When talking about a trip to Dubai, many people immediately imagine the Burj Khalifa, camels and shopping malls that the metropolis is famous for. For those who are looking for something unique on every trip, it is better to turn to the locals for tips. This vibrant, cosmopolitan and distinctive city has many secret cultural and gastronomic spots that the people of the emirate have happily shared. Welcome to the Dubai you didn't know about! A guaranteed way to fall in love with the local culture and customs is to visit the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Cooperation (SMCCU). Here you can enjoy authentic oriental cuisine with a traditional Emirati-style lunch, mingle with the people of Dubai, go on a sightseeing tour of the old city, or see the newly renovated windmill in Al Fahidi Historic District. Although Gahwa (Arabic coffee) is one of the hallmarks of the emirates, karak milk and sweet tea is very popular among the local young generation. It is traditionally brewed over low heat and consists of a combination of black tea, milk, sugar, and Indian spices such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. A great place to try karak is Filli Tea & Cafe, which was one of the first franchises to promote the idea of drinking local tea in a cafe. Locals also like to drink tea in the Satwa and Bur Dubai districts, where a cup of the drink costs only 1-2 AED. 
Fall in love with the city
Drinking the most delicious tea in a cafe
Learn to cook Emirati dishes
For those who want to surprise their friends after their trip with traditional Emirati dishes, Seven Sands invites you to take part in the Emirati Cooking Class. It takes place every Tuesday from 10:00 to 12:00. Here you can appreciate the local Emirati cuisine and cook two popular national dishes. Guests can then taste their culinary creations during a three-course lunch that includes meze (traditional appetizers), a main course and an Emirati dessert.
Meet the sunset on the secret beach
Dubai's coastline is full of beautiful beaches, but none of them are like the other. Black Palace Beach is ideal for those who love secluded relaxation and special places hidden from prying eyes. It is located between the Dubai Media City Free Economic Zone and the Royal Summer Palaces in Al Sufuh. It features crystal blue waters and the sunsets overlooking Palm Jumeirah are simply mesmerizing. .ru/sized/f550x700/b2/v3/b2v3cl1edg08s84ow008osk4w.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”> Feel the real taste of Dubai with the Frying Pan Adventures Dubai Food Tour on Wheels. Guests board the bus for food tasting, fascinating stories and colorful street art across 4 blocks of the old city. And the guide will tell you about the history of Dubai's transformation from a small coastal settlement into a real metropolis. See even more interesting routes around the emirate here: Dubai tours.
Eating and admiring the old city
Thomas Bunton
Try Friday Brunch
Weekend brunches have long been the most popular gastronomic tradition for locals. The working week here lasts from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday, the people of Dubai get together to celebrate the start of the weekend. Although brunch is traditionally held on Fridays in the emirate, lately this gastronomic tradition is increasingly spreading to Saturday as well. //fs.tonkosti.ru/sized/f550x700/ai/bf/aibf5ddjdy8gcgg0sskwo8kcg.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”> Deira Waterfront Market is one of the best places to buy fresh fish. It is noisy, chaotic, but at the same time very atmospheric. Be sure to bargain – it's part of the tradition. Then you can go to one of the restaurants on the waterfront, where the fish will be prepared for only 15 AED. Calligraphy is a treasure of the Arab world and a key form of self-expression and creativity in Islamic culture. Alserkal Avenue houses the studio of the world-renowned artist eL Seed, with his intricate works and art projects that mix traditional Arabic calligraphy with vibrant colors and lively graffiti style. eL Seed's “calligraffiti” can be found in prominent public spaces, galleries and various buildings, both in Dubai and in cities in the US, Korea, Tunisia, France, Qatar, the UK and more, including his first public art project in Dubai at the Biodome. Green Planet and a sculpture he created especially for the Dubai Opera. Henna painting is another art form that has evolved over time into a traditional Middle Eastern craft. Henna was one of the first natural remedies for body art. It is still a popular beauty treatment in Dubai. The ancient art form has been perfected by several Emirati artists. Those who want to learn more about this oriental tradition should visit Heritage for Henna and Rachna Salon, pioneers of Arabic henna design. Bob Marquart Do you want to surprise your family and friends with an unusual souvenir after a trip to Dubai? A great idea would be to create an author's gold jewelry. Cara Jewelers or others in the Gold Souq or Gold & Diamond Park offer moderate prices for 18 carat gold and guests will receive their custom-made jewelry for the remainder of their stay in the city. Although Dubai is full of boutiques and shopping malls with stylish clothes, why not tailor-made a suit or dress? Satwa, one of the city's most curious neighborhoods, is home to many of Dubai's tailors and haberdashers. There are many small shops with a variety of fabrics on the streets. kd/cekdtzq9vk84k0kwso80oc0w8.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”> Mathias Apitz (München)
Try the best fish in town
Learn the secrets of calligraphy…
…and henna painting
Make a decoration according to your own sketch
Tailor-made dress or suit
