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DubaiThe city is often synonymous with flashy skyscrapers and well-known luxury, but it also has a quieter, more traditional side that offers a glimpse into its heritage and even an affordable vacation spot.
While tourists usually flock to marvel at world tallest buildingthe heaviest gold ring, or the latest TikTok food craze, another, more authentic side of the emirate is quietly thriving.
Just across the historic creek and away from the city’s dizzying modernity, a tranquil traditional Emirati-style house offers a peaceful retreat that showcases Dubai’s rich heritage and is easily accessible.
Coming from a gray British morning to Dubai’s 38C heat, the city’s relentless energy first hits the senses at 2am. However, the short journey across the creek to the historic Al Seef district soon brings with it a profound sense of calm.
we are Hilton Heritage Al Seef After a refreshing glass of pomegranate juice, the golf cart took us to our room in a low, flat-roofed building, with a balcony offering stunning views of the lights and city skyline across the water.
The smells, sights and sounds of old Dubai
I will never say no to following in Beyoncé’s footsteps. The next morning, I followed her lead and visited the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), located in one of the oldest areas in Dubai, and enjoyed a feast of food and culture.
The brunch includes chicken biryani, rice, bread and small round donuts smeared with date syrup, while your guide Noora Al Marzooqi introduces you to traditional Dubai hospitality.
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Noura described the layout of the old house and how the rooms were once used for living and hosting. She revealed that drinking a small cup of coffee shows affection for guests – meaning the host wants you to stay with them longer.
From clothing to traditions to headgear, no issue is off limits as she patiently explains how local clothing protects Emiratis from the sweltering heat while working outdoors.
Explore the souk
Dubai’s oldest network of souks in the Al Khor area is another evocative way to feel the soul of the city. I found the narrow streets lined with vendors selling everything from spices to gold to flowers, clothes, perfumes and all kinds of food.
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Ketki from Frying Pan Adventures describes these areas as the arteries of the city as she took us to some of the most popular food outlets. These include Al Shaiba Bakery, where Afghan bread is baked day and night despite the heat, making it one of the tastiest and cheapest snacks in town. Hot honey from the oven was soon dripping from my fingers as I bit into the cheese and honey bread and drank some hot sweet tea.
One part of the journey includes a short boat ride across the creek to another part of the souk, where bright colors and flowers reflect Hindu influences.
Our tour ends at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, where the owners pride themselves on traditional décor and local cuisine, such as mouth-watering lamb biryani served on low tables.
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desert adventure
One of the most amazing experiences of my travels was the Heritage Safari in a vintage Land Rover. Platinum Heritage made sure we were well prepared, wrapping scarves around our heads to protect us from the sun as we drove into the sand as far as the eye could see in our vintage Land Rover.
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Conservation guide Amjad Mehmood, clearly passionate about the landscape and wildlife, explained the conservation efforts and slowed down so we could see antelopes and the more elusive little sand lizards scampering across the dunes.
We arrived as the sun began to set to watch a falconry display, then headed to a beautifully appointed campsite for a feast under the stars. After the camel ride, we enjoyed a musical performance, then lay on rugs and low sofas and stargazed with a water pipe under the guidance of our guide.
Modern urban luxury
It’s impossible to come to Dubai without marveling at every aspect of this city that’s world-famous. Next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is “The Frame,” a giant golden frame that stretches into the sky. It has the added benefit of having an exhibition charting the city’s rapid transformation from the mid-20th century to the present day. The elevator takes just 75 seconds to ascend the 48th floor of the building and enjoy panoramic views of the entire city.
A yacht tour from Dubai Marina gives you an alternative view of the city, passing by towering skyscrapers in various stages of construction. However, no trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the famous Palm Jumeirah, home to the world’s most luxurious hotels and the nearby seven-star Burj Al Arab.
Yes, you can save money and splurge on a luxury trip, but you can also get an authentic experience without breaking the bank.
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how to do
Trip to Dubai hosted by Rebecca Black.
hotel room Alsif Heritage Hotel From AED 845 (£176) including breakfast.
For more information, please visit Visit Dubai website
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