Discover the awe-inspiring secret treasures of Dubai
The city of Dubai is well-known for its exceptional tourist attractions and adventure spots. From massive malls to theme parks with gravity-defying rides, the city has everything one can think of. But amidst the towering skyscrapers and the more popular attractions, there are many places in the city that the tourists often miss out on.
Charming bistros with the best delicacies and cultural gems that open up a whole new avenue of discovery, there is much to enjoy in Dubai that the world does not know about yet. Read on to know more about these secret spots in Dubai that native residents love frequenting!
HIDDEN GEMS FOR SHOPAHOLICS
Dubai is a popular shopping destination with several gargantuan malls but, in this post, we’re listing down the top souks in Dubai as well some other hidden places for a unique shopping experience.
ARABIAN CENTER
Located at Al Khawaneej Street in Al Mizhar, this mall deserves to be called one of the hidden gems in Dubai. Arabian Center is a stone’s throw away from the family-friendly residential community of Mirdif . The shopping destination is home to over 200 retail outlets selling everything from high-street fashion to sports items and groceries. Arabian Center has a hypermarket, an expansive food court and an 8-screen digital cinema.
Opening hours:
- Timings: Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Al Mizhar, Al Khawaneej Road, near Mirdiff – Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-527-7777
NAIF SOUK
The Naif Souk is one of the oldest souks and the top hidden gems in Dubai. In the early years, the Naif Souk was a primary centre for camel trading. But today, from spices and garments to toys and electronics, Naif Souk offers a well-rounded shopping experience. Bargain hunters will have an exciting day exploring the market to get the best deals.
- Timings: 08:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Location: Naif Street, near Naif Police Station, Deira Dubai
- Contact: +971-800-900
PERFUME SOUK
Dubai’s Souks are known for their hustle and bustle and one of the most interesting marketplaces of the lot is the iconic Perfume Souk. You will find a range of Arabic perfumes, incense sticks, essential oils and other interesting items at the market. Some of the souk’s retailers also sell perfumes in bulk at discounted prices.
- Location: Sikkat al Khali Street, Deira
- Contact: +971-58-220-0965
THE UNDERRATED OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS IN DUBAI
LOVE LAKE DUBAI
Travel to Al Qudra oasis to visit Love Lake Dubai and have the most unique experience of your life. This hidden gem is made up of two enormous, heart-shaped lakes connected to each other. Even the trees in the region are maintained in such a way that when viewed from above, they spell out the word ‘love’.
Visitors can enjoy a family picnic and set up barbecues in the designated spots. Enjoy the tranquil nature while keeping an eye out for wildlife, which includes a variety of bird species.
- Tickets: The attraction is free of charge
- Location: Al Qudra
AVENTURA PARK
Surrounded by the humongous Ghaf trees, Aventura Park is an adventure buff’s haven in Dubai where visitors can enjoy a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities. Take the Leap of Faith or do the Cat Walk on a log while blindfolded. Even if you’re not an adventure buff, there is a lot of fun things to do in this park that will keep you busy for hours.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Friday, Saturday and School/Public Holidays: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm | Tuesday Closed
- Aventura Park tickets: AED 185 for adults (anyone taller than 1.4 metres is considered an adult) | AED 149 for kids (below 1.4 metres)
- Location: Al Mushrif Park Dubai
- Contact: +971-52-178-7616
AL MARMOOM DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE
Another outdoor hidden gem in Dubai is the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest unfenced natural reserve in Dubai. Al Marmoom is open to the public and provides a good opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of Dubai. The best time to visit the destination is from October to March.
Open seven days a week, the reserve has several endangered species including the Arabian Oryx. Visitors can partake in various things to do in Al Marmoom, such as biking, trekking, exploring the Marmoom Camel Race Track, discovering the wildlife or just enjoying a picnic by the lake.
