Mirzam, Dubai — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerDec 8, 2025

How to See Old and New Dubai, According to Chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi

Dubai is so much more than uber-luxury malls and towering hotels (though they're certainly part of it).

Makes beautiful chocolate

26 things in this story

Jumeirah Burj Al ArabHotelDestination for cycling
AbraRestaurantNew restaurant opening in early 2026
Dubai CreekSightGenerations of merchants and traders settled around it
SangeethaRestaurantBreakfast of dosa and vada
Foul Abu Al AbbasRestaurantSudanese bean stew
SharjahCaféCultural destination for art and architecture walk
Museum of Islamic CivilizationMuseumHoused in a former market
Sharjah Art FoundationMuseumGalleries host diverse, thought-provoking exhibitions
Bait ElowalRestaurantCentury-old house transformed into art-filled café
Rain RoomSightImmersive art installation
Dubai Water CanalBarStart for cycling paths
Kite BeachSightCycle along the beach
Common GroundsRestaurantCafé for coffee and shakes
FeelsFast foodHealthy bowls and juices
JulithRestaurantCoffee fix in Al Quoz
Gérard CaféRestaurantNostalgic institution serving creamy cappuccino
MirzamCaféMakes beautiful chocolate
TamasheePlaceContemporary versions of traditional Gulf sandals
Dubai MallSightThe mall is part of Downtown Dubai and is located adjacent to the Burj Khalifa.
Bur DubaiNeighborhoodSlower, calmer pace founded on merchants and traders
Etihad MuseumMuseumRestaurant Abra opening in 2026
NuwaPlaceSells Arabic coffee and dates
Mira FarmsPlaceSells saffron and dried fruits
Burj Al ArabHotelFormer employer of the chef
Sri KrishnaRestaurantGo-to for Indian sweets
Al Omani Sweet FactoryPlace

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 5, 2025

11 Best Affordable Hotels in Dubai

It might be known for its ultra-luxury mega-resorts, but there are plenty of affordable accommodations to be found across the city.

local chocolatier café

39 things in this story

Jumeirah Burj Al ArabHotelFor a bucket-list stay in one of the world’s most recognizable hotels.
MirzamCafélocal chocolatier café
Dubai MallSightThe mall is part of Downtown Dubai and is located adjacent to the Burj Khalifa.
Burj KhalifaAttractionDesigned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it is the world's tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m and a roof…
Ain DubaiAttractionworld’s biggest Ferris wheel on Bluewaters Island
Dubai Marina MallMarketIt is named for its close proximity to Dubai Marina.
Mall of EmiratesMarketThe Mall of the Emirates offers a wide selection of shopping and dining options and unique indoor skiing & cinema…
Ibn Battuta MallMarketopened in 2005, it contains more than 300 stores.
JBR neighborhoodNeighborhoodpedestrian-friendly area
Al Seef Heritage Hotel, DeiraHotelon edge of Dubai Creek in Al Seef district
Canopy by Hilton Dubai, Al SeefHotelfriendly spot with rooftop pool
Sol Sky BarRestaurantspot for sundowners and creek views
SkafosRestaurantserves mezze, pasta, and grills on Dubai Creek
ShabestanRestaurantserving Persian cuisine since 1984
SumibiyaRestaurantserves yakiniku barbecue
Fish MarketMarketseafood with panoramas over the creek
Al FahidiTrain stationThis quaint neighborhood offers a glimpse into what Dubai was like before the Emirates were formed in 1971.
Jumeirah Marsa Al ArabHotelDiscover the final piece of our nautical trilogy at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
NaifSuburbIt is a commercial and residential locality.
Rove, Dubai MarinaHotelin Dubai Marina, near beach and shopping
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira CreekHotelDubai’s oldest five-star hotel
Zabeel House, The GreensHotelconvenient for most places in the city
Social CompanyRestaurantfor coffee, laptops, or after-work drinks
Lah LahRestaurantgood spot for Pan-Asian bites and drinks
KinoyaRestaurantcelebrated homegrown ramen joint
Jumeirah Zabeel SarayHotelhotel on The Palm
Shada Hotel Jumeirah GardenHotelboutique hotel with art from Arabian Peninsula
25hours Hotel One CentralHotelTo experience the most un-Dubai hotel of Dubai hotels : edgy (not glossy), design-forward (not traditionally…
Mama ShelterHotelA playful and unpretentious take on contemporary hospitality, Mama Shelter Dubai brings the brand's vibrant,…
JA Hatta Fort HotelHotelOne of the oldest hotels in the country, JA Hatta Fort is an oasis in the desert.
RoveHotel
Bluewaters IslandAttraction
ChaptersPlace
Radisson BluHotel
Naif soukMarket
Deira soukMarket
Al SeefNeighborhood
Zabeel HouseHotel
DeiraNeighborhood

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Mirzam

In the coverage2 stories

How to See Old and New Dubai, According to Chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi

11 Best Affordable Hotels in Dubai