Defending the world's most overrated city and explaining my continued visits.

Have you ever been to Dubai? Whenever I mention that I'm planning another trip there, I always get the same response: "I have no desire to go there." People seem to think that Dubai has no culture, is too materialistic, and is just full of influencers and Love Island rejects. I've even heard some say that it's the most overrated holiday destination in the world. But what's most annoying is when someone confidently claims all of this without ever having set foot in the city. It's embarrassing, really.

My first visit to Dubai was when I was still in primary school. My extended family had moved there and no one had even heard of the place back then. I remember the adults going on a boat trip to see The Palm being constructed - the man-made island that is now considered the boujee-est part of Dubai. But now, the city has become known for its extravagant brunches and beach clubs. And while those are definitely my kind of thing, there's so much more to Dubai than what you see on Instagram.

The natural beauty of Dubai is truly stunning. Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. From the mountainous Hatta to the surrounding deserts, you'll be surprised by how beautiful sand can be. And here's a little secret: with over 200 nationalities living and working together, there's actually a kaleidoscope of culture in Dubai - you just have to know where to find it. So the next time someone tells you they're heading to Dubai, don't judge. You're the one missing out.

There are so many reasons to visit Dubai, from delicious food to desert adventures, water sports, and local produce. Let me share with you four reasons why you should definitely consider a trip to this incredible city.

First up, let's talk about the food. Just like in London, Dubai offers a wide range of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines. You can find French fare at Couqley, Japanese food at Zuma, and a seasonal Indian menu at Carnival by Trèsind. But if you really want to get a taste of the authentic Dubai, I highly recommend heading to Old Dubai. Book a tour with Frying Pan Adventures to get a taste of the local food scene. I went on their Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage and our guide, Farida, who runs the company with her sister, showed us around the city. We tried some of the best shawarma from a hole-in-the-wall eatery and delicious chickpea falafel at a family-run restaurant. We even had the chance to try Masgouf, a traditional Iraqi dish, at an Iraqi eatery. It was a truly unique and delicious experience.

But don't just stick to the popular restaurants and tourist spots. Venture out to the local neighborhoods, like Al Rigga in Deira, and you'll discover a different side of Dubai - one that's full of life, noise, and hardly any tourists. And for a truly authentic Dubai experience, make sure to visit Arabian Tea House, an Emirati restaurant that's been serving locals since 1997. Their seafood dishes, especially the Machboos Robyan, are a must-try.

Next, let's talk about nature. You've probably heard of the popular dune bashing tours in Dubai, where tourists hop in a jeep and go off-roading in the desert. But did you know that this activity is causing environmental damage? That's where Platinum Heritage comes in. They offer a more sustainable way to experience the desert. I joined their Falconry and Nature Safari, which started at 6am, and it was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in Dubai. We rode in a vintage open-top Land Rover, cruising along the isolated desert roads as the sun rose. Then we arrived at a desert camp where we learned about various birds of prey, including falcons, the national bird of the UAE.

Lastly, I have to mention the amazing meal I had at Three By Eva, a Lebanese restaurant in Jumeirah. It was full of locals catching up over a Sunday brunch. The restaurant was founded by Jordanian TV personality Eva Halasa and her daughters, with the aim of sharing their favorite Arabic food. Their feta creme brûlée is a must-try, along with their houmous, vine leaves, and fattoush.

So the next time someone tells you they're heading to Dubai, don't write it off. Give the city a chance and you might just be surprised. From delicious food and desert adventures to water sports and local culture, Dubai has something for everyone. And don't forget, you're the one missing out if you choose not to go.
You are missing out on experiencing the wonders of Dubai. Every time I excitedly tell people about my upcoming trip to this incredible city, I am met with the same response: "I have no desire to go there." It's disheartening to hear that many people have already formed a negative opinion of Dubai without ever setting foot there. They often cite reasons such as lack of culture, excessive materialism, and the presence of influencers and reality TV stars. It's frustrating to hear these criticisms, especially when they come from people who have never actually visited the city.

I first visited Dubai as a child when my extended family relocated there. At the time, the city was relatively unknown. I remember my family going on a boat trip to see the construction of The Palm, the artificial island that has now become one of the most luxurious areas in Dubai. But now, the city is famous for its lavish brunches and beach clubs. While these may be appealing to some, there is so much more to Dubai than what is portrayed on social media.

One of the most surprising aspects of Dubai is its natural beauty. From the stunning mountains of Hatta to the breathtaking deserts surrounding the city, the landscape will leave you in awe. And contrary to popular belief, Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures, with over 200 nationalities living and working together. You just have to know where to look to experience the true diversity of the city.

So, the next time someone tells you they're heading off to Dubai, don't be quick to judge. Instead, consider giving the city a chance and you might just be pleasantly surprised. Here are a few reasons why you should consider visiting: the food, the nature, and the culture.

Dubai offers a wide variety of cuisine, just like any other major city. You can find French food at Couqley, Japanese at Zuma, and seasonal Indian dishes at Carnival by Trèsind. But if you want to experience the more authentic side of Dubai, I recommend exploring Old Dubai. Book a tour with Frying Pan Adventures to get a taste of the local food scene. Our guide, Farida, was a wealth of knowledge and took us to hidden gems in the Al Rigga neighborhood. We tried some of the best shawarma from a small street vendor and delicious falafel at a family-run restaurant. We even sampled the national dish of Iraq, Masgouf, at an Iraqi eatery. Farida's love for food and her neighborhood was infectious, and it was refreshing to see a different side of Dubai.

For a truly authentic dining experience, visit Arabian Tea House, an Emirati restaurant that has been around since 1997. The original branch in Al Fahidi is like stepping back in time. The seafood dishes, particularly the Machboos Robyan, are a must-try.

Another hidden gem in Dubai is Three By Eva, a Lebanese restaurant in Jumeriah. The restaurant was founded by Jordanian TV personality Eva Halasa and her daughters, Emily and Lilian. They serve their favorite Arabic dishes in a chic yet relaxed setting. I highly recommend trying their feta creme brûlée – it's a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert.

Apart from its food scene, Dubai also offers stunning natural landscapes. While many tourists opt for dune bashing tours, which can contribute to environmental degradation, there are more sustainable ways to experience the desert. Platinum Heritage offers tours that allow you to see the desert in style while also being environmentally conscious. I joined their Falconry and Nature Safari, which started at the crack of dawn. We rode in vintage Land Rovers and learned about various birds of prey, including the falcon, the national bird of the UAE.

In conclusion, there is so much more to Dubai than meets the eye. Don't let preconceived notions or social media influencers deter you from experiencing this vibrant and diverse city. From its delicious food and stunning nature to its rich culture, Dubai has something for everyone. So next time someone tells you they're going to Dubai, don't be quick to judge – consider joining them and see for yourself what this city has to offer.

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