- Location: Saih Al Salaam, Al Marmoom, Al Qudra
- Contact: +971-4-606-6819
ART AND CULTURE
Let’s take a look at the different spots where you can get the taste of real Dubai and Emirati culture.
MAJLIS GHORFAT
Located at Umm Al Sheif, Majlis Ghorfat is a historic two-storey building that served as Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s summer retreat in the 1950s. The building has an elegant, simple design, typical of traditional Arabian architecture.
The whitewashed walls with teak window shutters are the perfect examples of innovative architectural designs user in traditional buildings to maintain an even temperature and provide appropriate ventilation. The impressive interior has embellished doors with a majlis room and colourful rugs. This is the perfect spot to discover the cultural history of Dubai.
- Majlis Ghorfat entry fee: AED 3 for adults | AED 1 for kids under the age of six
- Location: Al Mehemal Street, Jumeirah, Dubai
- Contact: 800-33-222
- Timings: 07:30 am – 02:30 pm (Closed on Friday and Saturday)
DUBAI COFFEE MUSEUM
The next hidden gem in Dubai is for the caffeine aficionados. The Dubai Coffee Museum is the perfect spot to discover more about the signature coffee blends that are popular in the region. Learn about the origins of coffee, the different methods of brewing coffee and a wealth of information about the popular bean. Visitors can also sample different varieties of coffee from around the world in the Coffee Museum, also considered one of the best museums in Dubai.
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | Closed on Friday
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Villa 44, Dubai
CINEMA AKIL
There are plenty of cinemas in Dubai where you can catch your favourite blockbusters, but none are as unique as Cinema Akil located at Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz.
The popular cinema is an independent art-house theatre in Dubai featuring independent movies from around the globe. Cinema Akil is also known for Project Chaiwala where patrons can indulge in a one-of-a-kind tea experience from South Asia.
- Location: Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue – Al Quoz Industrial District
- Contact: 971-58-579-6957
SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURE AND UNDERSTANDING
Looking for hidden local gems in Dubai? Pay a visit to the Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). The non-profit organisation known for hosting cultural events and is a Dubai hidden gem that will enchant culture vultures. These events are popular among tourists who want to learn more about the local culture and heritage of Dubai. The organisation offers walking tours of all the major attractions and cultural venues in the city. Try local Arabian cuisine and the unique gahwa, popularly known as Arabian coffee.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm |Closed on Sunday
- Location: Al Mussallah Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-353-6666
COURTYARD PLAYHOUSE
Located in Al Quoz 1, the Courtyard Playhouse is a KHDA licensed Performing Arts and Training Centre in Dubai. The Courtyard Playhouse is an improv’ theatre in Dubai that plays a vital role in nurturing the local talent in the city. The Playhouse hosts a number of plays with the best performances by local and international actors.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 09:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Location: The Courtyard Building, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971-50-986-1760
VOX OUTDOOR CINEMA
Want to watch the latest blockbusters under the stars? No, it’s not a drive-in cinema. It’s a cinema on the roof! Located atop the Galleria Mall, the Vox Outdoor Rooftop Cinema is ideal for those looking for unique leisure destinations in the emirate. Comfy bean bags, lounge chairs and couches enhance the experience and the best technologies are at play for a cinematic experience that you won’t want to miss!
- Opening hours: Timings subject to movie schedule
- Location: The Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road
- Contact: +971-600-599-905
UNIQUE CAFÉS IN DUBAI
Looking for hidden food gems in Dubai? The city has countless restaurants and cafés but there are some unique eateries that foodies can explore.
TWIGGY BY LA CANTINE
Twiggy by La Cantine is the newest addition to Dubai’s seaside dining scene. This sun-dappled area, located at the Park Hyatt Dubai Lagoon, promises stylish vibes and a peaceful yet lively ambience. Dishes on their Mediterranean menu are made from the freshest ingredients. There is also a delectable range of sushi to choose from. Enjoy a delicious feast either on their terrace or by the pool. Its totally your call.
