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).
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
