Off the Beaten Track in Central Dubai: A Guide to Hidden Gems

1. Kuv’s Secret Supper Club

Dubai's first supper club is perfect for adventurous foodies who crave a unique and intimate dining experience. Kuv’s Secret Supper Club invites guests to enjoy a multi-course meal prepared with local ingredients, paired with captivating storytelling as Chef Kuv walks guests through each month's themed menu. The guest list and exact menu are surprises, which adds to the adventure. Guests are requested not to ask where they're from or what work they do, to encourage everyone to skip the small talk and dive into curious conversations. A meal with Chef Kuv is guaranteed to be novel and memorable.

Chef Kuv Secret Supper Club; AlserkalAvenue

2. Alserkal Avenue

In the heart of the industrial Al Quoz district, Alserkal Avenue is a haven for art and culture enthusiasts. This repurposed warehouse district features contemporary art galleries like Leila Heller and Green Art Gallery, as well as creative concept stores and cafés. It’s not just about art — Alserkal also hosts regular workshops, film screenings at Cinema Akil and live performances. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.

3. The Courtyard, Al Quoz

Tucked away just a stone’s throw from Alserkal Avenue, The Courtyard is an architectural gem. Its Moroccan-inspired design includes vibrant tiles and arched doorways that create a serene atmosphere. Enjoy specialty coffee or a light meal at one of its cozy cafés, such as Cassette, or browse the eclectic mix of design studios and concept stores housed here. Don't miss the upstairs exhibition at Total Arts Gallery, where you can learn all about how the eclectic area was built.

4. Wander With Nada Walking Tour

Led by passionate guide Nada, who has lived in the UAE for over 30 years, these tours peel back the layers of Dubai’s history and culture. Unlike busier, larger tours, Wander With Nada offers small-group or private experiences that take you through Old Dubai. You’ll get tips on haggling at the souks, try Arabic coffee, slip through hidden alleyways and hear personal anecdotes that bring the city’s past and present to life. It's the perfect way to get a local resident's perspective on life in this unique melting pot of a city.

5. Frying Pan Adventures Food Tour

Dive into Dubai’s culinary melting pot with Frying Pan Adventures, which takes you beyond the typical tourist fare and into the heart of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. On these tours, you’ll savor authentic dishes from Emirati, Indian, Iranian and Levantine cuisines while learning about the cultural history behind them. Along the way, participants are encouraged to snap photos of local markets, spice souks and atmospheric street scenes. This is more than a food tour — it’s a cultural immersion.

6. Afghan Bakeries in Jumeirah

Step into the unassuming Afghan bakeries hidden in the residential neighborhoods of Jumeirah and Satwa. These small, family-run spots are known for their freshly baked bread cooked in traditional tandoor ovens. The warm, doughy naan, often topped with sesame seeds, is the perfect on-the-go snack or accompaniment to a meal. Many of these bakeries are tucked into alleyways or side streets, making the hunt for them part of the adventure. Grab a cup of chai to pair with the bread and it's the perfect snack while browsing for fabrics or other local trinkets in the neighborhood.

7. Falcon Souk

Located in the heart of the city, the Falcon Souk is a must-visit for those interested in Emirati traditions. This unique marketplace is dedicated to falconry, a sport deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. Wander through the souk to admire falcons perched on stands, learn about the training and care of these majestic birds and explore the specialized gear, such as leather hoods and GPS tracking devices, used by falconers. Even if you’re not in the market for a falcon, the souk offers a fascinating glimpse into an ancient tradition.

Falcon Souk; Majlis Ghorfat

8. Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif

A piece of Dubai’s history, this summer retreat of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum is a simple yet fascinating structure. Constructed originally from palm fronds and surrounded by peaceful gardens, it offers a rare chance to step back in time and experience the modest beginnings of this now-modern metropolis. It's just a few minutes' drive from the Jumeirah Archaeological Site, where you can see the foundations of an ancient town dating back to the 10th century AD.

These are just a few of the many recommendations I have to help you dive deeper to experience a more authentic Dubai. Reach out or check out my Instagram for more Middle East tips!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Dubai page.