DE The best neighbourhoods to stay in on your next trip to Dubai
Looking for luxury? Or maybe you love history and heritage? Whatever your taste, discover the best areas to stay in Dubai
For a moderately sized city, Dubai has an impressive diversity to its districts; move from one area to another and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a different city altogether – if it weren’t for that ever-present skyline.
Here’s our roundup of some of the most interesting areas in Dubai – which ones will catch your eye?
Al Seef/Al Fahidi – Old Dubai, for tradition and culture
This is as traditional as Dubai gets: wind towers, tiny twisting streets, lively souks, sun-baked courtyards and museums galore, all beside Dubai Creek, where you can look across the water to working dhows. Pop in to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a traditional Emirati meal, and to learn about the UAE’s culture: check ahead to see what’s on offer during your visit. And for accommodation, tradition and luxury go hand-in-hand, with boutique hotels such as XVA Art Hotel or Al Seef Heritage Hotel.
Jumeirah – Beachside suburbia, for refined luxury
Long one of Dubai’s most desirable districts, Jumeirah stretches for miles along the seafront to the southwest of central Dubai, and is perfect for those looking for the ultimate in luxury. Lined with elegant villas, and small but perfectly formed commercial areas, Jumeirah is also home to hotels such as the sumptuous Mandarin Oriental and the world-famous Burj Al Arab. Dining in Jumeirah is a highlight, whether it’s plant-based menus at SEVA, award-winning dining at the casual Orfali Bros Bistro, or indulgent beachfront dining at Shimmers. There are cuisines and restaurants here to suit every mood, budget and palate.
Downtown – Dynamic Dubai, at the heart of the action
The area around Burj Khalifa is the city’s centre of gravity, home to many of the most dazzling attractions Dubai has to offer. Stay here for Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, The Dubai Fountain – and, of course, the tallest tower in the world. Dinner at Souk Al Bahar on Burj Lake, complete with a fountain view, is not to be missed. There are many, many hotels here, but for something different try La Ville at City Walk, not far from Downtown – or for a more budget-friendly option, try Rove Downtown.
Palm Jumeirah – Ultimate glamour, for bragging rights
If you want to show off, Palm Jumeirah is the place to be. This enormous man-made island in the shape of a palm frond is home to some of the glitziest properties and hotels in Dubai, including the lavish new Atlantis The Royal and its sister hotel Atlantis, The Palm next door, along with One&Only The Palm, Rixos The Palm and Jumeirah https://toapaintindonesia.com/ Zabeel Saray. Here, 50 floors up, is the world’s highest 360 infinity pool, Aura Skypool, one of the Palm’s – if not Dubai’s – most amazing experiences, and with the views to match. Back down at sea level, the Aquaventure water park at Atlantis, The Palm is the world’s biggest water park, with 105 record-breaking slides, attractions and experiences to explore. But as the Palm is best viewed from the air, why not throw in a seaplane trip to snap your hotel from above? For another terrific view of the island, head up to level 52 of Palm Tower. With an outdoor terrace and lounge, The View has soaring views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Take it up a notch on its Next Level VIP lounge, located at the tower’s highest point.
Dubai Marina – High-rise heaven for indulgence and adventure
Looking almost like a separate city, Dubai Marina consists of hundreds of high-rise towers around a marina. There’s a lot going on here, including some of Dubai’s best dining and nightlife options, including some sensational spots right on the beach in the fittingly-named development The Beach, right by Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Stroll along Marina Walk, catch a water taxi – or go jet-skiing, parasailing or skydiving. For accommodation, try The Address Dubai Marina, attached to Marina Mall, or the InterContinental Dubai Marina, next to JBR.
Deira and Garhoud – Handy city links for stopovers
If your time in Dubai is short, perhaps because you’re stopping over on your way to somewhere else, then stay close to the airport in Deira or Garhoud. For a taste of luxury (and a round of golf), spend a night at Park Hyatt Dubai on the banks of Dubai Creek. Or to explore the city, try Rove City Centre, a short walk from Dubai’s excellent Metro system. And for a touch of culture, drop into the stunning Jameel Arts Centre across the Creek from Garhoud
Outside Dubai – Tranquillity and pampering
Escape the bustle of the city for a very different experience at one of Dubai’s tranquil resort hotels. Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, offers an unparalleled chance to experience the wilder side of the Arabian Peninsula, with oryx, falcons and camels – and offers day passes for desert experiences and spa treatments, even if you’re not staying there. Or try JA The Resort in Jebel Ali, for a combination of pampering and golf.
Broaden your horizons in Dubai
In Dubai, you’ll find all the right ingredients for a sun-soaked trip. The sophisticated metropolis by the sea provides unforgettable experiences, from serene safaris in the desert to dining in the world’s tallest building.
Broaden your horizons with a trip that takes in its exhilarating mix of record-breaking architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and white sand beaches. You’ll return home with plenty of tales to share.