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Time Out Dubai
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Take things slow: Dubai's relaxed things to do and spots to know
When it comes to the biggest and the best, Dubai always comes out on top. But what you might not know, is that there's a whole other side to the city that is all about laid-back living. What seems like a world away from the sky-high restaurants, packed malls and all the glamour, lies everything from chilled beauty spots to foodie hangouts that have lasted the test of time. If you like this: Your ultimate guide to every Dubai neighbourhood So if you're searching for the 'other' side of the city for a day of easy-going plans, here's everywhere you need to check out. Neighbourhoods to check out Al Quoz If you don't know the neighbourhood, this is the cool, edgy part of town. It's where the hipsters thrive, the coffee is incredible and the art galleries lurk around every corner. Al Quoz is all about the art, from its yearly Quoz Arts Fest to the incredible galleries and even free exhibitions you can wander through all year round. As most of these hip areas are, Al Quoz is known to be a very industrial neck of the woods too and some of the best coffee shops, Pilates studios and quirky shops are tucked up in between warehouses and factories. There are padel courts galore, from Padel AE to Padel Pro UAE, or you can even rent out a football pitch for a quick game. Al Satwa A great spot for authentic Indian and Arabic dishes, you need to make the most of everything this neck of the woods has to offer. Start by delving into the hummus at Chef Efranjyeh Café, or have a more elegant dinner on the Moonrise rooftop terrace in the shape of a stunning tasting menu. In the cooler months, make the most of lounging around in Al Satwa Park, which boasts a huge green space for picnics plus a playground for the little ones. Deira Deira in the modern era (Credit: Shutterstock) One of the oldest parts of Dubai, Deira has some serious character to love. This neighbourhood was once the centre of the city, and if you look at a map now, it'll show you just how much things have expanded over the last few decades. For a slice of history take a wander through Al Seef and visit the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, before hopping on a fun (and cheap) abra ride across the creek. Another iconic quality to Deira is the souks, offering literally everything from spices to gold. If you're thinking of a trip to the souks but aren't sure what to expect, check out our full guide to all of the Dubai souks here. Karama Located in the heart of Old Dubai, Karama is an iconic Dubai neighbourhood (and one of our favourites). It might not be huge, but this little rectangle of Dubai packed with incredible culture, flavours and things to do. It's a must-visit for residents and tourists alike. There's a treat around every corner in this neighbourhood – whether it's a freshly fried samosa or an Insta-worthy mural. For a bit of fresh air, take the whole brood to Karama Park for a picnic and a few games on the patch of green space. There are areas to play cricket and badminton, paths for sauntering, lanes of cycling and patches of grass that are perfect for an afternoon nap. No visit to Al Karama is complete without a stroll up and down 18B Street either, so you can snap a photo or two of the incredible artwork pasted across the buildings. Activities Explore the galleries of Alserkal Avenue A street nestled into Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue is a hub for all things artistic, and there are heaps of free galleries to wander around. Showcasing work from both local and international artists, you can check out everything from sculptures to portraits. There's an eclectic mix of stores on these streets too, where you can browse everything from sage to clothing and fresh veggies. Ready for a day out on the avenue? Dive into our full guide here. Chill at Kite Beach Trendy cafés and gourmet food shacks; a skate park, hanging rope obstacle course, human slingshot experience, long swathes of sand, 14km beach-side (for the most part) running track, options to go paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking and of course kite surfing – consider that list just a taste of things to do at this beach. Brilliant for adults, kids and everyone in between, Kite Beach may have grown its offerings at pace over the last few years but a real sense of character remains. Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim. Take a class at SEVA Visiting this vegan eatery, wellness centre and concept store feels like stepping into India's lost city of Hampi. Plenty of trees, creepers and bushes flank the outdoor tables on either side, while indoors you'll find libraries, stone flooring, linen upholstery and furniture made of actual wooden bark. There are a selection of classes every day of the week, from sound healing to yin yoga, meditation and even chakra balancing. Once you've finished your session, sit on a cushion on the grass outside and order the gluten free pancakes (trust us on this one). Open daily 8am-10pm. Jumeirah Beach Road. (056 534 2899) Visit the 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 is in a stunning location too looking out over the water. Dhs20. Open daily 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha. (800 33 222). Watch a movie at Cinema Akil Credit: Cinema Akil The independent cinema showcases a range of films from around the world. With locations at Alserkal Avenue and the 25hours Hotel Dubai, you can checkout screenings of smaller-scale productions, classic flicks and powerful documentaries. Grab the popcorn and check the monthly timetable to see what's new. Timings vary. Alserkal Avenue and 25hours Hotel Dubai. Beauty spots Dubai Creek Park An oldie but a goodie. No roundup of the best parks in Dubai would be complete without mention of the grassy stalwart that is Dubai Creek Park. We love it for its pleasingly old-school feel, botanical gardens and fabulous views out over the water. Kids adore exploring the various mini playgrounds, scooting, cycling or running through the acres of green space, and it's also a lush spot to bring a picnic blanket and chill out with a good book. Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat 8am-11pm. Um Hurair 2 (04 336 7633). Hatta Dam Outside of the city, the Hatta Dam is a well-known local trail for hiking and running, the perfect brief oasis of nature not far from home. Easily one of the most Instagrammed spots outside of the city, Hatta Dam truly is stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails through the mountains, including up to the iconic Hatta sign (Hollywood, eat your heart out), or you can head out on the water in a boat. If the views aren't enough for you, you can also visit Hatta Wadi Hub for water slides and other fun activities. This one is best to leave off the list if the weather is too hot, as shade may be hard to come by. Be sure to check before you head out. Dubai. GPS: 24.784690498854793, 56.11380634772314. Love Lakes Another man-made attraction, the Love Lakes in Al Qudra has no doubt made it onto your Instagram feed plenty of times in the past. The interlocked heart-shaped lakes even have trees next to them that spell out 'love', and were unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai in 2018. There are jogging tracks here for those looking to stay active, or you can load up the car with all your favourite snacks and enjoy a good old barbecue here in the winter months. Al Qudra, Dubai. GPS: 24.838759235141953, 55.40506148363732. Mushrif Park When we say Mushrif Park is big, we mean big. Covering some five sq km and encompassing a lush Ghaf-tree-lined forest teaming with wildlife, this place is a nature-loving, bird spotters dream. That's not to say there isn't something for everyone though; we're talking an equestrian centre, running tracks and a really rather epic mountain bike track that opened late last year. Dhs10 per car, Dhs3 per person. Open Sun-Wed, 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat, 8am-11pm. Zabeel Park Sprawling Zabeel Park has so much going for it that it runs the risk of putting Dubai's other parks in the (metaphorical) shade. As well as being home to all the usual park amenities – vast areas of grass, picnic and barbecue areas, a running track, playgrounds, restaurants and a boating lake. Bring a picnic and laze around for an afternoon, or get a good game of frisbee going with the Dubai Frame as your backdrop. Dhs5 entry. Open Mon-Thu 8am-10pm; Fri -Sun 8am-11pm. Zabeel District. Restaurants Al Ustad Special Kabab The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Al Ustad Special Kabab. Credit: Al Ustad Special Kebab, a renowned Iranian kebab house on Mankhool Street in Bur Dubai, has been a local favourite since its opening in 1978. Celebrated for its yoghurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs, it is one of Dubai's oldest restaurants and continues to impress with its flavourful skewers. The family-run eatery, led by three brothers, is also known for its very funky interiors, featuring over 8,000 photos and memorabilia of celebrities and Dubai royalty. A highlight is the 'Special Kebab', marinated for hours and served with Iranian-style rice. Al Ustad offers authentic Iranian kebabs at affordable prices, making it a must-visit 46 years on. Open Sat-Thu 11am-1pm, Fri 5.30pm-1am. Al Mussallah Road, Deira (04 397 1933). Café Isan Credit: Café Isan One of the coolest spots in town and one of the best casual dining restaurants in Dubai, Café Isan is a top choice whenever you're in the mood for deliciously authentic Thai food. Dig into street food classics like spring rolls and chicken wings, as well as steaming, fragrant curries and flavour-packed stir-fries. The vibes are super-chill, especially in winter when you can sit on the terrace and take in the sights of the surrounding JLT skyscrapers. The service is warm and friendly, while the drinks are affordable and the poptastic tunes add to the laid-back atmosphere. Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, (058 529 1003). Kokoro In Dubai, there's nowhere doing handroll sushi at a more reasonable price than Kokoro. With its laid-back, quirky charm and rows of costumed rubber ducks dotted all over the venue. A tiny restaurant squeezed into Alserkal Avenue, you can opt for a table or seat at the bar, where you can watch the fish being sliced and prepared to become your dinner. If you're dining at the effortlessly cool street that is Alserkal Avenue, check out all out top suggestions here. Open Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm,Thu-Sat noon-midnight. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, LahKee A newer addition to Al Safa, walk-in and grab a window seat at the newly-opened pan-Asian restaurant, where you can tuck into classics (with a twist). From gnocchi burrata in tteokbokki sauce to noodles with beef short ribs and caramelised toast with teriyaki sauce, make sure you go hungry. Open daily noon-10pm. Park Complex, Al Safa, @lahkee8 (04 575 6183). Ravi The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Ravi Restaurant. This Pakistani restaurant is definitely a Dubai institution. The unassuming eatery, which has been open for 46 years now, may lack the glamour of newer dining destinations in this city, but here you will find excellent food that will transport your taste buds from the middle of Satwa to the dusty streets of Lahore. Thanks to its rich and flavour-packed affordable curries, dhals, biryanis and much more, Ravi has been right at the top of the Dubai food chain since 1978. Long may it reign. Open daily from 5am-2am. Satwa, Dubai (055 334 5481). Looking for things to do in Dubai? Exploring Dubai? Here are 10 incredible things to do that are (almost) free Explore like a local without breaking the bank Out early, home early: Dubai's best nights out which end at 9pm Have a great time and get your eight hours' kip Coming soon: The most anticipated restaurant and bar openings in Dubai Get these hot spots on your radar
The National
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
A taste of Palestine in the UAE as Gaza's classic barrad drink finds a new market
Icy, zesty and sweet. These were the flavours I picked up on one afternoon when trying barrad, a refreshing slushy ice cream and staple of Gaza street food culture that is now available to try in the UAE. I was at Cinema Akil in Dubai where its director, Khalid Al Sabi, was soft launching his concept at Quoz Arts Fest one weekend. 'I tried it, loved it and after a few months decided to go for it,' Al Sabi tells The National, explaining the inspiration behind bringing the authentic flavours of the drink to the UAE. 'I wanted to celebrate and preserve something authentically Palestinian, giving wider access to a part of our history. 'It's exactly the same recipe. I've had people from Gaza verify it personally – some even cried, as if tasting a cherished memory. It means so much to people.' Barrad, a lemon-flavoured slushy drink, is sold across Gaza and enjoyed on hot summer days, on the beach or at restaurants, alone or with a falafel sandwich. It's been a staple of the enclave's street food culture for decades, though its origins are unclear and disputed. Since at least the 1950s, barrad has been a quintessential aspect of life in Gaza. With the strip known for its warm and humid summers, the barrad came from a need to provide a refreshing beverage, while in the process becoming an essential aspect of social life from north to south. 'The most famous place to get barrad is Kazem Ice Cream Cafe as well as a few others around Gaza,' Al Sabi explains, noting that stores like Kazem Ice Cream Cafe would usually source their barrad ingredients from street vendors and other shops around the enclave. Kazem Ice Cream Cafe recently reopened to joyous crowds after 15 months of war in the northern Gaza neighbourhood of Rimal. Made from lemon, banana essence, sugar, water, crushed ice and what Al Sabi calls 'a secret ingredient', the entrepreneur was careful in his pursuit to bring the right taste of the slushy drink to customers in the UAE. 