6 Unforgettable Experiences You Can Do in Dubai Away From the Crowds
Dubai can offer you much more than luxurious hotels, breathtaking skyscrapers and extravagant shopping malls. Here are six activities far removed from the usual tourist hotspots.
March 22, 2024
Learn to ride - on camels
Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center
Linda Krockenberger is the boss of the first training center for camel riding. In a gentle desert landscape, away from the glittering metropolis, the German teaches her guests how to handle and ride the long-legged exotic animals. On request, you can book a relaxed ride out into the desert and review what you have learned over a picnic in the dunes. For the particularly adventurous, there's long-distance trekking: Over the course of several days, the camels ride more than 20 kilometers a day through the desert. It's an unforgettable experience, like something out of 1001 nights.
Web: adcrc.me
Authentic foodie tour through Dubai
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Sisters Arca and Farida Ahmed grew up in Dubai and now share their passion for the city's culinary diversity with Frying Pan Tours. On two to four-hour walks, they guide guests through shady alleyways to their favorite cafés, authentic restaurants and the most unusual souks. While dining among the locals, the sisters provide exciting insights into the city's culinary past.
Luxury desert dinner under the stars
© Nara Desert Escape
Bringing elegance from the city to the dunes: Stephanie Reichenbach, head of the desert camp Sonara, organizes unique dinners every evening. Her team mesmerizes guests with falcon shows, fire breathers, belly dancers and acrobatics, while the camp's design makes Instagram dreams come true. The finest canapés are served at sunset, along with mini tuna tacos and smoked salmon with lemon sour cream. Bartenders mix the perfect sundowner.
Web: www.nara.ae
Artists' quarter Alserkal Avenue
© Alserkal Avenue Dubai
On the site of a former marble factory, one of the region's most influential artists' districts has emerged in recent years. The old warehouses on Alserkal Avenue are now home to extravagant events, gastronomy, art and fashion. One of the first on site was the gallery Carbon 12 by Austrian Nadine Knotzer. In her showroom, she is exhibiting works by artists such as Olaf Breuning, Bernhard Buhmann and Sarah Almehari. A new addition is one of the leading event organizers in the MENA region: TMV@TheFridge regularly hosts unique live music evenings.
Web: alserkal.online
Wine tasting with star sommelier
Danijela Tesic
Danijela Tesic was named "Best Sommelière" by the Michelin Guide. If you want to enjoy her truly exceptional expertise, book a table at the elegant Stay by Yannick Alleno at One&Only The Palm. Recently, the elegant restaurant was also awarded a Michelin star. Tesic is currently head sommelier here and enchants guests with the perfect wine accompaniment to fine French cuisine.
Acquire barista skills and take home some coffee
© Raw Coffee Company
The Raw Coffee Company is one of the first specialty roasting companies in the emirate: Two New Zealanders founded the company 15 years ago and have been known for their certified organic coffee beans and boutique coffees ever since. Their enthusiasm for good coffee is palpable and infectious. At the Al Quoz location, coffee tastings and a talent workshop for budding baristas are available on request. If you like, you can take a few of your favorite beans home with you - they stay fresh for at least up to six weeks.
Web: rawcoffeecompany.com
Where to Stay
One&Only The Palm
© One&Only
The 5-star resort One&Only The Palm enchants visitors with an excellently trained team and romantic architecture. Its curved Spanish arches along the extensive façade are reminiscent of the Moorish palaces of Andalusia. The best view of this beautiful exterior can be enjoyed with an excellent cocktail in hand from the 850 square meter infinity pool. The wellness area also stands out: Here, the only Guerlain Spa of the United Arab Emirates for the finest treatments.
One&Only The Palm
West Crescent, Palm-Jumeirah, Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971 4 440 1010
Web: oneandonlyresorts.com
Price: Doubles from € 358
The Nest
© Nara Desert Escape
In the middle of the picturesque desert, around 30 minutes' drive from the Burj Khalifa, The Nest recently opened: Here you sleep in beautiful Berber tents, which are a mixture of tent and luxury hotel room. Each of the 14 nests is beautifully styled, has its own bedroom, bathroom and a mini-bar with a bottle of pre-cooled Laurent-Perrier. As if The Nest's team knew that the champagne would come in handy when you're counting the shooting stars by the private campfire in the evening.
The Nest by Sonara
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971 50 336 7909
Web: nara.ae
Price: Nest from € 586
La Ville Hotel & Suites
© La Ville
La Ville Hotel & Suites focuses on sustainability with initiatives to save energy and water, waste management and staff training. The newcomer to the hotel scene was awarded the Gold Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp last year. For guests, this means a clear conscience while enjoying the best view of the skyline with a screwdriver in the rooftop pool.
La Ville Hotel & Suites
Al Multaqa St, Al Wasl, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel. +971 4 403 3111
Web: livelaville.com
Price: Doubles from € 151
Getting There
Emirates Airlines
Emirates
The flight ticket for Emirates Airlines comes with 35 kg free baggage allowance in Economy, 40 kg in Business and 50 kg in First Class. There are nine direct flights a day from Germany, three times a day from Frankfurt and twice a day from Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. You can also get to the desert metropolis from Vienna and Zurich without changing planes. The flight time is around 6 hours and on board you can just relax. Emirates Airlines has just been named the best airline for the Middle East, as well as for its excellent in-flight entertainment. Business and First Class guests receive a free chauffeur service of up to 80 kilometers to and from the airport in Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and, of course, at their destination.
Web: emirates.com
