Ravi Restaurant Satwa

A once sleepy port on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is now a world-famous holiday destination, not to mention, one of my all time favourite cities. There is such a variety of things to do here, but the many tourist traps ensure that it is not the easiest place to navigate (without some guidance). Despite being voted Tripadvisor's "Top Destination" for the third year in a row, I still meet people who tell me that they have only seen the inside of the malls and their resort. But don't worry! I'm here to save you from that limited experience. Especially because you've probably travelled quite far to get there. I grew up in the UAE as a child and I moved back there in my twenties, so I feel I know Dubai like the back of my hand. I love bringing people to this part of the Middle East and showing them that there is so much more than shopping, luxury hotels and private beaches. And even better, it's not really an expensive destination...! Below you'll find an introduction to this ever-evolving city as I walk you through the areas you are going to want to see and the activities you just cannot miss! Here is my honest guide to Dubai.

It's no secret, I am a huge fan of the food scene in Dubai. As a multi-cultural, cosmopolitain city, the variety of restaurants and cuisines is unmatched. And it’s not just Michelin stars and bottomless champagne brunches. There are so many surprises in this city, including delicious low-key eateries, that cater to the many different nationalities that make up the UAE's population. Whether you want to eat local Emirati food, try Yemeni or Ethiopian, or enjoy Indian food bursting with flavour, there is so much to discover. Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Korean cuisines in particular have been trendy in Dubai for years, ranging from the authentic to modern fusion. The restaurant scene is so competitive, it has started to attract creatives and celebrity chefs from all over the world who want to make their mark in the city. This being said, Dubai is also a minefield where you can find yourself in a soulless restaurant, that looks the part, but serves average food for haughty prices. To help you navigate the city, I’ve made a list of places that I would honestly recommend, sharing some of my personal favourites, my secret spots as well as classic Dubai institutions that HAVE to be mentioned. Below you'll find both cheap-eats and luxury catering and many options that are veggie and vegan friendly.

The UAE is becoming the main transit hub between Europe and East. This is such a perfect opportunity to explore here! I have lived in Dubai for two years and found the beauty of this place (despite the hell of summer) in its people and diverse culture. People from hundreds of nationalities are jointly living in this country bringing their cultures, their food, their stories. All this joined together with typical Arab hospitality culture. Look beyond touristic attractions (that are in this guide, because they are pretty cool). Enjoy the food, enjoy the people. Oh, ENJOY NATURE! There are pretty amazing hikes. Some of them are very dangerous. I provide in the guide the contact of my favourite guide and friend. I hope you will enjoy!