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Time Out Dubai
5 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
50 cool things to do in Dubai for less than Dhs50
Who said Dubai has to be expensive? There's plenty of things to do in the city that won't break the bank, you just need to know where to find them. Whether it's seeing the sights, making the most of some great dining deals or getting active, being frugal can actually be pretty fun. If you're searching for a day out on a budget, here are our top for things to do for under Dhs50 . Attractions Admire Burj Khalifa Credit: Burj Khalifa It's the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 floors and looms at 828 metres high. The observation deck – At The Top – and restaurant, are a little out of our Dhs50 budget for this one, but a pint of the 'tap of the month' at Tap House is only Dhs35, and the terrace comes with incredible views looking up at the Burj. Cost: Dhs38. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, The Tap House, Mon-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, (04 425 0009). Bike around Dubai Marina There are 7km of pathways to explore around Dubai Marina, and if you hire a Careem bike for Dhs29 a day, you can whizz around that pretty rapidly. It's an ideal place to people watch and the views are super by day or night. A top way to get some exercise, and you'll get a bit of a breeze as you cycle too – it's a win win. Cost: Dhs29 (day pass). Dubai Marina. Explore Waterfront Market (Credit: Supplied) If you're into cooking, shopping or just the whiff of fresh fish, Waterfront Market is a top spot to take a mosey along to. We could spend hours admiring the various catches. Plus it's free to browse around even if you're not shopping (and there's no charge for dinner inspiration, though you'll get that for sure). Cost: Free. Or market price for your catch. Open daily 24/7, Al Khaleej Road, (800 627 538). See the city from The Dubai Frame (Credit: Supplied) This cool vantage point at Zabeel Park allows visitors with a head for heights to see the city's past, present and future in a one-hour tour, with unique views of 'old' and 'new' Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Don't forget your camera phone as you'll want to capture the super views. And, our cover star comes in exactly on budget at Dhs50. Ta da. Cost: Dhs50. Open daily 9am-9pm, Zabeel Park, (800900). Stroll around Palm Jumeirah (Credit:Canva) Lace up the trainers, pack your water bottle and take a stroll around the boardwalk to enjoy the sights. Be a tourist and take a snap of Atlantis while you're there, too. Why not hop on the monorail and leave the car at home, too? It's Dhs30 for a round-trip and you'll get pretty views while you enjoy the ride. Cost: Dhs30. Palm Jumeirah, Stand under the Al Wasl Plaza projection show at Expo City (Credit: Supplied) You'll have surely seen this incredible dome on Instagram, but if you haven't witnessed it in person yet, the light show is a spectacular sight. The huge steel structure has the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world, and runs a light show every day from sunset until midnight. One of the most magical things to do for under Dhs50, take a stroll underneath swirling shapes and lights, take a few photos and enjoy the magic. Open daily, show runs from 5pm-midnight. Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai, (04 555 2030). Stroll along The Beach (Credit: Supplied) The Walk and neighbouring al fresco district The Beach at Dubai's JBR were designed to make the most of strolls. Offering some gorgeous views of Ain Dubai and Bluewaters, there's some great spots to take a seat and chill out. People watching is prime here, plus there are loads of things to eat from ice cream to pizzas. Cost: Free. The Beach, JBR, (04 3173999). Take a snap of Dubai Opera (Credit: Supplied) Since opening in 2016 this stunning dhow-shaped building has been a hub for theatre, musicals, operas, ballet and comedians. Tickets fall out of budget, but it's worth heading along to admire the building, and having a wander around Burj Park while you're there. Cost: Free. Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, (04 440 8888). Try Topgolf (Credit:Topgolf) The entertainment venue at Emirates Golf Club is home to 90 climate-controlled hitting bays in a huge three-storey site. General play starts at Dhs140 per hour, per bay and you can have up to six in a bay – meaning that's around Dhs22 each. Your bay hire will include unlimited balls and the use of clubs, so you can have as many goes as you like to get it right, which is lucky if you have our skill level. Cost: Dhs24 (based on six splitting a Dhs140 bay). Open Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2. (04 371 9999). Walk across the bridge to Bluewaters This is a super stroll, and there's a top observation spot mid-way around too for that perfect shot of JBR, the Palm and Ain Dubai. Keep on going until you reach the other side and take a pic under the shadow of the world's largest ferris wheel, too. Cost: Free. Bluewaters Island, JBR. Watch the skiers at Ski Dubai (Credit: Supplied) Granted a