Dubai at a glance
Eating
It’s almost impossible not to eat well in Dubai, whatever your budget. There’s inexpensive food galore in the curry houses of Bur Dubai and Karama and at the shwarma stands and Lebanese-style cafés of Deira, Satwa and elsewhere, while both home-grown and international cafés and fast-food chains citywide provide further affordable options. Virtually all the city’s more upscale restaurants are located in hotels – many of the best can be found in Sheikh Zayed Road/Downtown Dubai, or along the coast in the Dubai Marina or around the Burj al Arab.
Drinking
You won’t go thirsty in Dubai, although alcohol is generally only served in hotel bars, pubs and restaurants. Many hotel bars tend to (vaguely) resemble British-style pubs, with pints and inexpensive counter food served, though cocktail bars are the norm in more upmarket places, including a number of spectacular high-rise venues in flashy skyscrapers, and more chilled-out, Arabian-style places, especially around the Burj al Arab, Dubai Marina beach and the Palm Jumeirah. Alcohol doesn’t come cheap, although most pubs run some kind of happy hour. In addition, many places also host regular ladies’ nights (usually Tuesday or Wednesday) offering women complimentary tipples.
Shopping
Shopping in Dubai takes two forms. First, there are the old-fashioned souks of Bur Dubai, Karama and, especially, Deira, good for traditional items like gold, perfume and spices (not to mention a roaring trade in designer fakes), and with bargaining the norm. Then there’s the city’s spectacular collection of supersized malls, packed to the gills with every consumer desirable imaginable. Head to the gargantuan Dubai Mall for the ultimate retail experience, while the sprawling Mall of the Emirates is another must-shop. More manageable retail destinations include the BurJuman, Mercato and Marina malls and the enjoyable Wafi/Khan Murjan complex.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Dubai takes various forms. Locals tend to hit the city’s myriad malls, which stay open till late and remain remarkably busy right up until midnight. Visitors usually head for the city’s restaurants and bars – many of the latter host regular live music or DJs – while it’s also fun to hang out in a shisha café, puffing on a waterpipe. There’s also a growing number of clubs, and although many places are mainly about pouting and posing, there are some good, unpretentious venues. Cultural attractions are usually a bit thin on the ground, although things improve significantly during the Dubai jazz and film festivals.
Our recommendations for where to eat, drink and shop are listed at the end of each Places chapter.