VIP liaisons are paid to find the hottest places to hang out, so who better to ask about the best places to visit in Dubai?
We asked the head of a concierge business in Dubai to give us the inside track on the best restaurants, spas, hotels and more.
Romika Fazeli runs a VIP concierge company called Emirates World Club, providing millionaire clients with everything from luxury hotel bookings to shopping trips or restaurant recommendations.
She recommends hitting the beach as soon as you arrive in Dubai, with her favourites including JBR Beach, which has stunning views of Ain Dubai, and Kite Beach, for an Instagrammable picture.
She adds: "When it comes to private beaches, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is pure luxury and there are no crowds, or the beach at Al Qasr Hotel has beach club events most weekends with resident DJs, amazing cuisine and great beach side service."
For a spot of pampering, book in a session at some of the city’s best spas – Ms Fazeli says One & Only Royal Mirage and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray won’t disappoint.
Or alternatively, indulge in some retail therapy. Ms Fazeli said: "The city has some of the best shopping in the world with over 50 malls and even a month long shopping festival."
"The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are the two most popular shopping destinations in the city centre, housing high-street, boutique and luxury designers, from Louis Vuitton to Balenciaga."
"Other great places for shopping are Dubai Festival City Mall, City Walk, Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Outlet Mall."
Brunch is also a big deal in Dubai and has to be experienced at least once by any visitor. Ms Fazeli recommends Al Qasr, Al Nassem Hotel: Rockfish, Zuma, The Palace Hotel Downtown, JBR Walk and La Mer for a great experience.
For evening meals book into one of the city’s best restaurants, including Al Hadheerah, Thiptara, LPM, Fish Beach Taverna and Amazonico.
Couples on the hunt for a romantic meal should try Pierchic which is "set on a pier, jutting out into the Arabian Gulf."
Or if you want to be seen with the ‘in’ crowd, the hottest places in the city right now are Ce La Vi, Lucky Fish, the restaurants at West Palm Beach, and Sal at Burj Al Arab.
Of course, no holiday in Dubai is complete without checking in to one of city's best hotels.
Ms Fazeli loves Jumeirah Al Qasr, which is inspired by a Sheikh’s private summer residence, as well as Jumeirah Al Naseem and Mandarin Oriental Dubai, which has a Mediterranean feel.
Dubai is more than just fast cars and fashion, according to Ms Fazeli, "It's also a city of great culture and tradition."
For a cultural fix in a lesser-known part of the city, head to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya – the oldest standing residential area of Dubai.
This former fishing village earned its name from the many Bastak (Iranian) traders that settled there in the 19th century and the neighbourhood is packed with charm, featuring outdoor cafés like the popular Arabian Tea House and several art galleries.
For a cultural fix in a lesser-known part of the city, head to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya – the oldest standing residential area of Dubai.
She said: "These souks show off Dubai’s historical side, people need to see the traditional Middle East. They are alive with hustle and bustle, spices, textiles, fabrics, furniture, smells and noises. A very different experience from the state-of-the-art malls."
DUBAI HOLIDAY DEALS
5 nights at Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites on an ultra all-inclusive basis, plus flights, on selected stays between 05/06/22 – 07/07/22 & 16/07/22 – 15/08/22 – from £1099pp with Kenwood Travel
5 Nights at Atlantis, The Palm, on a full board basis including the Atlantis Extraordinary Experience Package, plus flights on selected stays from 05/06/22 – 29/06/22.
Stay five nights and pay four, with more than £700 worth of extras included. From £1429 per adult and £425 per child with Kenwood Travel
5 nights at Le Royal Meridien Beach resort & Spa on a dine-around half board basis.
Includes flights on selected stays from 01/07/22 – 31/07/22. From £915pp with Kenwood Travel.
Dubai is following a high standard of safety and hygiene measures, earning it the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp. This includes the Dubai Assured programme, where inspectors visit hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions every 15 days.
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