activities, such as kitesurfing, beach tennis, beach volleyball and kayaking. There are showers, wi-fi, toilets and changing facilities, plus food trucks and cafés. Great views of the Burj Al Arab. It gets busy on Friday and Saturday when a seaside market with crafts and gifts sets up.
GOOD FOR A WANDER
The Al Fahidi Historic District is a restored heritage area. Its narrow lanes are home to craft shops, museums, cafés, art galleries and hotels. Join a guided tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (dubaiculture.gov.ae).
ZABEEL PARK
near Al Jaffliya station
This sprawling park is a family favourite that includes a lake with boat rides, an adventure playground, barbecue areas and a jogging track. It is also home to the Dubai Frame, which has views of old and modern parts of the city. The park hosts a flea market on the first Saturday of the month (Oct-May) and is home to the Ripe Food and Craft Market, held on Fridays. The market has all you need for a picnic under the palms.