Dubai

A young, playful, design-forward hotel near DIFC, with co-working corners and busy restaurants. A smart, characterful base for meetings and nights out.

A theatrical landmark on the Palm, delivering sky-high pools, Michelin-starred dining and bold, sculptural suites. The city's appetite for glamour, distilled.

Jumeirah's newest flagship, channelling yacht-club elegance and contemporary Arabic touches with flawless Gulf views. Discreet service and a polished, international crowd.

A no-reservations beachside institution serving excellent fresh fish, fried prawns and curry, cooked to order. An unfussy taste of the city's coastal roots.

Dubai's first serious listening bar, pairing a deep vinyl collection with izakaya plates and well-judged cocktails. A stylish, sound-led night out.

Kelvin Cheung's thoughtful 'borderless' cooking, blending North American and Asian flavours with confidence. Try the congee or the Macau-curry pani puri.

A spirited, family-run bistro where three Syrian brothers filter global influences through a modern Levantine lens. Playful, technical and one of the city's most original kitchens.

A breezy beach club from the Gaia team, serving elegant Greek dishes and good wine. Refined but relaxed — ideal for a long lunch.

A calm, sunlit restaurant inside the Jameel Arts Centre, championing hyper-seasonal Emirati produce with Nordic restraint. Quietly innovative.

Refined Indian leather craft — bags, luggage, travel accessories — with a restrained, European-leaning aesthetic. The steamer suitcase is a highlight.

The UAE's leading independent cinema, championing arthouse films, documentaries and retrospectives. A passion project with a global outlook.

A dhow-inspired venue with excellent acoustics and a wide-ranging programme, from opera and ballet to touring productions. A cultural anchor downtown.

Deira's working souks — gold, spice, textiles — still trade as they have for generations along the Creek. Haggle with humour and leave with a story.

A glass-walled, Creek-side arts centre focused on artists from the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, with a quiet sculpture park. Time it for golden hour.

Dubai's torus-shaped, calligraphy-etched landmark, with immersive exhibitions on climate, AI and life in space. As much an architectural statement as a museum.