INTHEBLACK September/October 2025 - Magazine - Page 55
DUBAI
A major finance and trade hub, Dubai is a desert
oasis that doubles as a magnet for international
travellers who desire lavish hotels, retail
indulgence and a vibrant nightlife. The city’s
breathtaking architecture is a stand-out feature.
GETTING AROUND
Dubai’s public transport is modern and safe.
Get the official RTA Dubai app to check metro
schedules. Taxis are plentiful and metered, while
ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Careem are also
available (consider Careem’s dedicated business
service for extra comfort). Buses cover the city.
Travel from the airport to downtown Dubai by
red line train for AED8, by taxi for roughly AED60,
or by bus for AED5.
nol Cards are also a good travel payment option.
LOCAL TASTES
Catering to 200 nationalities and many travellers,
Dubai’s food scene is truly international.
21GRAMS: Start with breakfast or brunch at this
unpretentious bistro near Jumeirah Beach, where
pindjur eggs — poached eggs in slow-roasted tomato
and pepper relish — are a favourite.
ASEELAH: Head to Aseelah for genuine Emirati
fare, local ingredients and belly dancing. This awardwinning, stylish restaurant in the Radisson Blu Hotel
on Dubai Creek is known for its seafood dishes
and decadent desserts.
ZUMA: The black cod is a globally recognised
dish at this buzzing Japanese restaurant.
Popular with businesspeople for brunch,
lunch and dinner.
WHERE TO STAY
From high-end retreats to comfortable business
hotels, there are plenty of places to stay in Dubai.
RAFFLES, THE PALM: Raffles is a recreation of an
18th century European palace on the Palm Jumeirah
archipelago. With eight restaurants, a private yoga
studio and a beach club offering access to a private
coastline, this is the place to relax — for a price.
ROVE DOWNTOWN: A budget-friendly yet stylish
hotel with co-working spaces, Rove has a self-service
The Burj Khalifa
and Dubai skyline,
UAE
laundry and an energetic vibe — great for startups
and freelancers on a budget.
25HOURS HOTEL ONE CENTRAL: A trendy hub
for creatives and businesspeople, this hotel has
co-working spaces, a podcast recording room and
a rooftop pool with bean bags.
WHERE TO PLAY
Explore Emirati culture, world-class galleries
and museums, or wander through ancient
souks (marketplaces).
BURJ KHALIFA: Marvel at the views from one of
two observation decks in this 829m-tall engineering
masterpiece — the world’s tallest building. Ticket
prices start at AED179 for adults and AED145 for
children aged 3–8.
IBN BATTUTA MALL: Inspired by adventurer
Ibn Battuta, this gigantic mall has been designed
so each section is themed around a different country.
Covering an area of 521,000 square metres,
it is the largest themed shopping centre
in the world.
AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL DISTRICT:
Experience old Dubai with a
walk through twisting streets
in this historic neighbourhood.
Calligraphy House (specialising
in Arabic calligraphy) and the
Coins Museum are worth a visit.
INSIDER TIP
Taxis are colourcoded. A yellow roof
can be hailed, a pink
roof is for women and
children, and a green
roof is a hybrid
vehicle.
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