Quick listen here
We recently asked a few people what they love about Dubai. This couple has been in Dubai since 2022 and originates from South Africa and they had so many things and places to see in the UAE. Here’s what they had to say:
For us, it may seem cliché, but Dubai has been a place of opportunity, safety, and abundance. We initially moved for career growth, and the financial upside has been undeniable, but beyond that, it’s the convenience, security, and vibrancy that keeps us here.
Unlike many places, Dubai genuinely rewards ambition— and it accommodates exactly what you need. In a nutshell, Dubai becomes whatever you make of it. If you’re outgoing, like some of our friends, you can cycle in the city or on one of the mountain biking trails about 25 minutes out of the city centre. If you’re more of a homebody, like us, you can have an entire movie night setup delivered to your door, with popcorn and a full cinema experience in your living room.
Why We Love Dubai
Career & Business Growth – There’s an ecosystem that supports high earners, entrepreneurs, and expats who have high ambitions. Whether in employment or running your own business, Dubai provides a solid foundation for financial success.
Luxury & Accessibility – The standard of living is high, and even everyday experiences feel premium. Many assume Dubai has a high price tag, but when compared to cities like London, New York, or Toronto, the cost of living can actually be lower for many lifestyle aspects. Of course, a premium experience comes at a cost, but value is delivered for every dirham spent.
Safety & Cleanliness – It’s one of the safest cities in the world, and that peace of mind is invaluable. Whether walking home at 2 AM, leaving a laptop in a coffee shop, or simply going about your day, safety is never a concern.
We meet people from every country and background, and the diversity makes the city feel that much larger. One moment, you’re having Arabic breakfast at Navat, the next, you’re watching a South African group (The Joy) perform live at Sole DXB—all in the same day.
Hotspots We Love & Must-Visits for Travellers
When people visit, we always try to show them a mix of luxury, culture, and adventure. These are some of our favourites:
Food & Dining
Arabian Tea House – One of our favourite spots for breakfast or lunch. The food, the tea, and the aesthetic provide an amazing introduction to the cultural and more grounded side of Dubai. It’s also close to the souks, where you can browse some oud and take an abra ride along the canal.
Nobu – A weekend dinner staple for an upscale experience.
Doors Dubai Mall – We love dining here, especially overlooking the fountains and Burj Khalifa.
Cultural & Unique Experiences
Museum of the Future – A must-visit, even just for the aesthetic and immersive experiences. It captures the UAE’s vision for the future in a way that leaves you excited about what’s to come.
Al Shindagha Museum & Crossroads of Civilizations – We love these as lesser-known gems that showcase Dubai’s deep-rooted history and cultural influences.
Souk Madinat – A more premium take on a traditional souk, where you can buy locally sourced products like camel’s milk chocolate and gold items. We often have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants along the canal, and though we haven’t yet, the abra rides here are also very popular.
Adventure & Outdoor
Kite Beach – Great for a casual stroll or swim, with loads of food trucks and small cafés nearby.
Khor Fakkan & Fujairah – We loved taking a drive through the mountains towards Fujairah, then staying at a seaside villa for a more laid-back weekend escape.
Abu Dhabi Fish Market – An unexpected favourite! We loved the hustle and bustle of the fisherman selling their best catch, while the surrounding restaurants cook your fresh fish on the spot.
Desert Safari – A UAE staple! While we’ve been on one too many of these, it’s always a must for newcomers—dune bashing, Bedouin camps, traditional food, shisha, and performances like the fire show, belly dancing, and Sufi whirling from Turkey.
Luxury & Entertainment
Yacht Parties – A classic Dubai experience. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the city skyline and unwind with friends.
AYA Universe – A hidden interactive digital experience inside Wafi City Mall that’s great for something different.
Venture to Abu Dhabi – We always recommend a trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, staying in Corniche, and visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
What An Average Month Looks Like for Us
One of the things we love most about Dubai is that no two weekends feel the same, but if we had to summarise our last month, it might look something like this:
Breakfast at Ten11 in Dubai Mall – A relaxed way to start a weekend.
Nobu for dinner one weekend – A go-to for fine dining.
A yacht party one of the weekends – Especially during the cooler months.
Arabian Tea House one weekend – A casual yet cultural experience.
One of my colleagues had a perfect Dubai Saturday this past weekend—starting with a spontaneous mountain bike trail in the morning, freshening up, and then heading to Doors Dubai Mall for dinner, overlooking the fountain show and Burj Khalifa.
It’s hard to pinpoint one specific thing about Dubai that makes it special—it’s the variety, the quality, and the accessibility of everything in one place.