lesson at Ski Dubai won't fall into this category, and nor will a trip to the Alps. However, you can head to the mall and take a seat at the Cheesecake Factory, as its windows look right out onto the slopes. Grab a slice of the Godiva chocolate cheesecake and cosy up in one of the window booths to get that wintery feeling for just over Dhs30. Cost: Dhs32.50 Open Mon-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1, (04 419 0497). Window shop at Dubai Mall The world's largest mall is housed in Dubai, and if you're yet to visit, well, get ready to get lost, but also to marvel at the sheer size of everything. You're on a budget, so avoid Dior, Chanel et al, but there's no harm in window shopping, right? Plus while you're there, you can take in the sights of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as one side of it is free to view. Stop off at one of the coffee shops while you're there and make sure you bag a place to see the free Fountain show. Cost: Free. Open Mon-Fri 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am, Downtown Dubai, (800 382246255). Arts and culture Explore art at XVA Gallery Credit: XVA Gallery Specialising in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent, XVA has done more to champion both established and up-and-coming talent from the UAE and beyond than most galleries could even dream of. Exhibitions are on regular rotation so you're bound to find something new. Head over at breakfast time and treat yourself to a paratha omelette with tomato, feta and parsley for Dhs40, too. Cost: Dhs37. Open daily 7am-10pm, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, (04 353 5383). Grab a bargain at the Textile Souk Credit: Supplied Across the Dubai Creek from its Gold and Spice sisters is the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, home to a myriad of traders selling wonderfully colourful fabrics along with all the accessories a fashion designer could want. There are plenty of trinkets too, so get ready to browse and find something cool to take home. Cost: Free . Open Mon-Sat 6am-2pm & 4pm-9pm,57 Ali Bin Abi Taleb St, Al Fahidi (050 768 8512). Go on a road trip to Sharjah Credit: Supplied Just down the road in the neighbouring Emirate there's absolutely heaps to explore when it comes to culture. Sharjah Art Foundation has loads of exhibitions and programmes to discover, most of which are free. And if you want to try something totally different visit the Rain Room, where you can splash around, without getting wet. It's just Dhs25 to visit, so you can treat a mate, too. Cost: Dhs25. Rain Room, open Sat-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri 4pm-9pm, Sharjah, (06 561 0095). Hop on an abra across the Creek You might think a boat ride is out of your budget, and you'd be right. Partying on a yacht is going to set you back a bit, but not this one. One of the best things to do for under Dhs50, hop aboard an abra across Dubai Creek and not only will you get to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Old Dubai, it's pocket-friendly too. For just Dhs2 you can cross the Creek and explore both sides of the water, from the souks to the museums. Cost: Dhs2. Deira / Bur Dubai, Learn something new at Jameel Arts Centre (Credit:Supplied) This thoroughly funky building on the Jaddaf Waterfront is original in its programming and forward-thinking in its research. Fiercely independent, it supports artists from the MENA region like few other establishments. And you can too by popping along and immersing yourself in this cracking creative centre. Cost: Free. Open Mon 10am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, Jaddaf Waterfront , (04 873 9800). Get thinking at the Foundry Art Space (Credit: Supplied) The art space offers you an entire evening of activities that you don't need to spend a penny on. From thought-provoking open exhibitions to talks and film screenings, there are even cool elevated pods to curl up in with a good book. The displays change on a monthly rotation, so you can head along every few weeks if you want to see something different. Open daily, 10am-10pm. Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, (04 367 3696). Turn some pages at Mohammed bin Rashid Library (Credit: Supplied) Sometimes it's a treat to have a quieter day, but you don't have to be at home to do it. If you want to slow down the pace, why not spend a few hours browsing the books at Mohammed bin Rashid Library. Spread over seven floors, there's over 1 million books waiting to be read, from atlases and religious manuscripts to poetry and literature. Once you're done exploring, sit down, flick through a few pages and watch the evening disappear as you get lost in a story. While entry is free, you do have to book a timed entry slot before your visit. Free. Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm, Fri, 2pm-9pm, Sat, 9am-9pm, Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf, (04 222 2025). See some art at Alserkal Avenue Arguably the hippest and artiest part of town, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai's Al Quoz is abundant with art galleries, performance spaces and some rather wonderful culinary delights. This former industrial estate has swapped engine oil for oil on canvas and is a permanent hive of artistic activity. There are loads of free things to do in this area of Dubai, from gallery exhibitions to browsing through shops. Why not treat yourself to breakfast while you're there at Nightjar? A stack of blueberry and ricotta pancakes will set you back Dhs48 and your stomach will thank you. Cost: Dhs48. Al Quoz, (04 333 3464). Nightjar, open daily 9am-10pm, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, (050 365 1120). Sightsee at Souk Madinat Jumeirah (Credit: Supplied) This modern souk is as tricky to find your way around as any old-school one, and it's a top place to take tourists. It's free to wander around and you'll be treated to super views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the sparkling Madinat Waterways. There are some perfect photo opps, plus in winter there are plenty of places to stop and grab a coffee or snack. Cost: Free. Open daily 10am-11pm, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, (04 366 8888). Soak in the smells at the Spice Souk (Credit: Canva) We love this Old Dubai souk. It smells fantastic, the colours are phenomenal, and there are few places in Dubai that will make you feel quite like you're in the Middle East as much as this. You'll find the full gamut of Arabic spices for sale here, along with oils, nuts and a tasty selection of sweet treats. It's fun to wander, and you have Dhs50 to burn. Cost: Free. Al Ras, Deira. Snap a pic of street art Credit: ITP images Art doesn't have to cost a fortune, you're not investing in a masterpiece for your mantelpiece, and when the city is a huge canvas you're in luck as there is vibrant art all over. From JBR to Karama, City Walk to Satwa, and La Mer to Jumeirah Beach Road, the city is awash with colourful creations from some truly great artists. Head to City Walk to see creations from famed artists like Bleck Le Rat. Cost: Free. Various locations across Dubai. Step into the past at Al Fahidi historical Neighbourhood (Credit: Canva) Take a wander round the historic neighbourhood to get an idea of what the city was like when it first set up. Right next to the Creek it used to be the city's commercial hub, and you'll feel a world away from the skyscrapers. Cost: Free. Bur Dubai, . Stroll around Al Seef (Credit:Supplied) This might be one of the newer 'historical' areas, but it has cracking views of the Creek and is just up the road from Al Fahidi. Some of it is super-modern, some of it is built to look old, but it's an interesting place to have a stroll around, and there are loads of coffee shops for a pit stop, too. Cost: Free. Al Seef, Bur Dubai, Take a trip around Hatta Heritage Village Hatta (Credit: Supplied) You'll have heard about the kayaking, but Hatta is a top place to visit if you're looking to escape the city. It's just 130km from town, but when you're breathing in that mountain air your 41st floor apartment or shiny office block will feel a world away. Amid all the lush scenery (those mountain views) and the Insta-worthy dam, there's also Hatta Heritage Village where you can explore watchtowers and more. Cost: Free. Hatta (04 852 1374). Take a tour around Jumeirah Mosque Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in town open to non-Muslims, and it's well worth immersing yourself in the city's culture and learning about Islam. You can join a tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding every day at 10am bar Friday, and you can get a full mosque visit, where a guide will explain the wudu – cleansing process before prayers – with a tour of the mosque and Arabic coffee afterwards. There's a Q&A too. Cost: Dhs25. Open Sat-Thurs, tours at 10am & 2pm, Jumeirah, (04 353 6666). Wander around the Gold Souk (Credit: Canva) Whether you have visitors in town or simply fancy being a tourist yourself, a wander around the gold souk is a top way to spend an afternoon. Unless you have turbo-charged haggling skills you're unlikely to get much for under Dhs50, but window shopping is all the range this year. Cost: Free. Open daily 9am-9pm. Deira. Be bowled over by bargain arcade games Credit: Dubai Bowling Centre An old-school activity at an old-school price. That's right, every Monday at the Dubai Bowling Centre arcade games and rides cost you only Dhs1 per turn. So if you've got one game you're incredible at, that could be hours and hours of fun for the change weighing you down in your pocket. Cost: From Dhs1 Dhs1 per turn. Every Monday, 10am-1am Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Quoz, (04 339 1010). Visit Etihad Museum (Credit: Supplied) Learn about the history of the UAE at this museum in Jumeirah. Covering 25,000 sqm it's located in the same spot as Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971, so it's steeped in history. Inside you can watch a documentary about the history of the UAE, see an interactive map and learn more about the founding fathers of the UAE. Cost: Dhs25. Open daily 10am-8pm, Jumeirah, (800 33222). Nature and outdoors Camp in the desert Should you struggle going really wild, a night camping at Al Qudra Lakes could be just the ticket. Clean and calm but chilly at night, make sure you build a camp fire before sundown and bring plenty of marshmallows to keep those energy levels up. Cost: Free. Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra. Cycle Al Qudra Cycle Track Drive out past Dubai's Arabian Ranches and you'll see a cycling path running alongside the road to your left. Al Qudra cycling track is 86km with a 50km loop, that will put your biking (and endurance) skills to the test. You can rent a bike, helmet and lights at Trek UAE, and there's a Last Exit food truck park for a pit stop. Access to the bike track is free, and you'll enjoy views of the desert dunes (watch out for gazelles). All levels are welcome, but expect to spend up to three hours completing the track, which is popular on weekends. Cost: Free. Al Qudra Road (no number). Go bird watching at Ras Al Khor For those of you who know twitching doesn't only involve involuntary spasms, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be. This avian haven is home to many a feathered friend, and while the flamboyant flamingos top the bill you can also spot herons, cormorants and ospreys from the free-to-use hides. Cost: Free. Ras Al Khor, (04 606 6822). Have a romantic stroll at The Love Lakes (Credit: Supplied) Looking for the ultimate romantic spot? The 'Love Lakes' – two intertwined heart-shaped lakes set up near Al Qudra Lakes – is one for you. It can even be seen on Google Maps with the shape of the two hearts, right next to The Last Lake of Al Qudra. The best way of getting there is heading along the D63 route, past Last Exit and by turning right on the road that also leads to Al Qudra Lakes. Take a picnic and enjoy a quiet stroll at this serene spot. Cost: Free. Al Qudra. Go night swimming (Credit: Canva) Kite Beach beach is open after dark, and is completely free if you want to head down and take a dip. Floodlit by large lamps letting swimmers head out safely, you float underneath the moon and enjoy the warm waters for the evening. If you want to make a night of it, why not head down before sunset bringing a picnic from home, then watch sun dip behind Burj Al Arab before having a star-lit swim. Daily, from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. You might also like: The best (and most luxe) night swim spots in Dubai to try this summer Have a picnic at Al Barsha Pond Park (Credit: Supplied) For Dhs50 we reckon you can stump up a pretty good picnic. Bread, cheese, hummus, load your basket with as much as Dhs50 can afford you and head down to this chilled out park area to while away the afternoon. Cost: Free. Al Barsha (800 900). Hike Hatta (Credit: Supplied) New Year's resolution to up your step count? Hatta has five routes of varying difficulty, all set among the Hajar Mountains that you can do for free. This is Dubai's largest national park so go and explore. You might need that Dhs50 for blister pads, though. Cost: Free. Hatta, Jog along Kite Beach As much as we adore flying a kite (up to the highest height), when we're in the mood for something less leisurely then we can't resist the stretch of running track that snakes back and forth past this beautiful beach. The run's superb sights will send you soaring, too, on a trip to Dubai's Kite Beach. The best news? You don't have to pay for the pleasure. You can enjoy a pitstop at SALT and grab a slider for Dhs40 though, you earnt it after all that. Cost: Dhs40. SALT Burger, open 24/7, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, (600 555551). See sunset at Al Sufouh Beach (Credit: Supplied) Dubai Al Sufouh Beach is one of those unmissable experiences that money simply can't buy. And you don't need it either. Head along to this peaceful beach to watch the sunset with your gang. Take a blanket and some snacks and you'll be happy. Cost: Free. Open daily 24/7. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Sufouh. Take a snap of the Expo Lake (Credit:Supplied) While Expo 2020 Dubai has long-finished, you can still drive into the desert and see the incredible man-made lake that popped up was created by Dubai Municipality, forged using a lake, trees and sand to resemble the Expo 2020 logo. Cost: Free. Al Qudra Take a desert drive So this one will cost you petrol, but aside from that it's free. You'll need some decent driving skills and a 4×4, but with that in the bag it's time to check out the dunes. Cost: Free. Various locations on the outskirts of Dubai. Entertainment Dig into a proper Middle Eastern shawarma (Credit:Supplied) We recently revealed that you voted shawarma as the most iconic dish in Dubai. And the best news about the popular street snack? It's pocket-friendly. Visit Allo Beirut for a top one, where a small chicken version will set you back just Dhs13. Which leaves you enough for a side of chip. Pass the garlic sauce. Cost: Dhs13. Various locations including Hessa Street, Discover Indian street food in Karama This bustling area of the city is a haven for authentic street eats. One of the top picks is O'Pao for its innovative sliders – don't miss the O'Pao cheese burst version. Cost: Dhs17. Karama, Have an