Do? Buy? Dubai?

August 7, 2024 9:27 PM

I'm headed to Dubai for a work trip, and I'm hoping to get suggestions for things to do that aren't too expensive or touristy. Basically, I'm into more low-key, off the beaten track, authentic experiences.
posted by matkline to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

I did a local food tour which explored the old city - it was a while ago, but a great way to see the city from the ground. The abras (wooden boats) going across the Dubai Creek were also cool.
posted by socky_puppy at 12:17 AM on August 8 [2 favorites]

"How to experience Dubai like a local" - since so many locals are expats that list is a little shorter than in other places: you are going to get brunch (Sunday morning) and visit the mall (maybe Friday night) -I'd add maybe ride the metro.

Alternatively - 15 Unique Things in Dubai you never knew existed. - you are going to be going skiing and bathing in goats milk and watching camel polo.
posted by rongorongo at 1:49 AM on August 8 [2 favorites]

May depend on how long you're there, but there are day trips and weekend trips available to the Musandam Governate of Oman--the bit of Oman at the north end of the peninsula, pointing at the Strait of Hormuz. Tourguides based in either the UAE, or in Khasab, Oman, can drive you there and help you through the border crossing. Khasab is a perfectly, nice, ordinary town quite different from the monster skyscrapers of the UAE. Cruise ships occasionally stop there, so there's a bit of tourist support for dhow excursions, mountain hiking, and such.
posted by gimonca at 6:37 AM on August 8 [1 favorite]

There's an art gallery district, Alserkal, that's a nice way to kill a few hours.
posted by kickingtheground at 12:02 PM on August 8 [1 favorite]