Art & Foodin Dubai

Curated by

Patricia van der Vliet

At a glance

City

Culture

Shopping

Year Round

Curator's statement

Dubai has all the conveniences you would expect from other big cities, as well as incredible art installations, museums and the new Dubai Expo that just launched. In Dubai, you have the best food options and ingredients at super markets, amazing workout classes and such open-minded people. The city is extremely international with great shopping, modern and old architecture (a juxtaposition I enjoy), and activities for everyone of all ages.

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Insider Knowledge

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Where to stay

Rove La Mer

A new hotel bursting with contemporary art and located close to attractions like Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall.

Fora Perks

Bulgari Hotel

Located on Jumeirah Bay, this luxury resort features a private beach.

Fora Perks

  • $100 food / beverage credit.
  • Breakfast daily.
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah

This serene spot is less than an hour from Dubai, but feels like a private island escape, with tented buildings, private pools, and Arabian Gulf views.

Fora Perks

  • $100 food / beverage credit.
  • Breakfast daily.
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Patricia

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Patricia

Things to do

Greatest Hits

Go and see The Frame, the world’s largest picture frame. Once on top you can walk along the glass-floored walkways and enjoy views of the city from more than 300 feet up.

Visit the Museum of the Future, a museum that just opened and offers exhibits on innovative designs.

Don’t skip on the newly-launched Dubai Expo – a world expo extending from now until March 2022, and showcasing the best the world has to offer from technology to flavor.

Go for a boat ride in the old part of town with the Abra boat service.

If you’re looking to break a sweat, try a class at Barry’s Bootcamp or pilates and yoga at Bay Yoga. Next, check out the Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai Mall. You’ll definitely want to walk through the underwater tunnel that takes you right through a shark and ray-filled tank.

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, cross skydiving at the Palms off your bucket list or try buggy racing in the desert. You can also hold falcons or take an archery class. I assure you, you won't get bored in this city!

A note from

Patricia

If you’d rather skip the entry fee for the Dubai Aquarium, the building itself is still very pretty and can be enjoyed from the outside.

Eat & drink

Clap: On the rooftop of the DIFC, come to Clap for a Japanese dining experience.

Moe’s on 5th: A combination of Southern French and Mediterranean fare in an art-forward space.

Indochine: French-Vietnamese cuisine inside a restaurant with a tropical motif.

LPM: An Italian and French-inspired menu served in a relaxed setting.

Hoseki: An exclusive restaurant inside the Bulgari Hotel with only nine seats, serving a spectacular Omakase experience.

A note from

Patricia

If looking for more food options, check out the restaurants inside The Burj or Shimmers.

Things to know

Considerations

Although Dubai is a progressive city, it does have a conservative culture. It is advised to dress modestly and always ask permission before taking photos of people. If you are going to visit the old part of town, or plan on taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Mosque of Sheik Zayed, you will want to be dressed appropriately. In all the places that are in the “new” part of town, it’s fully accepted to dress as a westerner.

Local transportation

Make sure to purchase a NOL card when visiting Dubai because cash is not accepted on buses or the metro. The Dubai metro is safe and reliable and a great way to get around the city with ease. You can reach downtown Dubai from the airport by taking the red line metro from terminal 3 or 1. If you land in Dubai at an odd hour, your best bet is to take a Dubai taxi.

When to visit

I wouldn’t recommend visiting Dubai in September. I love warm weather, but that dry heat is something else! My whole room kept fogging up, even if I turned the AC off for just five minutes.

Curator

Patricia van der Vliet

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Patricia

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Patricia

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Advisor

Patricia van der Vliet

Advisor

Patricia van der Vliet