'I worked with several people and vendors to source the right ingredients from abroad. It was crucial to be as authentic as possible because of how important this treat is for so many people,' he explains. The drink comes in different variations – most offering more of a slushy consistency. All present the same neon yellow colour that the drink is famous for. Al Sabi's version has more of an ice cream consistency to it, thick and creamy, but as rich and refreshing as promised. 'I introduced the concept in October at a small event in Dubai, with a few other pop-ups last year,' says Al Sabi. 'Now we're selling off-counter in Cinema Akil, and I'm hoping to sell off-counter at other locations soon.' Pop-ups will continue across Dubai and beyond, and recently came to an event at 421 Arts Campus in Abu Dhabi last month. Al Sabi is expecting a very busy few months, continuing to sell his barrad at Alserkal Avenue throughout the month of Ramadan. He has also just confirmed a collaboration with dessert shop Omar Odali in Dubai, and will be participating at the upcoming Bred Festival Abu Dhabi in April. In the future, he aims to open a full ice cream shop or permanent location and has plans to expand even further if all goes well, affirming that 'the sky is the limit'. 'More so, I want people to buy barrad because they genuinely enjoy it, not just because it is from Gaza,' he says. 'I have this very high sensitivity to commercialising suffering, which I want to avoid here. I'd like barrad to eventually become a top of mind Palestinian or Arabic sweet for its taste, and its taste alone.' Alongside barrad, Al Sabi is pursuing a research project into the history of the chilled treat, including its origins, original vendors and archival images by hiring researchers on the ground in Gaza. 'There is very little documentation about barrad. You would even struggle trying to find a picture of Kazem Ice Cream Cafe from 50 years ago. That's what I'm trying to find – it'll be an ongoing programme,' he explains, as he aims to bring his project full circle from past to present. Alongside barrad, he's also launching Dukkaneh, a website and ecosystem that brings together Palestinian businesses and vendors all in one place. 'This is something I've been working on for quite some time – a retail concept that will bring together brands, small business, SMEs, artists and artisans, selling everything from groceries and posters, to fashion and accessories, on one online platform,' he says. All products on Dukkaneh will be made by Palestinians, as well as the broader diaspora, specifically from across the camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. 'I want people to feel the impact of their work, to open new markets for Palestinians, and to create thriving channels to sustain and innovate,' he says.
Broadcast Pro
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Reel Palestine returns for 11th edition at Cinema Akil
The annual festival will showcase a lineup of eight feature films and documentaries, alongside 13 short films divided into two programmes. Reel Palestine, the annual UAE-based film festival celebrating Palestinian stories through independent and alternative cinema, has returned for its 11th edition. Hosted at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue, the festival coincides with the Quoz Arts Fest, offering a lineup of films, Q&A sessions, workshops and the souk. This year's edition pays tribute to Hani Jawhareih (1936–1976), the founding father of Palestinian cinema, by showcasing films that reflect his values and enduring influence on storytelling. The festival opened with To a Land Unknown by director Mehdi Fleifel. Other highlights include A State of Passion , a new documentary by Carol Mansour ( Aida Returns ), chronicling Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah's work in Gaza's emergency rooms during the Israel-Gaza War. The Academy Award-shortlisted From Ground Zero , a collection of 22 short films captured over 11 months in Palestine, will also make its UAE debut. Notable premieres include Laila Abbas's Thank You for Banking with Us and Goran Hugo Olsson's documentary Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989 , exploring decades of media coverage on the conflict through archival footage. Rashid Masharawi's Passing Dreams , Piero Usberti's Voyage Into Gaza and Mohamed Jabaly's Life is Beautiful are also featured on the programme. The festival's short film lineup includes Palestine Islands , Mar Mara , Mashed Potatoes , Post-Trauma , An Orange from Yaffa , Blood Like Water , In the Waiting Room , A Short Film About Kids , 45th Parallel , The Deer's Tooth , Khaled and Nema , Upshot and The Lizard of My Dream .
