Hidden Gems in Dubai Only Locals Know About

Dubai is the city that never stops to amaze one with the skyscrapers that break new heights, the luxury shopping centers and glamorous attractions. As much as tourists throng the city to visit sites such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, there is the other side of the city that the locals adore and which tourists tend to overlook. These secret places will allow you to see another side of Dubai with its real culture, natural beauty, and offbeat impressions.

In case you have a short layover or are traveling to the UAE with a Dubai transit visa, this list of local secrets will open the door to a new experience in this city and will help you to see it not only through the prism of its mainstream glamour. Calm seasides, eccentric creative neighborhoods, and other off the beaten path wonders are some of the undiscovered gems in Dubai.

1. Al Qudra Lakes

Al Qudra Lakes is a tranquil retreat away in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, free of the hustle and bustle of city life in Dubai. It is an artificial desert oasis which is frequented by locals who have picnics, barbeque and bike rides. The view at sunset is amazing and flocks of swans and flamingos contribute to the beauty. Al Qudra is a perfect place to visit by nature lovers and photographers and is still not well known by tourists. Love Lake, nearby the area, is also an Instagram-worthy destination, a unique heart-shaped lake.

2. Al Fahidi Coffee Museum

This tiny yet interesting Coffee Museum in the heritage-rich area of Al Fahidi presents a wealth of knowledge about the history of coffee across the world. It is usually suggested by locals due to its comfortable setting, unusual antiques and fresh brews. Being a coffee lover or a mere inquisitive individual, it is a great place to find out how the culture of the UAE blends into the coffee traditions. This museum can be visited in less than an hour by those visitors who have a Dubai transit visa but have limited time to visit.

3. Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue is a center for modern art and culture in Dubai’s industrial area of Al QuozF. The former row of warehouses has been changed into galleries, performance spaces, artisan cafes and indie film houses. In contrast to the tourist-oriented places, Alserkal Avenue is a local, artsy area with community-oriented activities and shows. It is the place to be in should you want to explore the creative side of Dubai without the masses.

4. The Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour is a calm, beautiful place that is often avoided by tourists because of the presence of Marina and JBR. The locals hang out there to eat and relax. This harbor is full of seafood restaurants and cafes which provide fresh catches, views to the sea, and tranquile atmosphere. It is also good when you want to take a casual walk and view the sunset without the hustle of the city. Its relaxed atmosphere is what makes it an excellent secret gem to those with a short stay with a Dubai transit visa.

5. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

This underestimated jewel is only a few minutes away from Downtown Dubai, this is a wetland conservation area that is home to thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos. Ras Al Khor is a paradise for bird watchers and a calm zone to be in touch with nature. It also has free viewing hides with binoculars and information boards; it is accessible even to people who have not practiced birdwatching. It is one of the few places when you can observe flamingos in combination with the Burj Khalifa.

6. The Black Palace Beach (Secret Beach)

Only the locals are aware of this undeveloped and uncontaminated beach, which is tucked away among the royal palaces in Al Sufouh. Black Palace Beach has no signs and large-scale development, but instead, there is serene water, clean sands, and extensive views of the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah. This beach is free to visit and is hidden right on a quiet afternoon. It is a perfect get away place that a traveler can relax and experience the other side of Dubai that very few tourists can experience.

7. Jumeirah Mosque cafes: the Majlis Caf

This secluded cafe is located right next to the famous Jumeirah Mosque and allows its visitors to taste the unique ice cream made of camel milk and authentic Emirati snacks. The tranquil garden and the old world atmosphere is a relief to the noise of the city. To further familiarize yourself with the Emirati culture and Islamic traditions, make your visit coupled with a guided tour of the mosque. It is a fast yet rewarding visit, particularly to users of a Dubai transit visa.

Conclusion:

Dubai is not all about opulent shopping and tourist destinations, it is a city with a history, culture and local secrets. These secret spots give tourists an opportunity to get in touch with the real heart of the city, whether it is art, nature or culture. These destinations are not well known and they are suitable to those who have a short visit or transit through the city on a Dubai transit visa as they provide a lot of meaning and memories.

Rather than going along the tourist route, take an adventure down the beaten path to find the Dubai that the locals adore. Be it a sunset in Al Qudra, Arabic coffee in Al Fahidi, or a creative maze of Alserkal, these places will make you feel even closer to this vibrant desert city.