Ferreting around the UAE's main metropolis in search of the perfect Instagram backdrop, Dubai isn't likely to give you the gift of quaintness. It's not Positano. You aren't likely to happen upon a narrow cobbled street, a 14th century castello or a famous Renaissance painter's secret garden.
That being said, there is an extraordinary wealth of culture in the UAE and Dubai in particular. Far more than the sum of the Atlantis hotel, Burj Khalifa, Swarovski-encrusted shopping malls, Jumeirah Beach and sky dives over the palm - which is what tourist boards and first-time travellers to the region seem often to fixate on.
Of course, when venturing anywhere in Dubai, there are areas in which you'll have to be more or less observant of cultural differences. Your degree of nudity is wholly dependent on your environment. No, don't go stomping into the mall in your teeny khaki shorts and snog your boyfriend in front of the information stand, but also, there are plenty of beach clubs where bikini-clad lounging and cocktail sipping is the expectation. There are nuances. Be aware of them. Disclaimer over.
Dubai has so much going on. There's something to suit every taste. For lovers of fashion, art and food, we've got just the guide for you. Here's our round-up of the best things to do in Dubai...
*Dubai Fashion*
Mrs Keepa
Based in D3 (more on that later), Mrs Keepa is a Dubai-based fashion designer and well worth checking out if you've a passion for rooting out great brands before everyone else gets their mitts on them.
All Things Mochi
If, like us, you've had All Things Mochi on your radar for a few years, a visit to Dubai will be a great opportunity to check out Palestinian Ayah Tabari's Dubai showroom.
L'Afshar
Specialising in lucite, marble and leather bags, Liliana Afshar's brand L'Afshar is an accessories wonderland.
*Dubai Food*
If there's one thing you are guaranteed to find in abundance in Dubai, it's rich and incredible food. With the opportunity to make big financial gains, hypey up-and-coming chefs the world over have been lured to the UAE's largest city to head up fancy restaurants and make a real name for themselves. So, dress up in all your finery and prepare for a taste explosion. Bring extra cash though, taste explosions aren't cheap.
COYA
Award-winning COYA Dubai is actually a Peruvian-fusion restaurant. Considering the plush interiors, mouth-watering food and luxurious dining experience, this is a strong competitor for the best restaurant in the UAE. Big claims, I know, but test us on that theory, I dare you.
Head there for dinner and order the ceviche with a pisco sour. It's better than the London branch by the same name. You can actually also take a pisco-making masterclass.
3 Fils
A friend of mine called 3 Fils 'the closest thing we have to a Michelin Starred restaurant in Dubai - the chef's table tasting menu is 👌🏻🙌 ' - which is about as superlative a recommendation as you're going to get.
The Loft at Dubai Opera
Brunch is a big thing in the Middle East. Endless feasting from colourful buffets, often to a musical accompaniment - it's a big deal. Trust us. There are, however, more classier options than others.
The Loft serves as a more luxe experience, without sacrificing on the fun of an 'all you can eat'.
Kohantei
The only genuinely Japanese’s restaurant in Dubai. Or rather, Kohantei is the UAE's only Japanese fine dining 'Kaiseki' experience. Only 8 tables, each in a private room. Impeccable service and food.
The London Project
Less about the food, more about the cocktails.
*Dubai Art*
Alserkal
Did you know that Dubai has an art district? Bet you didn't. Well, it does. To be fair to you, Alserkal Avenue's reputation for art and design is relatively new. It's got lots of shops, like furniture design studios, based out of warehouses and is meant to be a little like London's East End.
D3
D3 is Dubai's design district and the place to uncover all things art, design and architecture, with pop-up workshops and little festivals littering the calendar. A good place for nosing out some of Dubai's emerging fashion and interiors talent.
*Dubai Adventure*
Desert Overnight Stay
You'll certainly have heard by now of Dubai's desert excursions. But these sandy stays vary in their degree of luxury. A quick dune buggy journey out to see some falcons in action is fine, but if you're all about that 5* living, then you'll want to check out The Starlight Camp.
Sleep under the stars in your own private, luxury crystal roof suite within the endless dunes of the Arabian desert. The Pop-Up Starlight Camp includes a chic lounge, cosy dining area, a proper shower and comfy beds.
If Starlight is booked up, another great option for similarly luxurious dune living is the Nara Escape.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Does it get more romantic than a hot air balloon ride?
Well yes, it does when the balloon ride is at sunrise over the desert and then you head out in a vintage land rover for breakfast in a desert camp.
Check out Platinum Heritage excursions
Natasha Bird is the Former Executive Editor (Digital) of ELLE.
