Dubai from the other side: Unconventional driving routes around the city
Dubai is a city that most people associate with glittering skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls and fashionable resorts. However, behind this impressive exterior lies another, lesser-known Dubai, full of cultural treasures, natural wonders and unique corners. For those who want to discover the city from a new side, here are some unconventional driving routes that will show you a completely different side of Dubai.
Dubai from the other side: Unconventional driving routes around the city
1. An architectural journey beyond skyscrapers
Most visitors to Dubai head to the famous architectural icons – the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and other skyscrapers. But the city has less obvious, but no less interesting architectural attractions:
– Al Fahidi – an old quarter with traditional architecture. Narrow streets, houses made of coral stone with wind-catching towers, which were used for natural cooling, give an idea of what Dubai was like before the oil boom.
– Karama and Deira – these areas are famous for their originality and contrast with the glossy areas of the center. Here you can find an interesting combination of modern and old buildings, as well as enjoy the atmosphere of colorful bazaars.
– Alserkal Avenue – a contemporary art zone located in the industrial part of the city. Here you can see the urban aesthetics of Dubai with galleries, studios and creative spaces that contrast with the luxury of shopping malls.
2. Eco tour by electric car
Dubai is rapidly developing eco-tourism destinations. This is a route for those who want to travel consciously and reduce their carbon footprint:
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – one of the largest protected areas in the region, where you can see rare animals and plants. A trip to this reserve will allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert, explore the dunes and oases.
- Dubai Miracle Garden – This is a magnificent place, especially during the winter season, when flowers bloom in incredible shapes and compositions.
– Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – a unique ecozone on the outskirts of the city where you can watch birds, including pink flamingos.
3. Desert Adventure: From Metropolis to Oasis
The desert occupies a large part of the UAE, and it is accessible to tourists thanks to special routes for off-road vehicles:
– Trip to Liwa – a region with the highest dunes in the Middle East. It is the perfect place for a 4x4 safari, where you will enjoy breathtaking views and the opportunity to test your sand driving skills.
– Visit to Al Ain – an oasis city with an ancient fort and museums, located on the border with Oman. Here you can immerse yourself in the cultural and historical past of the region.
- Night in the desert – spend the night in a Bedouin camp, enjoying traditional Arabic cuisine, the stars above and the real desert atmosphere.
4. History and Heritage: Cultural Routes
Dubai is not only about modern achievements, but also a rich cultural heritage that can be explored by car:
- Ethnographic village in the Jumeirah area – here you can learn about the traditional life of the UAE residents before the discovery of oil. Exhibitions and craft workshops help to plunge into the past.
- Museums of Sharjah – An hour's drive from Dubai, in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah, there are museums and cultural centers that offer a deep dive into the history of the region.
- Traditional markets – from the Gold Souk to the Spice Souk, this is the place to feel the real spirit of old Dubai and get to know the local culture better.
5. Gastronomic tour
Culinary adventures can be a great way to experience a city from a different perspective:
- Restaurants serving traditional Emirati cuisine – Places like Al Fanar Restaurant & Café offer authentic dishes including camel, dates and fish.
- Street Food in Karama - Famous for its Indian and Pakistani eateries, Karama is a real find for lovers of inexpensive and tasty food.
- International Cuisines on Jumeirah Street – Here you can find restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, from Japanese to Italian.
Conclusion
Traveling around Dubai should not be limited to its famous landmarks. Unconventional routes open up the opportunity to see the city from a different side - where tradition intertwines with modernity, where nature surprises with its uniqueness, and culture enriches with new knowledge. This is Dubai, which is revealed only to those who are ready to leave the beaten path and immerse themselves in its multifaceted world.
