Dubai Expat Guide: Beaches, Food, Parks, Cinema and Shopping

When Russian-speaking friends and clients visit Dubai for a weekend, they usually ask me for a short list rather than a guidebook. These are the places expats I know keep returning to. I have deliberately not listed opening hours or prices: they change, and restaurants in particular update menus and schedules often. Check each place's own website or app before you go.

Day one: the beach and the Palm

Morning — SAL, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The terrace beach and pool venue at Burj Al Arab is one of the most photographed places in the city, with the hotel rising directly above you. It is a day-out destination rather than a public beach, so book ahead.

Afternoon — Atlantis The Palm. At the tip of Palm Jumeirah. Even if you are not staying, the resort's restaurants, aquarium and the waterpark next door make it an easy half-day. The drive along the Palm trunk is part of the experience.

Evening — Zuma, DIFC. A long-running Japanese izakaya-style restaurant in the financial district, popular for dinner and for its lively atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended at weekends.

Day two: parks, cinema and city life

Morning — Zabeel Park. A large green park near the centre, good for a walk, a run or a picnic with children, and next to the Dubai Frame.

Midday — Dubai Mall. The obvious one, but worth it: the aquarium, the ice rink, the fountains outside at Burj Khalifa and more shops than anyone needs. Go on a weekday morning if you can.

Afternoon — % Arabica, City Walk. A small coffee stop in the open-air City Walk district — a good pause between the mall and the evening. City Walk itself is pleasant for an evening stroll when the weather is cooler.

Evening — Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall. Roxy's multiplex at Dubai Hills Mall opened in 2022 with a very large premium screen. A comfortable way to end the day, especially in summer.

Practical notes

• Distances are bigger than they look. Group places by area: Jumeirah and the Palm together, Downtown and City Walk together, Dubai Hills on its own.
• Use the metro where it fits — it links Downtown, DIFC and the Marina well.
• Dress code: beachwear for SAL and the beach; smart casual for Zuma and the malls.
• Photography: enjoy the landmarks, but ask before photographing people.

One place from my original video, a restaurant I referred to as Kausar, I could not confirm reliably under that name, so I have left it out rather than send you to the wrong address.

My take

Dubai rewards a plan. With two days you can see the beach, the Palm, the centre and a family park without rushing, if you group places by area. If you are also thinking about property while you are here, the same logic applies: decide what you want from a neighbourhood before you look at a building. If you are comparing Dubai with the capital, our Abu Dhabi places guide is the companion piece.