Dubai, as we all know, is one of those cities that you can pick as your next travel destination without giving it a second thought. Tourists from all over the world think of coming to this city to spend their vacations and there is not one but many reasons for this choice. The rich local culture of Dubai, the beauty of skyscrapers, deserts, and man-made wonders make it the top choice for travelers.
But, if you want to explore Dubai in a deeper way, you should experience Dubai just like a local person would. Hence, in this guide, we have brought to you some tips and guidelines that you must follow to explore Dubai like a local.
Things you must explore in Dubai
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Visit the neighboring places
Apart from the main city of Dubai, you should also visit its neighbouring places such as the Al Fahidi Historical District wherein you will get a chance to wander through the narrow lanes of the city aligned perfectly with mesmerizing architecture. Moreover, you can also visit the Dubai Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Not to forget, you can also visit Jumeirah to explore the beautiful beaches, and the renowned Mosque in Jumeirah, and enjoy the local cuisine at different spots.
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Savor local cuisine
The city of Dubai is full of such spots and destinations where you can savor some utterly delicious cuisines and get your hands on dishes like falafel, kabsa, and shawarma. To enjoy these dishes, you can simply navigate the streets of Al Dhiyafah Road. When it comes to enjoying street food, you can go to the Deira area wherein you will find street vendors selling dishes belonging to different corners of the world.
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Don’t forget to visit the Souks
To explore and experience Dubai like a local, you should not miss out on the opportunity to visit the souks. For example, there are Gold Souks, Spice Souks, and Textile Souks wherein you can get your hands on intricate gold jewelry, high-quality spices and herbs, and beautiful fabrics.
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Take a stroll through the local markets
If you wish to experience Dubai like a local, you cannot simply miss out on visiting the local market. For example, you can visit the Ripe market which is held every weekend where you can buy local produce, crafts, and artisanal foods. In addition to that, you can also go to the Dubai Flea Market which turns out to be a good place to buy second-hand goods and unique vintage items.
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Explore the local culture
By taking part in cultural festivals and attending such events, you can experience Dubai like a local. You can go to events such as Dubai Shopping Festival or Dubai Food Festival where locals from all over the city also visit. Not only that, you also have the option to visit art galleries to get your hands on contemporary art and exhibitions.
Some more activities that you can take part in
Apart from taking part in the major things that I have mentioned above, you can also check out the following activities that will make you feel like a local in Dubai:
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Use public transportation
For traveling within the city, you can also choose the option to travel through the metro to get around different corners of the city. You can also use water taxi also known as Abra to cross Dubai Creek.
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Take part in outdoor activities
You can also take part in activities such as desert safaris to experience traditional Bedouin culture. Moreover, you can visit parks and beaches just like locals would do. For example, going to Kite Beach would be a perfect option.
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Attend local events
Several sports and cultural events take place in Dubai every now and then. This means you can take part in these events once in a while to experience Dubai like a local. Local events such as Eid Festivities, and UAE National Day could be a great option for you.
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Connect with locals
The best way to connect with locals is to take part in meet-ups which you will get to know by joining the social media groups. During the meet-up, you can involve in a face-to-face conversation with others and witness what they do or how they talk and behave.
Conclusion:
Dressing modestly is one of the main things that you need to keep in mind when you are in Dubai. Since it is an Islamic country, hence learning their etiquette and following their dressing style will make you feel like one of them.