all-you-can-eat breakfast Hyperama's South African diner offers a special deal every Saturday morning. Order whatever you want as many times as you want from the breakfast menu for just Dhs45 per person. From eggs and sausages to much more. Be careful not to over-order, as they will charge you for any food left behind. Cost: Dhs45 Sat 8am-12.30pm. Al Quoz, (058 108 8786). Get cheap drinks at McGettigan's Credit: McGettigan's JLT In the mood for a bit of Irish craic and a tipple or two? From Sunday to Friday head down to Jumeirah Lake Towers to enjoy the venue's happy hour menu, with mixed drinks available for as little as Dhs35. Cost: Dhs35 Tue 6pm-9pm. JLT (04 346 0470). Have a pint of the black stuff at The Irish Village Credit: The Irish Village, Garhoud A Dubai institution, going strong for more than two decades, The Irish Village and its enduring presence continues to charm hordes of expats every week. The Irish Village's large garden and homely feel make it a wonderfully low-key favourite among residents. With live music, good food and a great vibe, don't miss it. Cost: Dhs44. Open Sun-Thurs 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Garhoud, (04 282 4750). Listen to amazing talent at Time Out Market Dubai If you didn't already know, Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go for the best bites and beats. And almost every day of the week a raft of incredible live acts take to the stage to serenade you as you gorge on the Market's rockstar plates. Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, (054 375 2421). Visit The Ripe Market (Credit: Supplied) The outdoor market runs throughout the cooler months, so get ready to shop, eat and support some homegrown businesses. From train rides road safety lessons, trinkets and even a zipline, the Academy Park venue is gearing up for a great season, so don't miss out. Cost: Dhs5 (entry). Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Academy Park. (04 315 7000). Looking for things to do in Dubai? Where to get the viral Fix chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't) Get that sweet tooth satisfied 54 absolutely brilliant outdoor activities to try in Dubai Let's take this outside 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs The best cheap eats in town – from noodles to shawarma and everything in between
Dubai Eye
11-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai's Al Shindagha Corridor project marks key milestone
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has announced the completion of the final bridge in the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection upgrade, marking the end of all phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project on the Bur Dubai side. With this fifth and final bridge in place, traffic now flows uninterrupted from Al Garhoud Bridge through Infinity Bridge all the way to Port Rashid and the Waterfront Market. Travel time along the corridor has been slashed from 80 minutes to just 12, with key routes like Jumeirah Street to Infinity Bridge now taking only five minutes. The RTA's Director-General Mattar Al Tayer said this project is one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the city, spanning 13 km and involving 18 km of bridges and tunnels. The corridor, which supports growing development in areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai Islands and Port Rashid, is designed to serve a population of one million and boost traffic capacity to 24,000 vehicles per hour by 2030. Travel time is expected to drop to just 16 minutes, with economic benefits estimated at AED 45 billion over the next two decades. Meanwhile, work continues on the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel project, which extends from the end of Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street. The 1,650-metre tunnel will have three lanes in each direction. The RTA has also commenced construction of entry and exit points for Dubai Islands in the area between Infinity Bridge and Port Rashid redevelopment area. RTA has inaugurated the fifth and final bridge as part of the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection development project. With this milestone, RTA has completed all phases of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project in Bur Dubai, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow… — RTA (@rta_dubai) May 11, 2025
Khaleej Times
19-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Mango season in Dubai: ‘King of fruits' enters markets from Dh10 per kg
