Dubai: A City of Many Layers
Dubai may be famous for its glittering skyline, luxury hotels and world-class shopping malls, but it also offers so much more for those who like to add a touch of exploration to their beach holiday.
A Personal Connection to Dubai
I arrived in Dubai in 1976 at the age of five and spent over 30 years growing alongside the city. One thing has never changed: the warmth, friendliness and hospitality of the people who call it home. My family and I were always made to feel so welcome and, later in life, when my two children were born, they felt as much a part of Dubai as I had when I was their age.
Escaping to the East Coast: Dibba
As the city expanded, there were still incredible places to discover away from the hustle and bustle of the best-known hotspots. When we wanted to escape it all, we would take a short drive to the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, to a coastal town called Dibba.
Dibba is home to some fantastic dive sites, where you can encounter reef sharks, turtles and barracuda. Evenings were often spent on the beach with a barbecue, watching the sun go down. There are plenty of hotel options for those who want to spend a few days exploring the mountains and nearby fishing villages, making it ideal for a short twin-centre break from the city.
Mountain Retreat: Hatta Fort Hotel
Staying with the mountain theme, Dubai’s Hatta Fort Hotel is an oasis of calm. Individual chalet-style rooms look out over manicured gardens, framed by the rugged backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. Built above the wadi, or dry riverbed, it feels a world away from the busy city.
There is plenty to do during a stay here: guided tours through the wadis, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing by the pool and savouring the traditional dishes on offer. It is a wonderful option for travellers who want to balance city excitement with fresh air, nature and a slower pace.
A Taste of Local Flavour
Dubai is renowned for its wealth of restaurants and celebrity chef venues, but if you want to experience some of the city’s more authentic flavours, head to the Satwa area. Here you will find countless curry houses and small local eateries, including my favourite, the Eat & Drink Restaurant.
This unpretentious spot serves shawarmas, roasted chicken and fantastic freshly made fruit juices. It is the kind of place where you can eat alongside residents, soak up the everyday atmosphere and enjoy a more local side of Dubai’s famous food scene.
Across the Creek: Where Dubai Began
No stay in Dubai is complete without a ride across Dubai Creek on an abra, the traditional wooden water taxis. This simple journey gives you a glimpse of where the city began as a bustling trading port and, in many ways, what I still feel is the beating heart of this remarkable place.
Looking back across the water at the blend of old and new, you get a sense of how far Dubai has come, while still retaining its roots. For me, it will always be more than a holiday destination: it is a city I was lucky enough to call home.
