4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
7 OG spots in Dubai still worth visiting today
Dubai may be all about the glitz, glam, and what's new – and trust us, we're here for it.
But scattered across the city are iconic spots that have been serving up legendary vibes (and bites) for years.
Whether you've just landed or been busy ticking off the big-ticket sights, don't sleep on these old-school favourites — they're the real Dubai staples worth discovering.
Original spots you have to visit in Dubai
Bu Qtair Restaurant
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bu Qtair.
Glitz and glamour aren't this eatery's main selling point but the lengthy queue here speaks for itself
The family-run venue first opened in the early 1980s and is located just off Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Try it for yourself. You'll be hooked.
Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130).
Deira Clock Tower
If you've recently touched down in Dubai, you might not be aware of just how much significance this little Deira roundabout holds.
Built between 1963 and 1965, the spot used to be the very centre of the city, and has stood proudly in the same spot ever since.
As for its origins, well, the story goes that the former Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum received a 'very, very large clock' as a gift which he did not know what to do with so he had a monument designed on the approach to Al Maktoum Bridge. Just around the corner from Deira Park, both spots are worth a walkaround in the cooler months.
Deira.
Dubai Bowling Center
The 50 best indoor activities to try in Dubai (Credit:Supplied)
The Dubai Bowling Center is one of the most recognisable buildings in Al Quoz with its 1980s retro décor taking you back to the good old days.
Give your best shot on any of the 16 lanes on offer, compete against your loved ones or get into teams to knock down the pins. If you want something else to keep you entertained, simply turn and watch the classic films being beamed out on projectors instead.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Wed 10am-midnight; Thu-Sun 10am-1am. Al Quoz, (04 339 1010).
Habib Bakery, Deira
(Credit: Supplied)
This staple haunt has been cooking up some incredible treats for almost 30 years, and is more than worth the trip to the heart of Deira.
First lighting the ovens all the way back in 1987, the place is perhaps best known for its light and simple cream puffs.
These delicate pastries are light, perfectly crisp, and filled with a smooth, rich cream that oozes out with each bite. But if the classic isn't enough to tempt you, why not try out the strawberry cream version instead.
From Dhs13.65. Open 24/7. Habib Bakery, Deira. (052 229 9311).
JA Beach Hotel
(Credit: Supplied)
One of the oldest hotels in Dubai, the Jebel Ali spot opened up all the way back in 1980 and has been a holiday hotspot ever since.
Expanding with a golf course and two other hotels in the resort, you can still visit the original JA Beach Hotel for a chilled beachfront staycay or take a PADI-certified diving lessons or scuba sessions out in the water.
Still a little way out from all the city bustle, it's an ideal spot to explore if you want a quick seaside escape.
Jebel Ali,
Sind Punjab Restaurant
Founded in 1977, Sind Punjab is a well-known (and well-loved) Indian Mughlai restaurant in Dubai. It is one of the best spots in Deira for butter chicken, chicken tikka and amazing street-side snacks like paani puri and sev puri.
Sind Punjab initially opened 47 years ago in Bur Dubai and now has branches in Karama and Dubai Internet City.
Open daily from 8am-1.30am. Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai (04 352 5058)
Shindagha Museum
(Credit: Supplied)
Get a bit of culture in this hotter months and visit the UAE's largest heritage site, where you can learn more about the tales of the first residents of Dubai Creek.
Get a flavour for Emirati life in years gone by, this museum was created around one of Dubai's earliest settlements and you can even visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, once the family residence of Sheikh Saeed, the grandfather of Dubai's ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was also born in the building.
From Dhs20. Open daily 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha. (800 33 222).
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