Best Ways to Spend a Weekend in Dubai Like a Local

No doubt, Dubai is all about being encompassed in a nutshell when one says a tourist haven. It is mostly offered in a way of luxury with skyscrapers and famous attractions within strides. Yet, what most tourists miss is the ambience that surely a resident enjoys. If one wants to experience Dubai like a local, it is about following the hidden gems where authentic cuisines are found, and lesser-known spots explored. There is plenty of heritage beyond the typical tourist destinations to offer an excellent spending weekend for a visitor having a 90 days Dubai visa or one who lives there.

Weekends like those spent by locals spend time exploring the energetic neighborhoods of Dubai, relishing authentic Emirati dishes, and immersing themselves in some cultural exertions. Instead of the throng of crowds, you can choose to visit the mystic beaches of Dubai and brisk souks, and beautiful little cafes. Morning walks in old Dubai, late-night food bazaars: that is the experience Dubai can be; both laid back and exhilarating. This precise guide will enable one to truly live in experiencing the city like a resident and see the real Dubai through these pages.

Here are some of the best ways to spend a weekend in Dubai like a local.

1. Start Your Morning with an Emirati Breakfast:

Locals in Dubai love to start their day with a traditional Emirati breakfast. Head to a local café like Al Fanar Restaurant or Logma, where you can enjoy dishes like balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), chebab (Emirati pancakes), and khameer (traditional bread). Pair it with a karak chai, a spiced tea that is a staple among residents. This is a great way to kick off your weekend with authentic Flavors and a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Explore the Bustling Markets (Souks):

Instead of spending your time at high-end malls, take a stroll through Dubai’s traditional markets, also known as souks. The Gold Souk in Deira is famous for its dazzling gold jewelry, while the Spice Souk offers an aromatic view of vibrant spices and herbs. The Textile Souk in Bur Dubai can be a great place to pick up all kinds of textiles and handicrafts. These markets provide a sneak peek into the trading past of the city while allowing you to shop for some unique souvenirs within local price ranges.

3. Enjoy a Beach Day at Kite Beach:

There is no shortage of public beaches in Dubai, with Kite Beach being one of the all-time favourites of the residents. Perfect for sunning it up, swimming, and enjoying various beachside activities such as paddleboarding and volleyball. Along the shoreline are food trucks and tiny cafés where you can grab a refreshing smoothie or a light bite. Kite Beach feels local, unlike the touristy private beaches.

4. Take a Traditional Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek:

A ride on the traditional wooden boat called abra across Dubai Creek is a local experience that must be done. For only AED 1, one can cross between Deira and Bur Dubai while enjoying scenic views of old Dubai. On reaching Bur Dubai, visit the Al Fahidi Historical District with restored wind-tower houses, cultural exhibits, and lots of cozy art cafés like Arabian Tea House. This area gives a better understanding of Dubai’s heritage and is also one of the best spots for clicking pictures.

5. Indulge in Street Food at Al Seef or Satwa:

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is a perfect representation of this blend. To dine like a true local, let go of all fine-dining restaurants and head straight to street food. Al Seef boasts a mix of Emirati cuisine with some Middle Eastern offerings. Satwa, however, is quite famous for its ‘cheap eats.’ Grab a shawarma, samosas, or a plate of mishkak (grilled meat skewers). You will truly enjoy authentic meals from these local joints at prices far less than any upscale restaurants.

6. The Art Scene of Dubai Awaits You to Be Discovered in Alserkal Avenue:

Dubai has an extensive art community, and the very heart of this creative community lies in Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. The area is home to contemporary art galleries, independent cinemas, and artisanal cafés. There are locals who love to mingle for art exhibitions, cultural talks, and film screenings. An art lover will surely gather fresh experiences of Dubai besides its commercial appeal if you spend at least a couple of hours here.

7. Deserting Without Tourists:

Tourist desert safaris are fun, but where the locals really go is a bit out of the way for sightseers to enjoy. So if you are local-ish and would like to join in the hunt for the desert near Al Qudra Lakes on the outskirts of Dubai, great desert stretches with wildlife and calm lakes (perfect to have a sumptuous picnic) await you. Many locals arrive with camping gear or BBQs and relax under the stars for a little evening downtime: an opportunity to away from the downtown rush.

8. Farmers Market or Organic Café:

There is a growing organic food and healthy-living movement in Dubai. Over the weekends, many locals flood the Ripe Market to get fresh organic produce, handmade crafts, and homegrown brands. For some casual café time, drop in at the One Life Kitchen & Café or Wild & The Moon. Both places offer healthy and organic meals that the residents frequent.

9. Majlis Style:

A truly great way to close your weekend just like a local would is to get an experience of a majlis gathering. The majlis is a traditional Arabian sitting arrangement, where friends and family gather to chill, chat, and sip Arabic coffee, while chewing on dates. While they are most usually held at local homes, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding will make for a nice location to experience this hospitality. It is a rather nice way to learn about Emirati hospitality and traditions.

10. Hit the Shisha Lounge to Unwind:

In order to truly end your weekend like a local, enjoy the shisha lounge. Shisha (hookah) is a social gem for residents, and there is a fair share of great shisha lounges across the city. Some of the most fabulous places would be Shimmers, QD’s, and Treehouse Dubai, where you can enjoy a laid-back night with the flavoured shisha, Arabic music, and the breathtaking views of the skyline. This is an apt way to relax and cherish Dubai’s local nightlife culture.

Conclusion:

To live in Dubai like a local brings you to that alternate dimension of the city: the one teeming with culture, tradition, and little gems hidden from tourists. From the Al Fahidi district to sipping some strong Arabic coffee at a nearly empty café, Kite Beach will complete your stay as Dubai has by far much more to offer- apart from high-end shopping and futuristic attractions. Journeying outside the ranks of the popular tourist routes, one reveals the very soul of the city and its scenic architecture of old and new.

And if you are still in the country for an extended period with a 60 days Dubai visa, why not live and explore outside these famous sights? Tour places, meet people, try their food and visit markets where residents do their everyday shopping. One weekend in Dubai could be your best memory ever if you will tap into local living.