Dubai’s Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Places Worth Visiting
The Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Marina, Palm Island, and the musical fountain are the gathering spots for visitors to Dubai. But the emirate is capable of more than just this kind of surprise.
Dubai continues to amaze visitors with new developments and attractions at each new visit. Even the most conservative neighborhoods of the emirate, such as Bur Dubai and Zabeel, have undergone considerable transformations and gained unequivocal tourist attraction as a result of various amazing solutions and ideas adopted by municipal officials. As part of our journey, we will take you to the most unusual and little-known places that deserve your attention.
Historic Bastakiya
A renovated ancient district called Bastakiya, or Al-Fahidi, is home to a mosque, many museums, and art galleries.
Persian pearl divers were the first people to settle in Bastakiya. They used cheap resources like shell rock, lime, clay, and palm branches to build their homes. Following the oil boom, the majority of households relocated to the city center, and the government made the decision to demolish Bastakiya. This was supposed to be the location of a new commercial hub in the 1980s. But the community spoke out, and it was decided to preserve the area as a historic architectural site. Once the area was restored by the British, the old homes were replaced with cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
You must visit Bastakiya to witness the Arabic-style structures in person. The residences are divided by tiny, pedestrian-friendly streets. Climbing up to the roofs, you may see the original district and enjoy the sunset while sipping Arabic tea.
Flamingos In The Desert
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity to interact with an untamed environment in the middle of wide-lane roads, multi-story glass giants, and sweltering desert sand. The land is under ongoing protection and inspection, and it was included to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2007.
However, visitors frequently come here for reasons other than the 500 animal and bird species. The reserve is notable for its permanent pink flamingo habitat! You may observe the leisurely lives of these magnificent birds all year.
There are a total of 3 entrances to the sanctuary. The distance between them is almost 3 km, so it makes sense to decide in advance what interests you most.
The sanctuary is located in the inner part of Dubai Creek. You can get there only by taxi or your own car. If you don't have your own car in Dubai (which is obvious), you can always rent one from the Yango company. The company has a huge selection of daily and monthly rentals. Also, for most bookings, no deposit is required.
One of the main advantages of renting a car is the freedom to move around on your own schedule. You can decide for yourself when and where to go, skip or add new places on your route. This means that on the way to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, you can stop for a snack and not worry about not making it before closing. You are freed from dependence on public transport or tour groups, and can explore places at your own pace.
Moreover, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is quite difficult to reach by public transport or other means of transport. But it becomes accessible thanks to having your own rented car from Yango.
Hipsterish Alserkal
Alserkal is an art space that arose on the site of industrial buildings in 2008. It frequently holds contemporary art exhibits, music and cuisine festivals, and several workshops. In Alserkal, you may buy at local designer showrooms, sing at an open mic night, and visit art galleries or cafes. This is where the renowned Art Dubai market and the Art Nights festival take place. The location is strikingly similar to Meatpacking in New York.
Alserkal Avenue has 40 art venues, 20 of which are now hosting exhibitions, including the multipurpose Concrete center. The Alserkal Avenue neighborhood has it all. Chi-KA sells kimono-style abayas, while the Scandinavian design store Ikon House sells minimalist home decor. The FlipSide music store sells vinyl records, and the Jewel Teller boutique sells handmade jewelry.
Love Lake Dubai – Perfect If You Are In Love
The Love Lake in Dubai is an artificial oasis made in the form of two intertwined hearts. Its shape can only be seen from a bird's eye view. On the shore, photo zones with hearts and romantic inscriptions remind of it, so the place is very popular with couples in love. Even if you are far from romantic, it is worth stopping by. The lake is much cooler and quieter than the hot city. You can walk along the shore or sit on a bench and admire the golden carp and birds on the water, and have a picnic in a specially designated area. According to reviews, it is especially beautiful here at sunset.
Classic Travel Gem: Unusual Museums
Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple
The first Sikh temple in the Arab world is in Dubai. The temple space is massive: over 100,000 square meters, including a vast prayer hall seating 900 people. In the Sikh temple, you may enjoy harmony, tranquility, and sweets during langar, a traditional Sikh meal that includes vegetarian dishes.
Historical and Ethnographic Museum
The historical and ethnographic villages depict how people lived in Dubai before oil reserves were found. For example, in the Heritage and Pearl Divers Villages, ancient buildings, artisan centers, and customs have been maintained or restored. The museum is located on the coast of Dubai Creek, where the earliest fishing and pearl diving settlements emerged.
Museum of the Future
The museum is dedicated to the future and the advancement of technology during the next twenty years. The museum's exhibits are pure concepts. The facility will bring together futurists, scientists, technologists, and industry executives through year-round discussions, debates, seminars, and research sessions. The region includes a laboratory for the collaborative investigation of diverse ideas and theories. The museum's mission is to solve economic and social problems in order to prevent the climatic disaster in 2050.