Many Dubai residents visit the Waterfront Market throughout the year, at least once or twice a month. But during summer, the number of visits jumps to three or four, and the reason is very simple: because of mangoes. 'For us, summer means mangoes. We come every week just to check what new varieties have arrived,' said Farah Khan, a Dubai resident who came along with her husband to buy the initial stock of the season. Khan makes a trip to the Deira market every fortnight on Friday or Saturday evening with her family. Yet, she couldn't resist going to the market on Tuesday morning after she heard that mangoes are in town. 'My kids told me that their classmates brought mangoes for lunch. When they told me on Monday night, I wanted to go to the market and pick some. My children love the fruit, its milkshake, and my husband prefers them sliced with salt and chilli powder. It is like a whole mango madness at home now,' said Khan, who is a business owner in Deira. Similarly, Mohammed Aashiq, a 32-year-old sales executive who lives in Al Nahda, never misses a chance to enjoy the 'king of fruits'. 'The only fruit I love are mangoes. We have farms of it in my hometown, and during my growing years, I used to have mangoes all day,' said Aashiq. 'I get my weekly off on Tuesdays, and when I saw some ads on social media about mangoes entering the markets, I knew I had to come,' he said. 'I have been coming here for the last four years since I came to the UAE. The fruits here are fresh, and the prices are reasonable compared to supermarkets. Plus, you can actually smell and feel the mangoes before you buy, which makes all the difference.' The fruit section at the Waterfront Market has become a mango wonderland. From crowd-favourite Alphonsos to tangy Totapuri, more than 20 different mango varieties from India, Pakistan, Yemen, Thailand, Peru, and even Colombia are now available. 'The market sees a huge jump in footfall during mango season,' said vendor Wazed Ali, who has been selling fruits at the Waterfront Market for a few years now. 'There are families who come here only during mango season, and they buy boxes, not just kilos.' Here's a breakdown of some of the mango varieties and their prices as of now: Yemeni Mango (most affordable): Dh10 per kg Alphonso: Dh45 per box (12 big mangoes), Dh35-40 per box (15 medium-sized mangoes) Peruvian Mango (among the largest): Dh35 per kg, or Dh90-110 per box (4-5kgs) Colombian Mini Mango (rare & exotic, only at Waterfront Market in Dubai): Dh90-100 per box Cambodian and Chinese Mangoes: Dh18 per kg For those with a sweet tooth, varieties like Carabao, Ataulfo (Honey Mango), and Kesar (Gir Kesar) have the goodness of syrup with every bite. For tangy-lovers, Keitt, Totapuri, and Nam Dok Mai are available in the market. And for juice lovers, there are Dasheri and Valencia Pride, without fibre, which is ideal for blending. 'Mango is not just a fruit, it's nostalgia, it's a celebration for most of our customers. They share their childhood stories with the fruit,' said Muhammed Najeeb, another vendor at the market. 'Customers tell us that they would eat mangoes on the terrace with family back home and how the family unite to eat just these fruits. For them, the market gives a little piece of that memory in Dubai.' Other varieties like Langra, Banganapalli, Taimour, Awees, and Neelam are also available at the market. 'Residents can expect more varieties of mangoes in coming days,' said Najeeb. Vendors at the Waterfront Market also said that although some mangoes, especially the rare and imported ones, are a bit pricey right now, shoppers won't have to wait long for better deals. 'The prices of the fruit is expected to come down gradually over the next few weeks as more varieties and larger quantities start arriving,' said Najeeb.
Khaleej Times
12-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
‘New bridge a relief': Dubai-Sharjah motorists save nearly half an hour, Salik and fuel
Motorists driving from Sharjah to Dubai are heaving a sigh of relief after a new bridge opened in the Al Shindagha area. While the route remains the same distance, the newly opened bridge, located just after the Infinity Bridge towards Sheikh Zayed Road, has eliminated the bumper-to-bumper traffic that commuters have long struggled with. The bridge connects Al Khaleej Street to Khalid bin Al Waleed Road, leading towards the Dubai Frame and Al Khail Road. It has quickly become one of the best options for commuters heading to Sheikh Zayed Road and other key neighbourhoods and business districts in Dubai during rush hour. Muhammed Nadeem, a resident of Al Nahda in Sharjah, commutes daily to his office in Al Barsha and says this route makes a huge difference. 'Right after exiting Sharjah and crossing the Salik gate at Al Mamzar, I take a right towards Corniche Street, then head over the Infinity Bridge. From there, the new bridge connects smoothly to Al Khail Road,' said Nadeem. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. By taking this lesser-known route, he is able to avoid the usual choke of Sharjah-Dubai traffic, which often accumulates on Ittihad Road, Airport Tunnel Road, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. But it's not just about avoiding traffic. Nadeem says this new route is also saving him money and fuel. 'I save at least Dh18 to Dh20 every day on Salik alone because I am no longer passing through multiple toll gates during peak hours. Before this bridge opened, I wpuld either be stuck in traffic for most of my commute or end up paying Dh6 at each toll gate. Plus, the smooth traffic flow means I don't waste fuel sitting idle,' he added. However, the evening return trip tells a different story. While the morning commute feels like a 'reverse bottleneck,' starting narrow and opening up, the evening flow flips the experience. 