Emirati Cuisine

Dubai

DESTINATIONS united arab emirates dubai The Desert Emirati Cuisine

Emirati Cuisine

While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional harees, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Logma at The Dubai Mall and Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe at Dubai Festival City.

Useful Information

The Desert

Safaris, sunsets and stargazing. When it comes to Dubai's majestic desert, visitors have many options to discover its beautiful landscape. Beyond the popular off-roading or desert safaris, there’s much to do amid the dunes. Whether you're taking in some history with a traditional Bedouin meal, cycling through Al Qudra or watching for wildlife, don't miss the opportunity to experience the desert. Visit a resort or conservation reserve, or simply watch the sunset before some stargazing.

Desert Safaris

If there is one thing you cannot miss it's an Arabian Adventures desert safari. Take a back seat (unless, of course, you prefer to sit at the front of your 4x4), strap in and hold on tight as an experienced driver takes on the rolling dunes, teetering on the edge of seemingly sheer drops, …

Desert Hotels

Some of Dubai's most luxurious hotels are located in the desert. Get a taste of old Arabia at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, just half an hour from the city centre. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve takes glamping to another level, with luxury tented-style villas …

Desert Activities

There are a few cities in the world that have both the desert and beach right on their doorstep. To Dubai's advantage, the azure coastline and sun-burnt dunes are only about an hour's drive apart, meaning you can surf in the morning and sand board in the afternoon. The most common desert activity is …

Al Marmoom

Head out to the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track for a modern-day take on the traditional Emirati sport of camel racing. The excitement is contagious and something you must see to believe as the camels race down the track towards the finish line. The season runs from October to April, with weekend races taking …

Desert Dining

There are many ways to dine in the desert. Heritage dinner safaris teach you how to cook a local dish, while desert safaris offer off-roading followed by a barbecue meal at a desert camp. For comfy views of the desert, upscale resorts feature live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens and traditional majlis-style seating. Try luxurious …

Desert Conservation

Covering 225 square kilometres, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is one of the largest areas to be declared as a protected nature reserve in the country. Guided wildlife tours are available, but all activities are carefully organised to ensure that local flora and fauna continue to thrive. The unfenced Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, …

Dining

There’s nothing the people of Dubai love more than to dress up and dine out. You can choose from a glittering array of celebrity restaurants and a huge variety of Middle Eastern food, plenty of them family-friendly and almost all in Instagram-worthy locations.

Emirati Cuisine

Brunch

Join in on one of Dubai's favourite pastimes — the famous weekend brunch. There's a brunch to suit any mood, whether you're seeking a romantic vibe, a fun meal with friends or simply fantastic cuisine, Dubai has you covered. Tried-and-true options include Saffron, Bubbalicious and Zuma. If you're looking for something more offbeat, try …

Cafes & Bakeries

Whether it’s coffee you're after or a bakery bite, there’s no shortage of cafes in Dubai. Park House (now Circle Café) and Surf Café offer laid-back vibes near the beach, while Tom & Serg in Dubai's art district is one of a kind. For a caffeine fix in Dubai's financial district, visit Common Ground …

Fine Dining

With celebrity chefs, rooftop terraces, spectacular cuisine — foodies can taste delicious concepts in Dubai's amazing fine-dining establishments. Try Peruvian cuisine at Coya, French favourites at LPM Restaurant, Italian classics at Cipriani or superb seafood at Pierchic. If you're looking for fine dining with Arabian flair, options offering both gourmet cuisine and a world-class …

Celebrity Chefs

Some of the world's most esteemed chefs set up restaurants in Dubai, adding to the city's ever-increasing portfolio of high-end dining. Sink your teeth into Italy's finest fare at The Beach Bar & Grill by Mauro Colagreco or Torno Subito by Massimo Bottura, British bites at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen, Japanese signatures at …

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

It can be a challenge to get your children to eat what’s on their plates. Fortunately, Dubai is filled with restaurants serving kid-friendly meals, with menus featuring international specialties served with a side of entertainment. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to enjoy in the city. Try a weekend brunch at The …

Beachside Dining

Imagine this: the sound of crashing waves, the scent of the beach and a delectable feast on your table. We have the best selection of beachside dining, from fresh seafood at Fish Beach Taverna or international cuisine at Jetty Lounge, to a quick, quirky bite at Al Ijaza Cafeteria and unbeatable sliders at homegrown …

Outdoor Dining

From fresh catches and char-grilled steaks to Turkish pide, few places do outdoor dining more innovatively than Dubai. As a city constantly bathed in sunlight, Dubai knows how to enjoy good weather, with the winter months ideal for al fresco meals. Try Carine or Nammos, while fine dining outdoors is at its prime at …

