Ask The Locals

Dubai by Ghina Maalouf

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Ghina Maalouf, Fashion Stylist and Art Director , former Fashion Director of ELLE Arab World is taking us to Dubai where she has previously lived. Follow her guide to discover a new side to this crazy city.

 

Kite Beach: You will find all kinda surfing at this public beach… Kitesurfing, sea surfing, Kite running and other sea sports activities are spread out along the shore, with some excellent food spots lurking around and Salt’s famous burger truck. Perfect for that morning jog with pets or cycling.
Kite beach, Umm Suqeim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road, near Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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ripe_photoRipe Market: All through December to April and contrary to the mainstream customary brunching in Dubai, on Fridays, I’ve got meself a date in Zabeel Park with the Ripe Market instead. Back in 2011, Becky Balderstone, who discerned a need for organic fruits & veggies in the UAE, planted her first local seed that later bloomed in what is now a weekly Food & Craft market in both Dubai & Abu Dhabi, plus an organic shop in Dubai. I highly advise to get there after an early swimming spree or a yoga class to indulge in some fresh local produce, delish new foodie ideas and rewarding oneself with some unique handmade knick knacks. Tip: Don’t forget your straw boater’s hat, some cash on hand (no credit card machines available) and your bottle of aqua since it does get pretty heated up real fast. Parking spots insured if you get there early-ish.

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ravi-restaurant-satwaRavi: This gem is located on Satwa Road and it can’t get any roots than that in Dubai (and I am talking plastic cutlery/nylon tablecloths roots). You want to have some authentic scrumptious traditional Pakistani /Indian food in Dubai without maxing out your credit card? Ravi is your man. Try the spicy Dal, butter chicken and Naan but don’t forget to ask the Staff for what is available and for their recommendations. Since you can’t bring your own bottle along, count on some fizzy sugary sodas to enhance that spice high.
Ravi, Shop # 245,Al Dhiyafa Rd,Satwa, Near Satwa Roundabout,، Opposite Emirates Co-operative Society – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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Comptoir 102: One of my favorite concept stores in Dubai if not my top one, this Boutique/café has Boho Rock Chic written all over it. The chill spot is a vegan café, an interior deco store and a fashion & jewelry shop all wrapped into one. It also hosts occasional yoga events and recently added a delightful flower corner. You can find really cool French labels such as Isabel Marant & Jerôme Dreyfuss but also my number one jewelry designer Alia Mouzannar.
Comptoir 102: 102 Beach Rd Jumeirah 1 – Dubai, UAE
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Fumé: My go-to place after work for some smooth cocktails and yummy comfort food or even on a Thursday night out without feeling as if you’re stepping out from a class B hip hop video. Awesome food, good peeps and super vibes.
 
Fumé: Pier 7, Level 1 Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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Leila Heller Gallery: Nestled in Al Serkal area, this state of the art gallery is the biggest in the UAE. It has 3 exhibition areas, 2 on its ground floor and one on the first floor separated by an uber stylized spiraling staircase. A staircase that might have been erected as a metaphore symbolizing the dialogue among the Middle Eastern and the Western art. What I like most about this space -besides its design- is how its different corners merge and osmose, knitting a symbiotic relation between the 3 of them, hence revealing the thought process behind its curation and mission statement. It also puts up books and catalogues discussing or rather philosophizing  the exhibitions at hand. Never a dull corner around here.

Leila Heller Gallery : I-87, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
 
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