For a breath of fresh air: Safa Park A park is probably not the first thing you’d think of in the desert landscapes of the UAE, but Dubai has no shortage of gorgeous green space. Safa Park in particular is a wonderful 150-acre sprawl of foliage and lawns, with space for picnics alongside waterfalls and plenty of room for sports.
For arty types: Alserkal Avenue Hidden away among the bleak, low-rise industrial district of Al Quoz is an unexpected hive of creativity. Alserkal Avenue is an old marble factory turned art and design district, with galleries, shops, cafés and a chocolate factory open for exploration.
For foodies: Deira food tour With so many cultures communing in one city, it’s inevitable that Dubai’s food scene is just as global. Take a Frying Pan Adventures food tour through Deira, one of the city’s oldest areas, to get a taste of the Middle Eastern cuisine and a better understanding of the various cultures that make up this modern metropolis.
For a bit of history: old Dubai The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a far cry from the shiny skyscrapers and modern malls of today’s Dubai. This network of alleys and squares, lined by traditional homes dating back to the mid-19th century, is pleasantly quiet and offers insight into what the city was like before the building boom.
For shoppers: Madinat Jumeirah Not as glitzy, or enormous, as Dubai Mall, and a far more relaxing experience than tackling the old souks in Bur Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah is one of the city’s finest shopping experiences. Combining traditional architecture with modern amenities, the complex is set around a man made creek, lined with restaurants and bars.
