Prior to relocating to Dubai in 2018 for my husbands job opportunity we had never even considered the  UAE as a potential holiday destination. Ignorantly we snubbed it as “not for us” and somewhere artificial, only geared towards wealthy people seeking an ultra luxury break or influencers.  (The influx of influencers and reality stars over the years probably haven’t helped to diminish this narrative unfortunately).

Whilst it felt like a risk leaving our home in Manchester (North of England) where we felt very happy and settled I knew there had to be more than meets the eye to uncover. 

Having spent the past several years seeking out altsrnative spaces and sights which offer character, community and culture I can safetly say that Dubai and the UAE has something to offer every type of traveller and budget.

Why I’m Sharing This

My aim is for you to leave Dubai with a genuine appreciation for what this city has to offer.

The UAE has something to offer every type of traveller, you just have to know the right places to go and ideally spend enough time here to drive outside of the centre and explore different emirates each with their own beauty. Whether you seek adventure, arts, culture, mountains, beaches or alternative experiences then the UAE has all of these things waiting to be explored. (Of course I will include some tips for those also looking for a touch of luxury which doesnt break the bank).

How to Use This Guide

This guide is designed to be tailored to any length of stay, offering an extensive list of spots for anyone looking to dodge the usual tourist trails.