Mid East Info
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
29th Art Map: A Guide to the Vibrant Local Art Scene
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the launch of the 29th edition of ArtMap, created in collaboration with thejamjar. This guide provides a detailed overview of art galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and programmes in the UAE. It reflects Dubai Culture's commitment to fostering an ecosystem that empowers creatives, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The latest edition showcases the remarkable evolution of the city's arts scene over the past six years, driven by the emirate's vision to establish itself as a global leader in the creative economy. Dubai is home to over 40 art galleries and a notable collection of museums—such as Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE's largest heritage museum, and Etihad Museum. These are complemented by a vibrant calendar of festivals and other cultural offerings. Key events include the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival, which aims to elevate the local film industry, and the Sikka Art and Design Festival, an annual celebration of emerging and established artistic talents. Other notable programmes include the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, a globally recognised literary event; the Quoz Arts Fest, known for its inspiring art displays; and Art Dubai, which has recently added a dedicated section for digital art titled 'Art Dubai Digital' to align with the global growth of NFTs. World Art Dubai and other significant initiatives are also featured alongside Dubai's Public Art Strategy, which envisions the city as an open, accessible art gallery for everyone. ArtMap provides insights on upcoming shows, awards, and grants designed to empower UAE-based artists. It emphasises the significance of Al Quoz Creative Zone, a hub for studios, art centres, and training facilities, and a space that offers ample opportunities for creatives to connect, exchange expertise, and collaborate on projects. Additionally, the guide delves into various initiatives led by Dubai Culture through the Dubai Public Library, such as the School of Life project, the Reading Box programme, and the Library Talks series. It also explores Etihad Museum's efforts to promote national identity through its cultural season, featuring lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions that enrich the community's engagement. Beyond Dubai, the guide offers a comprehensive overview of Abu Dhabi's arts sector, including events like Abu Dhabi Art, the light art exhibition Manar Abu Dhabi, and the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. It explores the capital's creative districts, such as MiZa, and the city's preparations to host landmark institutions like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Additionally, it highlights the Sharjah Art Foundation's work, including the 16th Sharjah Biennial, set to open in February under the theme 'To Carry.' ArtMap dedicates space to profiling leading artists and curators in the UAE and the region, such as Ammar Al Banna, and the curators of the Sharjah Biennial 16—Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala, and Zeynep Öz. Emerging artists like Latifa Saeed, Sara Alkhayyal, and Simrin Mehra-Agarwal are also featured. The guide spotlights Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum, the artist behind the ArtMap cover design, who is known for his distinctive style, combining taxidermy techniques, natural materials, and cultural symbols. Additionally, the edition celebrates achievements by influential local institutions, including thejamjar, The Third Line, and Carbon 12. It also explores the rising influence of African art within the UAE, featuring the organisations dedicated to supporting these shifts. Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said: 'ArtMap reflects the unique ecosystem that makes Dubai a global destination. Its diversity and welcoming environment attract creatives worldwide, offering inspiring opportunities and spaces to foster innovation, skill development, and active engagement in strengthening the cultural and creative industries. At Dubai Culture, we are committed to supporting this sector through projects and initiatives that bring the community together and celebrate its achievements in alignment with our strategic roadmap and priorities.' Hetal Pawani, Director of thejamjar, said: 'As we celebrate thejamjar's 20th anniversary, we saw the perfect opportunity to bring back a project close to our heart—the ArtMap—which we started in 2007. It celebrates the growing arts scene in the country. It focuses on young and emerging artists, writers, and other creatives who are bringing fresh perspectives to artmaking and representation in the UAE. This new issue highlights the different ways of experiencing arts and culture through seven different categories, which not only makes it easier for audiences to find what they are looking for but also encourages them to explore further. Issue 29 is a clear testament to how much our industry has grown and diversified. It's truly a celebration, and the support of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has been paramount to its growth and success. Grab your copy—it's a great tool for residents and tourists alike. We are sure it will sit well as a souvenir on your coffee table. We now look forward to the next issue, which will celebrate the design and performative initiatives the city offers.'
