Insider's Guide To Exploring Dubai And The UAE Beyond The Expatriate Bubble

expat network

Insider’s Guide To Exploring Dubai And The UAE Beyond The Expatriate Bubble

Dubai and the UAE attract countless expatriates each year, drawn by the promise of high living standards and a modern lifestyle. Yet, a richer, more authentic experience is waiting beyond the well-trodden expatriate bubble. This guide invites you to explore those hidden layers by adapting to the foreign culture, diving into local customs, and discovering places locals cherish. Exploring Dubai and the UAE beyond the expatriate bubble will uncover a more fulfilling and enriching way to live and travel in this dynamic region.

So, let’s begin this journey together, as there’s much to learn and more to enjoy.

Discover Hidden Gems in Dubai

Dubai is famous for its glittering skyscrapers and luxurious shopping centers. However, it is rich in lesser-known spots that glimpse its unique character and heritage. Exploring these hidden gems can provide a deeper connection to the city for those considering moving to Dubai or living here.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Step into Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood for a journey back in time. This area, one of the oldest in Dubai, allows you to wander through narrow lanes lined with traditionally made buildings. You can visit art galleries, small museums, and cozy cafés here. This neighborhood offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and a chance to see Dubai’s history preserved amid rapid modern developments.

Al Qudra Lakes

Not far from the city’s urban sprawl, Al Qudra Lakes offer a serene escape where nature and tranquility reign. This man-made oasis is perfect for picnics, bird-watching, or a quiet sunset. The lakes are part of a larger conservation area, supporting diverse wildlife, including several rare bird species. Visiting Al Qudra is a refreshing change for anyone needing a break from city life.

Authentic Emirati Cuisine: Where to Dine Like a Local

Dubai’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, but authentic Emirati cuisine offers a taste of the region’s cultural heritage. For expatriates and travelers, discovering where to enjoy traditional local dishes is a delightful way to connect with the city’s roots. Here are some top spots where you can dine like a local and savor the genuine flavors of Emirati cuisine.

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is your gateway to the past, serving traditional Emirati dishes in an ambiance that mirrors Dubai’s 1960s village life. You can try Al Harees, a hearty wheat and meat dish, or Balaleet, a sweet and savory breakfast specialty. The restaurant’s decor and the staff’s attire complement the dining experience, making you feel you’ve returned in time.

Arabian Tea House

Another gem, the Arabian Tea House, offers a tranquil garden setting where you can enjoy lighter fare. This spot is famous for its selection of local teas and traditional snacks like Samboosa and Chebab pancakes. It’s a favorite among locals looking to unwind and enjoy a slow afternoon in a picturesque locale.

Exploring Dubai and the UAE Beyond the Expatriate Bubble: Local Customs and Traditions

Living and working in the UAE offers an exciting opportunity to engage with a rich culture beyond the business hubs and shopping complexes. For those eager to immerse themselves fully in the local culture, various activities and locations can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Emirati traditions and customs.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into Emirati culture. This center offers programs to foster an understanding of the diverse local customs through cultural meals, traditional storytelling sessions, and guided mosque visits. The SMCCU’s motto, “Open Doors, Open Minds,” truly reflects its mission to bridge gaps between cultures and provide enriching experiences for expatriates and tourists alike.

Attending Local Festivals and Events

Participating in local festivals and events is another excellent way to connect with Emirati culture. Events such as the Dubai Poetry Slam and the Heritage Days Festival allow expatriates and visitors to experience the UAE’s vibrant cultural scene firsthand. These festivals showcase traditional arts, crafts, music, and dance, offering a lively and engaging way to learn about the local way of life and engage with community members.

Beyond Dubai: Unexplored Corners of the UAE

While Dubai is known for its futuristic skyline and vivid marketplaces, the UAE has much more to offer across its other emirates. Each region has unique landscapes and hidden cultural treasures, making them perfect for those who wish to explore beyond the common tourist paths. Here are a couple of must-visit locations that promise authentic experiences and breathtaking views.

The Fjords of Musandam

Located on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Musandam Peninsula is part of Oman. Still, it is accessible from the UAE and offers a dramatic change of scenery from the urban landscapes of Dubai. Known as the “Norway of Arabia,” Musandam’s fjords are a stunning creation of limestone cliffs that plunge into crystal-clear waters. You can explore these natural wonders on a dhow cruise, which gives you a unique vantage point of the fjords and offers opportunities for snorkeling and dolphin watching. This trip provides a peaceful break from the fast-paced city life and a peek into the natural beauty of the Gulf region.

Historical Sites in Sharjah

Sharjah, known as the cultural capital of the UAE, is just a short drive from Dubai but feels like a world away with its more conservative and richly traditional atmosphere. The city has numerous museums, art galleries, and beautifully restored heritage areas. Places like the Sharjah Heritage Area and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization offer insights into the region’s artistic, cultural, and religious heritage. Exploring Sharjah gives you a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural fabric that makes up the UAE.

Tips for Expatriates Seeking Authentic Experiences

Exploring Dubai and the UAE beyond the expatriate bubble and adjusting to life here can be a thrilling adventure, especially if you’re keen on experiencing the local culture authentically. First and foremost, when moving here from another country, it’s wise to trust the task to competent people. Hiring experienced international movers can significantly simplify the relocation process. It allows you to focus more on exploring your new environment rather than stressing over logistics.

Once settled, start by learning basic Arabic phrases. This will help in daily interactions and show respect for the local culture. In addition, understanding and adhering to local customs and dress codes can greatly enhance your acceptance into community circles. It opens up more opportunities to forge genuine connections.

Lastly, actively participating in community events and local celebrations can accelerate your integration. Also, it can enhance your appreciation of the Emirati way of life, making your experience much more enriching and enjoyable.

Embrace the Adventure, Explore Beyond the Bubble

Exploring Dubai and the UAE beyond the expatriate bubble opens up a world of enriching experiences and deeper connections. Whether discovering hidden local spots or visiting other Emirates, each activity enhances your understanding and appreciation of this vibrant region. Step out of the familiar, and you’ll find a more rewarding expat journey awaits.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.