Explore Little-Known Cultural Gems
Dubai isn’t exactly synonymous with subtlety—after all, this is the city of the world’s tallest building and sprawling shopping malls that could house a modest country. But, for those tracking down the quirky and the unconventional, Dubai offers more than just gold-plated glitz. Let’s start with Alserkal Avenue, a buzzy arts district in the industrial bowels of Al Quoz. Here you’ll find contemporary galleries like Leila Heller Gallery and The Third Line, alongside indie establishments that host everything from art exhibits to conceptual installations and serious film buffs’ screenings. Go ahead, get your cultural snobbery ticking, because who says sand is the only treasure hiding in the desert?
Channel Your Inner James Bond at Jumble
If you think escape rooms are passé, meet Jumble: Dubai’s answer to a LEGO puzzle on a caffeine rush. It’s an indoor adventure escape room experience that elevates puzzle-solving from “Hey, that’s fun!” to “Am I still alive?” Mix Sherlock Holmes’ deduction skills with Lara Croft’s physical prowess, gather a team, and navigate through mind-boggling challenges that test not only your IQ but your friendship compatibility as well. Or, ponder on the eternal question: Is turning back an option?
Get Your Thrill on at Hub Zero
If you’ve not yet embraced your inner child or are still holding onto any remnants of maturity, Hub Zero in City Walk might just be your perfect playground. Virtual reality experiences, 4D cinemas, laser tag, and more await, offering gamers and thrill-seekers endless hours of adrenaline-pumping fun. The only problem? You might experience a youthful zest and invincibility that’ll make the rest of adulthood pale in comparison. Caution: Seeking adult supervision is contradictory here.
The Camelicious Adventure Awaits
When in Dubai, ditch the mug of artisanal Colombian blend for something truly local—a refreshing cup of camel milk. Welcome to the Camelicious farm, where you can get a taste and a tour of how these ships of the desert produce surprisingly delicious milk. This out-of-ordinary excursion is ideal for foodies who’ve mastered latte art but are still working on riding a camel with grace.
Tour Dubai from the Skies with a Gyrocopter
Move over, helicopters and hot-air balloons; Dubai’s adventurous residents and curious visitors are taking to the skies via gyrocopters. These gyro whiz-machines offer breathtaking views of Dubai’s spectacular landscape. With flights managed by expertly trained pilots at Skyhub Dubai, you won’t just be sky-bound; you’ll be Instagram-icon material. Because really, a regular skyline photo with just the Burj Khalifa is so last year—give your followers a jaw-dropping view of it from above!
Explore Dubai’s Historic Backstreets on Foot
Now, if you’re the sort who enjoys leisurely walks in Dubai with a side of history, Dubai’s oldest district, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is your go-to. Think labyrinthine alleyways, traditional wind towers, and a resistance to modern-day glass and steel, which is enough to make the Burj Khalifa look back in admiration. Walk the lanes, snoop through museums, and peek into courtyard houses that’ll make your Instagram stories more cultured than ever.
A Dinner to Remember at Dinner in the Sky
Speaking of heights, a dinner that requires harnesses must be compelling, right? Dinner in the Sky lifts you (and your expectations) 50 meters above the ground for a unique dining experience where your main course comes with an unforgettable view of Dubai Marina and the Palm Jumeirah. Don’t worry, your cutlery is safe; it’s your appetite that we’re concerned about. Grasp your knife and fork a little tighter, this is dinner with a drop of thrill!