'The traffic builds up heavily on the Infinity Bridge while returning. The real choke point is near the Waterfront Market and the exit towards Al Ittihad Road from Al Mamzar,' said Amr Elsaeedi, a marketing executive who works for an ice cream company in Dubai. 'In the mornings, the route feels like a reverse bottleneck, it starts narrow and widens up, which helps manage the rush. But in the evenings, it's the opposite. You begin on wide roads, but as you approach Sharjah, it all narrows and slows down. It's a complete flip,' he added. 'This route is great in the morning, but not advisable during the evening rush. But hopefully after construction of the remaining stretch on the Corniche street, it may be the best option.' For some Dubai residents, especially those living near the New Gold Souk Extension, the new bridge has drastically improved their commute. 'I used to take more than 40 minutes to reach my office in the morning,' said Safdar Ali, a finance professional working on Sheikh Zayed Road. 'Now, I reach in just 15 minutes with Salik, or 20 minutes without it. All I have to do is exit the parking, get on the Infinity Bridge, take the new bridge, and I am almost there.' He also avoids evening congestion thanks to the exit on the Infinity Bridge that directly leads to his parking. 'It's such a relief,' said Safdar. The location can be seen in the map, above.
Khaleej Times
15-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Like a big family': This Dubai eatery feeds local market workers, cleaners at iftar daily
For employees at the Waterfront Market, iftar is a lavish affair. It's very rare that the employees get to consume what they sell, but during Ramadan, they are treated to a feast like no other. Every evening, after the Asr prayer, the market's parking area transforms into a dining space where hundreds gather to break their fast with a hearty meal of biryani, served steaming hot. For the past six years, Yahya Seafood Restaurant at the Waterfront Market has been offering free iftar meals to workers, vendors, and shoppers, ensuring that no one goes hungry during the holy month. This year, over 2,000 iftar meals are being distributed daily to the market's cleaners, seafood, meat, and vegetable vendors, along with visitors and delivery riders who stop by to break their fast. The iftar preparation is a massive undertaking, starting early in the morning. Hundreds of kilogrammes of rice and over 150 kilogrammes of fresh meat are purchased directly from the market to ensure quality and fresh ingredients. The cooking process begins in nearly 50 large vessels, where the biryani is slowly prepared over hours to achieve its rich, aromatic flavor. By 5.30pm, the steaming vessels of biryani are transported to the market, where they are served fresh to those gathered. Unlike other iftar distributions, this feast follows a unique setup. Large cooking vessels are brought directly to the market's parking area, where mats are laid out for attendees to sit and eat. As the call to prayer echoes through the air, everyone is first offered dates, water, fruits and crispy fritters to break their fast. Then, the biryani is served in large plates, each holding around three kilogrammes of food — enough for four people to share and enjoy together. The restaurant behind this initiative has made it a tradition to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the years. 'Dubai has given us so much — from starting as a small kiosk to opening our restaurant at the Waterfront Market, it's all because of the love and support of our customers,' said Yahyaphayu, the restaurant's owner. 'For the past six years, we have been giving back in the best way we know how — by serving iftar to the workers of the Waterfront Market and in the area. It's our way of showing gratitude and sharing the spirit of Ramadan with the community that has been part of our journey,' added Yahyaphayu. For many workers, this iftar is not just a meal, it is an act of kindness that makes them feel appreciated. Mohammed Salman, a seafood vendor at the market, is thankful to the organisers for such a lavish experience. 'We spend the whole day selling fish, but this is the only time we get to sit together and enjoy a proper meal. The biryani, the warmth, and the generosity, it makes us feel valued.' Asghar Khan a meat vendor at the market said: 'It's rare that we get to eat the meat we sell. Every day, we handle the freshest cuts, but most of the time, we can only afford simpler meals,' said Khan. 'During Ramadan, this iftar feels like a blessing, we finally get to enjoy a proper feast together. The biryani is rich, flavorful, and shared with so many others who work here,' added Khan. Delivery riders, who often struggle to find a place to break their fast while on duty, also benefit from this initiative. Ali Hassan, a delivery rider, said: 'Finding a place to break our fast while on duty is always a challenge. We come here every evening in a group and have a hearty fill after breaking the fast. It feels like we are a big family breaking the fast together.'
