Looking for activities in Dubai that are off the beaten track? Make the most of your time in Dubai by skipping the typical desert safari and going up the Burj Khalifa. Instead, try these activities in Dubai that people across all ages can enjoy:
1. Visit Al Quoz
Al Quoz was originally an industrial area full of old warehouses. However, over the years, the area has turned into the host of a vibrant arts & culture community, which is why it hosts most of the fun things to do in Dubai. Al Serkal Avenue is at the helm of this, with several interesting boutiques, open markets, fashion shows, art and photo galleries, and hipster cafes.
Make sure you visit an artisanal chocolate factory called Mirzam Chocolate, where your kids can observe how chocolate is made from bean to bar and even try some camel milk chocolate. Try a karak tea at Project Chaiwala, before grabbing some local snacks over at the arthouse cinema, called Cinema Akil.
Located close by, is The Courtyard which is home to the first homegrown arts & theatre community. Take your kids to enjoy the latest shows and let them be spellbound. Both you and your kids will also enjoy ‘Bounce’, a trampoline park complete with obstacle courses. Bring your stamina, it’s fun but quite a workout! Besides this, take your kids to the first interactive children’s museum at Oli Oli.
2. Devour delicious grub from food trucks at Last Exit Mad X
Visiting food trucks are some of the best things to do in Dubai today, as there are many local brands. There are many ‘Last Exits’ in the city, but this one has got to be the coolest of the lot.
Located in North Jebel Ali in the outskirts, understandably at an exit right before you head towards the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi, you will find a unique food truck park that reminds you of Mad Max. Designed like a post-apocalyptic world complete with monster trucks, you and your family would love to explore and savour different types of food.
3. Rent a bike on the Al Qudra track
One of the things to do in Dubai today, given the great weather is to go cycling! Head to the Al Qudra cycle track, where you can rent a bike for as low as AED 32 (USD 9) for a bike for 45 minutes. Enjoy the lovely long trails with the desert on each side. It’s truly a very different way to see Dubai!
4. Visit a secret ramen supper club
Look up @astoryoffood on Instagram and observe how Dubai local resident Neha Mishra cooks up and hosts people at her humble home for a weekly ramen supper club. Getting a seat at her table is extremely hard and in demand, so keep a watch on her stories to nab a spot. A meal at her home involves several starters to share, a steaming hot bowl of ramen made from scratch (yes, even the noodles), & finish up with a refreshing dessert.
5. Kayaking in Hatta Dam
If you love natural terrain, head over to Hatta in the outskirts of Dubai. A very mountainous region, you can choose to go trekking at Hatta Hill Park or even go over to Hatta Dam where you can rent kayaks for as low as AED 30 (USD 8) for a whole hour.
6. Save on your next getaway at ATM Holiday Shopper
ATM Holiday Shopper is the brand new travel show in Dubai, taking place on Saturday 27th April. The show will host the leading travel companies to discover emerging new destinations around the world, and benefit from incredible holiday deals you won’t find online.
Book your ticket today using code “EB50” to attend the show for AED 25 only! For more info visit www.atmholidayshopper.com
Still wondering what to do in Dubai? I hope I’ve given you enough tips to make a second or third trip. Dubai has so much to offer if you know where to look!