Vegan & Healthy Eating

Healthy eating options are popping up all over Dubai. Locally grown organic food and superb locations are fuelling a vibrant health food culture. From the beaches of Jumeirah to the historic winding alleys of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai has everything from cold-pressed juices to paleo salads. Our healthy eateries include innovative names from …

Street Food

Explore a different side of Dubai with a walking food tour or simply forge your own path, making sure not to miss Ravi, Al Ustad Special Kebab and Al Mallah. Sample Dubai's food truck culture with sliders from the iconic Salt truck on Kite Beach, or keep your options open at Last Exit themed …

Experiential Dining

For anyone looking to get more from their meal, Dubai offers a host of novel dining options that have broken away from the norm. Experience molecular gastronomy with Indian flavours at Trèsind Studio, sail into the sunset on a luxury yacht and enjoy aboard Bateaux Dubai, or dine in the desert at Al Maha …

Business Restaurants

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city of diversity at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. For business travellers, the emirate combines excellent infrastructure, world-class cuisine and a playground of leisure activities when you're off the clock. Some of the most fruitful business transactions happen over a meal. To seal the deal, try Atmosphere at …

Private Dining

If you're looking for a table for two, Dubai's most exclusive destinations will indulge any special celebration. Headed by some of Dubai’s finest chefs, these restaurants are elegant, ambient and incredibly lavish. Make a reservation at The Cellar at BOCA, Dining by Design pop-up locations at Anantara The Palm, or the chef's table at …

Parks & Entertainment

With big ambitions and the expertise to make even the wildest dreams a reality, Dubai is becoming the most exciting adventure playground in the world. Whether it's family fun or hair-raising thrills you're after, there are laughs in store for all.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

It’s fun. It’s fast. And sometimes 5D! State-of-the-art thrill-rides bring all your favourite characters to life at IMG Worlds of Adventure. Enjoy multi-sensory adventures with characters from Cartoon Network and Marvel Comics heroes. Then there’s the hair-raising Lost Valley with 70 animatronic, life-sized dinosaurs. With non-stop entertainment from live stage shows to movies, it’s …

Legoland Dubai

Embark on adventurous rides and roller-coaster at Legoland Dubai. Build cars and race against friends and family with Lego cars, or role play at Lego City, where becoming a fireman or getting a driving licence is exclusive to kids. Of course, discovering how the marvellous bricks are made in the factory is a must, …

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Located next to the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark offers gravity-defying thrills and awesome spills. You can enjoy over 30 rides and attractions, including the Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders surfing experiences. At Tantrum Alley, you'll face tornados, while Jumeirah Sceirah has two 120-metre tandem slides where you can reach speeds of 80km/h. Toddlers …

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai sprinkles magic dust on epic Hollywood movies like Shrek, Ghostbusters, The Hunger Games and John Wick, to name a few. Many blockbusters from acclaimed moviemakers: DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Studios and Lionsgate, have been turned into spine-tingling attractions and record-breaking rides. Plus, visitors are treated to the wonders of behind-the-scenes filmmaking on …

The Green Planet

The Green Planet is Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest. Located at one of the city's most popular lifestyle districts, City Walk, it houses more than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds. Aiming to educate guests about the important role of tropical forests, the biodome is an oasis to a world of exotic flora …

Global Village

Each year from October to April, entertainment hub Global Village welcomes visitors. Many come for the thrilling funfair rides, some for the food, some for the nightly cultural entertainment, and some for the authentic shopping. Here you'll find around 70 countries showcasing their local products – honey from Yemen, exquisite carpets from Iran and …

Dubai Miracle Garden

Get lost in a one-of-a-kind world of wonderment at Dubai Miracle Garden. Located in Al Barsha South, the park is home to the region's biggest flower garden with more than 45 million blooming flowers across 72,000 square metres, all showcased in a variety of immense sculptures and designs. Feast your eyes on blooming pyramids, …

Legoland Water Park

Most of the rides and slides at Legoland Water Park allow tweens to race each other or go in groups. The Duplo Splash Safari caters to toddlers while a few single slides provide thrills for the braver big kids. Children can also exercise their brains with ‘Build-A-Boat’, where they can construct any kind of …

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the biggest and best waterparks in the world. There's plenty to experience — try the Leap of Faith, a 27.5-metre plunge that slides through the shark tank, or hold on tight at Odyssey of Terror, the world's tallest water slide. If you're not looking for high-speed action, amble along …

Nature

Take a break from the stunning Dubai skyline and explore the natural wonders that make the city come alive. There are enormous green spaces with picturesque lakes and lawns right in the heart of the emirate. Discover on your own, or take advantage of tour guides who specialise in the region’s diverse flora and fauna.