This locals’s guide to Dubai is for those who appreciate aesthetics, culture, and new art experiences: it contains only verified addresses that will help you see the city from a different perspective. Maria Omelianuk is an art guide and expert on stylish living in Dubai (UAE). She knows where to find atmosphere, inspiration, and unusual places off the beaten tourist track.
Jameel Art Centre — a contemporary museum and cultural center
Address: Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 873 9800
Website: jameelartscentre.org
Dubai’s main cultural center, located on the Jaddaf Waterfront. There is no permanent exhibition in the usual sense of the word, but rather a dynamic capsule collection that is constantly updated and always reflects current themes.
There are many performances, exhibitions, and works by artists from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Incidentally, many of them are women.
It’s nice just to wander around and hang out in this center: white halls, quiet courtyards, a library, lectures, and master classes that you can participate in.
Alserkal Avenue — industrial art district in Dubai
Address: 17th St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 333 3464
Website: alserkal.online
A real non-touristy art district in the industrial area of Al Quoz. There are more than 60 galleries, theaters, workshops, concept stores, and coffee shops here. It all started in 2008 with the conversion of factory warehouses into a cultural cluster.
If you want to see the real, not the glossy, culture of Dubai, start here.
Gallery Street in Dubai Downtown — the heart of cultural life
Address: Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai
Phone: +971 800 36227
Website: www.artdubai.ae/artweek/foundry/
This is where everyone who has anything to do with Dubai’s creative life hangs out and works.
This is a promenade on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, where commercial galleries sit alongside exhibition spaces, co-working spaces, and coffee shops. The heart of the neighborhood is Foundry, an art space created specifically for the needs of Dubai’s cultural scene.
There are seven rooms, a library, a podcast studio, a coworking space, exhibitions, and a coffee shop. This is a must-see!
Smoki Moto — Korean hangout steakhouse
Address: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 666 1417
Website: smokimotodubai.com
A Korean steakhouse on Palm Jumeirah with a lively atmosphere where you can try the most delicious meat. The steaks are cooked on a built-in smoky grill, and the decor is cyberpunk-inspired. It usually starts with meat and ends with cocktails and a DJ set.
We recommend trying the Chef’s Butcher Box with marinated ribs or premium wagyu — and be sure to stay after dinner for a cocktail.
Duo Gastrobar (Dubai) — a Michelin-starred gastropub from St. Petersburg
Address: Building 4, Dubai Hills Business Park, Dubai Hills, Dubai
Phone: +971 52 686 6249
Website: duodubai.ae
This minimalist gastropub was opened in 2023 by two St. Petersburg natives, and within a year it was awarded a Bib Gourmand Michelin. They wanted to create a place with quality food but without pretension — and they succeeded. The interior is bright and Scandinavian, with wooden furniture and dishes with European and Asian accents. Be sure to try the Oxtail Pie with tagliatelle — it’s the restaurant’s signature dish.
Concrete Café (Alserkal Avenue) — a café where architects drink coffee
Address: Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Website: alserkal.online/venue/concrete
The café is located in the Alserkal Avenue art district and is essentially part of an art space that is regularly transformed for exhibitions, film screenings, and other events.
Everything is decorated in an industrial style: concrete walls, high ceilings, and lots of light. Here you can drink strong coffee and watch the locals who hide here from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Rove Hotels — a stylish and budget hotel in Dubai
Address: Rove Downtown, 312 Al Mustaqbal St, Zabeel 2, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 586 5500
Website: rovehotels.com
A great affordable option for those who want to save money on a hotel and spend it on something else in Dubai. This is a modern budget chain with a minimalist design, located close to attractions and the metro. There is a coffee shop, fast Wi-Fi, and a lobby for work and relaxation. Very decent breakfast and good reviews.
One night costs only $50–60 — almost free!
25hours Hotel One Central — an art hotel for those who love creativity
Address: One Central, Trade Centre St, Dubai (near the Museum of the Future)
Phone: +971 4 210 2525
Website: 25hours-hotels.com/dubai/one-central
An energetic and creative place for those who love unusual concepts and a lively atmosphere. The rooms at this affordable hotel in Dubai are decorated as art installations in different styles: Bedouin, Glamping, Farmstay, Artist Village, and others. Some rooms have bicycles. The lobby features vinyl records, video cassettes, swings, graffiti on the walls, and even a library.
Bicycles are available for free, and there are many bars and restaurants with a lively nightlife nearby. Rooms cost around $100 and up.
Top Art Hotels, Galleries & Creative Spots in Dubai
- 25hours Hotel One Central — Art hotel with themed creative roomsmany
- Jameel Art Centre — Contemporary art museum and cultural hub
- Alserkal Avenue — Industrial art district with galleries and cafés
- Gallery Street / Foundry — Downtown creative heart with exhibitions and coworking
- Smoki Moto — Trendy Korean steakhouse with cyberpunk vibes
- Duo Gastrobar — Michelin-awarded minimalist gastropub
- Concrete Café — Architects’ favorite coffee spot in Alserkal Avenue
- Rove Hotels — Stylish, budget-friendly stay with artistic design
