logo
How to Make the Most of Your 2 Days in Dubai? - A Guide to the Exotic Gulf City

How to Make the Most of Your 2 Days in Dubai? - A Guide to the Exotic Gulf City

Listly29-01-2025

Step back in time at the old-world Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. With quaint narrow lanes and traditional wind-tower houses, the Dubai of centuries past is still alive in the historical quarter. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is one of the highlights, where people go for fascinating cultural exhibitions.
For a truly authentic Arabian experience, take an abra ride, Dubai's traditional water taxis, across Dubai Creek to Deira, where you can explore the atmospheric Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk. While the ritzy shopping megacentres may characterise modern-day Dubai, these old-world marketplaces are what fueled the city before it rose to international popularity.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How To Experience Dubai Like A Local: A Guide To Authentic Adventures – Find The Soul Of Dubai
How To Experience Dubai Like A Local: A Guide To Authentic Adventures – Find The Soul Of Dubai

Listly

time30-05-2025

  • Listly

How To Experience Dubai Like A Local: A Guide To Authentic Adventures – Find The Soul Of Dubai

Dubai is known for its beautiful skyline, mega malls and record-breaking attractions. However, behind all the fancy attractions is a unique and beautiful culture waiting to be explored. If you want to go beyond the tourist locations and experience the city the way locals do, you are in for a very rewarding adventure. From heritage districts and busy souks to seaside cafes, here is how to have an authentic experience in Dubai like a local. When To Visit Dubai And What To Know The months of November to March are the cooler months in Dubai. Daytime temperature is perfect for exploring outdoor places like markets, going for a walking tour, beach days or desert excursions. Many cultural festivals and events also happen during this period, making your stay more meaningful. Make sure to respect the festivities and local customs, like avoiding public eating and drinking during the day during Ramadan. Make sure to dress modestly in public, especially when visiting mosques or old neighbourhoods. Learn a few Arabic greetings like Marhaba, which means hello, or Shukaran, which means thank you. Base Yourself Where Locals Stay Most visitors head to beach resorts or iconic skyscrapers. However, the heart of the city lies in its dynamic urban hubs like Downtown Dubai. Staying at a central hotel like Anantara Downtown Dubai will place you in a prime location for both luxury and authenticity. From here, you are just a short walk or a ride away from charming old neighbourhoods, hidden restaurants and cultural landmarks that will make you understand the Dubai culture and help you mingle with the locals. There are many things to do in Downtown Dubai, and hotels in this area give you a perfect mix of modern comfort and local flavour to make your experience authentic. Explore Old Dubai On Foot To see the soul of the city, head to the historic neighbourhoods of Al Fahidi and Al Seef. You can walk through the narrow alleyways lined with wind towers, art galleries and museums like the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. For a moment, you may even feel like you have walked into a scene from Aladdin. Then you can take a traditional Abra, a wooden boat across the Dubai creek. A favourite mode of transport among the locals to reach Deira. Visit the Gold Souk to see some amazing gold jewellery and gold items or even to get some amazing souvenirs. The spice souk is famous for fragrant herbs, and you will see rare spices. You can visit the textile souk to get some colourful fabrics. A core concept among the locals visiting these souks will be to bargain. So don't be shy to bargain; it's all part of the fun. Make sure to explore this area by foot for an authentic, local-like experience. Eat Like A Local Dubai is famous for authentic Emirati dishes. The culinary scene extends from luxury buffets and celebrity chef restaurants to street food and home-run restaurants with excellent food. If you visit areas like Al Karama, Al Rigga and Satwa, which are just a ride away from downtown, you will find food places loved by the residents. You must try shawarma from corner stalls, Iranian kebabs from family-run restaurants, or some South Indian dosa with masala chai. You can also try Emirati dishes like Machboos, which is a spiced rice with meat, Harees and Luqaimat, which is a type of sweet dumplings mostly served in traditional settings. Experience The Outdoors Like A Local During the cooler months, you will see locals visiting beachside cafes, desert camps and green parks. Kite Beach is a favourite weekend spot for families and young adults, with food trucks, bike paths and volleyball nets right by the sea. If you want to enjoy a quiet evening, you can visit the Al Qudra Lake in the desert. You can enjoy a sunset picnic and do a bit of bird-watching. Other parks like Zabeel Park and Creek Park offer open spaces for kids, joggers and casual gatherings. Another must-try activity is the Desert Safari. Attend Local Events And Community Happenings Dubai's calendar is packed with many festivals. From heritage festivals in Al Shindagha to open mic nights, local film screenings and farmers' markets, there is always something going on. Check community platforms or hotel concierge desks to find out about pop-ups and festivals. You can also take some Emirati cooking classes, calligraphy workshops or yoga sessions at sunrise on the beach with the locals.

5 Amazing Destinations & Things to do in Abu Dhabi - The Ultimate Holiday Itinerary
5 Amazing Destinations & Things to do in Abu Dhabi - The Ultimate Holiday Itinerary

Listly

time21-04-2025

  • Listly

5 Amazing Destinations & Things to do in Abu Dhabi - The Ultimate Holiday Itinerary

Located a few hours west of the city, Sir Bani Yas Island is a hidden paradise, surrounded by the glistening waters of the Persian Gulf. What was once a barren desert, this island is now home to a thriving Arabian Wildlife Park, thanks to conservation efforts spanning over 30 years. Visitors have the opportunity to witness rare, free-roaming animals such as Arabian oryx, gazelles, and cheetahs, with excursions available through Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort. For the adventurous traveller, activities such as kayaking, hiking, and snorkelling are also available, from the otherworldly wadi terrain to the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. The island's resorts also offer bespoke experiences, which include private beach dinners featuring freshly caught seafood.

5 Singaporean Museums: The Story of a Modern Powerhouse
5 Singaporean Museums: The Story of a Modern Powerhouse

Listly

time20-04-2025

  • Listly

5 Singaporean Museums: The Story of a Modern Powerhouse

Situated along the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures that have shaped Asia's history. Housed in the grand Empress Place Building, the museum boasts an extensive collection of artefacts from China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world. One of its most captivating exhibits is the Tang Shipwreck Collection, which showcases thousands of ceramics, gold, and silver treasures from a 9th-century Arabian ship that sank in the Java Sea. Visitors staying at Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore will find the museum conveniently located, making it an ideal cultural excursion during their stay.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store