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Location: Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek Club Street
- Contact: 971-04-602-1105
SANSATION
Another hidden gem in the city, Sansation restaurant offers a beautiful ambience and excellent food. From seafood pizza to grilled hammour and fattoush, the eatery offers many delicious dishes.
- Opening hours: 7:30 am – 2:00 am
- Location and Contact: Arabian Ranches: +971-4-243-7610 | Motor City: +971-4-456-7371
THE MAJLIS
The Majlis Café is located in The Dubai Mall. A true hidden gem in Dubai, The Majlis Café is best known for serving freshly brewed coffee prepared with camel milk.
The café stays true to the age-old Arabian tradition of using camel milk in its products. So, if you wish to try something new or unheard of, Majlis Café is the perfect spot for you!
- Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Thursday and Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 am
- Average cost for two: AED 150
- Location: The Dubai Mall, Gold Souk
- Contact: +971-56-287-1522
BOSTON LANE
Boston Lane is a charming and cosy café secretly tucked away at The Courtyard in Al Quoz. The café is known for its Instagrammable interior with pink and dove grey colour schemes. Boston Lane is an Australian café in Dubai with delectable dishes on the menu. You can enjoy the amazing food along with a freshly brewed cup of coffee while catching up with your friends. The establishment is also considered one of the best cafes in Dubai.
- Opening hours: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 110
- Location: 6 A Street, The Courtyard, Al Quoz, Dubai
- Contact: +971-58-517-2131
NOMAD
Nomad is a fast food haven. The quaint burger joint serves some of the best burgers in Dubai. Some of the popular burgers from the Nomad menu are Zero Gravity, Red Velvet, Bedouin and Truffle. Nomad’s mac and cheese is also popular among patrons as well.
- Opening hours: Saturday to Wednesday 12:00 pm – 02:00 am | Thursday and Friday 12:00 pm – 03:00 am
- Average cost for two: AED 190
- Location: Opposite Dubai Public Library, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
- Contact: +971-58-954-1613
SECRET GARDEN CAFE
Another hidden gem in Dubai is Secret Garden, a quaint little café located amongst the hustle and bustle of the City Walk, Dubai. The picturesque café is aptly named the Secret Garden Café. You will encounter a myriad of beautiful flowers in the chic and classy interior designed with a soft pink gradient. One of the best cafes in City Walk, Secret Garden is a great place for some Insta-worthy mocktails, cakes, coffee, tea and other beverages.
- Opening hours: Vary
- Average cost for two: AED 90
- Location: Multiple Branches
OTHER HIDDEN GEMS IN DUBAI
XVA ART HOTEL
Art enthusiasts looking for suitable hidden gems in Dubai can head to the XVA Art Hotel. The emirate of Dubai isn’t short of swanky hotels, but this one may appeal to art aficionados. The hotel is best suited for artists and those who love the craft. Apart from being a peaceful retreat, the XVA Art Hotel is also one of the best Instagrammable hotels in Dubai. Furthermore, large shaded courtyards and preserved wind towers evoke a sense of nostalgia.
- Location: Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-353-5383
FAQS
What are some of the best-hidden gem restaurants in Dubai?
There are some local favourites that long time residents swear by including al Ustad Special Kabab, Belad Al Sham and Automatic restaurant.
Which are some of the lesser-known malls in Dubai?
Apart from the Arabian Centre which is mentioned above, there are also many other lesser-known shopping centres in the city, such as the Jumeirah Plaza, Reef Mall and even the Karama Shopping Centre.
That’s all from our guide to hidden gems in Dubai. Looking for other exciting destinations to add to your travel bucket list? There are many things to do in Dubai to pick from.
The tourist attractions in Dubai attract hundreds and thousands of people each year. Keep an eye out for the new and upcoming attractions in Dubai like Arena Games, Deep Dive Dubai and much more.
For more updates on new adventures in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut.
