The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Palm Island and the musical fountain are the hotspots for tourists in Dubai. But the emirate has more to offer than that.
Dubai surprises visitors with new developments and attractions every time you visit. Even the most conservative areas of the emirate like Bur Dubai and Zabeel have undergone a massive transformation and have become a definite tourist attraction due to the amazing solutions and ideas implemented by the authorities. As part of our journey we will take you to the most unusual and less touristy places that are worth your time.
Historic Bastakiya
A restored old district called Bastakiya or Al-Fahidi has a mosque, many museums and art galleries.
Persian pearl divers were the first to settle in Bastakiya. They used cheap materials like shell rock, lime, clay and palm branches to build their homes. After the oil boom most of the households moved to the city center and the government decided to demolish Bastakiya. This was supposed to be the site of a new commercial hub in the 80s. But the community spoke out and it was decided to preserve the area as a historic site. Once the area was restored by the Brits the old homes were replaced with cafes, restaurants and hotels.
You have to see Bastakiya to see the Arabic architecture for yourself. The houses are connected by tiny streets. Climb up to the roofs and you can see the old district and enjoy the sunset while sipping Arabic coffee.
Flamingos In The Desert
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a chance to interact with the wild in the middle of wide-lane roads, multi-story glass towers and scorching desert sand. The land is under protection and monitoring and was included to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2007.
But visitors come here for reasons other than the 500 animals and birds. The reserve is famous for its permanent pink flamingo habitat! You can see these beautiful birds all year round. Visit Here: bengbio.
There are 3 entrances to the sanctuary. The distance between them is almost 3 km so you should decide in advance what you want to see.
The sanctuary is located in the inner part of Dubai Creek. You can only get there by taxi or your own car. If you don’t have your own car in Dubai (which is obvious) you can always rent one from Yango company. The company has a huge selection of daily and monthly rentals. Also for most bookings no deposit is required.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to move at your own pace. You can decide when and where to go, add or skip places on your route. So on your way to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary you can stop for a snack and not worry about not making it before closing. You are not dependent on public transport or tour groups and can see places at your own time.
Also Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is not easily accessible by public transport or other means of transport. But with your own rented car from Drive Yango it becomes accessible.
Hipsterish Alserkal
Alserkal is an art space that was born out of industrial buildings in 2008. It hosts contemporary art exhibits, music and food festivals and several workshops. In Alserkal you can buy from local designer showrooms, sing at an open mic night, visit art galleries or cafes. This is where Art Dubai market and Art Nights festival takes place. The location is like Meatpacking in New York.
Alserkal Avenue has 40 art venues, 20 of which are currently hosting exhibitions including the multipurpose Concrete center. Alserkal Avenue has it all. Chi-KA sells kimono-style abayas, Ikon House sells Scandinavian design home decor, FlipSide sells vinyl records and Jewel Teller sells handmade jewelry.
Love Lake Dubai – Perfect If You Are In Love
Love Lake in Dubai is an artificial oasis in the shape of two intertwined hearts. Its shape can only be seen from above. On the shore there are photo zones with hearts and romantic quotes so it’s very popular with couples in love. Even if you are not in love it’s worth stopping by. The lake is much cooler and quieter than the hot city. You can walk along the shore or sit on a bench and watch the golden carp and birds on the water and have a picnic in the designated area. According to reviews it’s especially beautiful here at sunset.
Classic Travel Gem: Unusual Museums
- Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple
The first Sikh temple in the Arab world is in Dubai. The temple space is huge: over 100,000 square meters including a massive prayer hall that can seat 900 people. In the Sikh temple you can find harmony, peace and sweets during langar, a traditional Sikh meal that includes vegetarian dishes.
- Historical and Ethnographic Museum
The historical and ethnographic villages show how people lived in Dubai before oil was found. For example in the Heritage and Pearl Divers Villages ancient buildings, artisan centers and customs have been maintained or restored. The museum is located on the Dubai Creek where the earliest fishing and pearl diving settlements emerged.
- Museum of the Future
The museum is about the future and technology in the next 20 years. The exhibits are pure concepts. The museum will bring together futurists, scientists, technologists and industry leaders through year round discussions, debates, seminars and research sessions. The area has a lab for collaboration of ideas and theories. The museum’s mission is to solve economic and social problems to prevent the climate disaster in 2050.
Done!
If you are in Dubai for the first time you must see the main attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. You’ll have awesome photos, tons of FOMO and a check list of all the Instagram spots. If you are visiting the city for the first or second (or third) time this post will be helpful since we have gathered all the information to show you the raw Dubai.