Arienne Calingo is the Miss World Philippines First Princess 2016. SUPPLIED
When I first moved to Dubai, my dad’s former colleague welcomed and gave me one of the most simple, yet best gifts: a Dubai Metro gold card. That gold card was my golden ticket to exploring everything that Dubai has to offer, from its plethora of restaurants, beaches, shopping centers, souks, cafes, and much more. Naturally curious, I was able to foster my adventurous spirit as I explored both downtown and old Dubai. For such a small place, Dubai makes you feel big. The possibilities are endless. I’ve listed some of my favorite places in Dubai.Talise Ottoman Spa
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray's award-winning spa will pamper you with a Royal Ottoman spa treatment, which includes a full-body polish and massage on a heated marble slab. After vigorously scrubbing away your dead skin, your massage therapist will cocoon you in a soft, scented cloud of soap bubbles from head to toe. My favorite experience at the spa was swimming back and forth inside the saltwater pool while looking up at the star-studded ceiling. The spa has such a soothing and celestial ambiance that makes it a true sanctuary for self-care, wellness, and mental repose.
Tribes
Hands-down my favorite restaurant in Dubai! I used to go there consistently every week — to the point that I still remember their Wi-Fi password to this day. I highly recommend trying their steak with mashed potatoes and their cheeseburger. Both meals taste scrumptious with peach iced tea on the side! Tribes is also an excellent choice for a birthday dinner, as the servers will sing you an afrobeat “Happy Birthday” tune, complete with percussion instruments and dancing. At the Dubai Mall branch, you could sit outside on the balcony for a fantastic view of the Dubai Fountain — that is, of course, if it’s not scorching hot outside.
Dubai Museum
For a taste of old Dubai, the Dubai Museum is a must-see attraction. While the museum is small, it is rich in historical and cultural teachings and significance. Away from the glitz and glam of contemporary Dubai, the Dubai Museum showcases the city’s history and heritage, providing a glimpse into everyday life before the discovery of oil in the UAE. From Dubai’s historic Arab houses, mosques, and souks, to its biodiversity in marine life and the desert, so many facets of the city’s history and culture are shared at the museum. My favorite gallery was the recreation of an old souk, consisting of shops and stalls selling fabrics, animals, and spices. It was fascinating to observe the gallery due to its parallels to the current Gold Souk in Deira, which carries the traditions of old Dubai.
Wavehouse
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for date night or a fun night out with friends, then Wavehouse in Atlantis is your best bet! Barcades are always my favorite date night venues, and Wavehouse just happens to be my favorite barcade. There is bowling on the first floor, along with a few arcade games, a restaurant, and a bar — creating an entertaining and lively experience. When dining, I recommend the nachos and margaritas! You can also sit outside at the terrace, which has a vibrantly decorated festival vibe. Upstairs, you’ll find classic arcade games, from basketball to air hockey.
Dubai’s hidden beach
A list of my favorite places to visit in Dubai would not be complete without at least one beach. My beach of choice is Al Sufouh Beach, otherwise known as the “Hidden Beach.” It’s so hidden, in fact, that my friend who introduced me to the beach got lost and took the wrong turn, despite him having been there several times. The beach is a secret oasis hidden behind a row of bushes situated between the royal palaces of Al Sufouh. However, I noticed that it started gaining more popularity towards my last few months in Dubai. Perhaps the secret is out!
Did you know? Dubai's Al Sufouh Beach was named the second most eye-catching beach in the world in a 2021 research by luxury travel company Kuoni. "Dubbed as one of Dubai's hidden gems, this beach is a must-visit for those looking for fantastic views across the water as well as a glimpse of some of Dubai's most impressive buildings, the perfect spot for taking in a sunrise or sunset," according to the report.
The View at the Palm
As someone who has developed a passion for photography, this glass-framed observation deck was my all-time favorite place to shoot photographs of Dubai. The observatory is located at a high-rise building that overlooks the Palm Islands — Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, and Palm Jebel Ali. You can go around the deck for exceptional city and gulf views, and there is no time limit for being there. I recommend going to the observatory when the sunset hits for perfect shots of the Palm Islands and Atlantis! AC/Expat Media
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