Sahar Parham Al Awadhi shares her love of Dubai with no hesitation. “I’m biased,” she admits. I was born and brought up here and think this is the best city in the entire world. Abra is a new restaurant in Dubai that will open in early 2026. Etihad MuseumShe champions New Emirati Cuisine and honors its roots, the heritage and history that lie behind the modern city. This is a place well-known for its superlatives, such as bling, and luxury lifestyle. Dubai is more than just that. Al Awadhi explains that when people claim Dubai has no soul they simply haven’t seen the right places. “If you’re looking for a place to visit, go to Dubai Mall, go ahead. “But seeing this range will change people’s mind.” She takes us through a weekend winter tour of her favorite places, which embraces both the old and the new in Dubai.
Breakfast in Old Dubai
The skyscrapers, supercars are not the only thing to be avoided. Bur Dubai It offers a slower and calmer pace woven from generations of merchants, traders and residents who settled along Dubai Creek. Al Awadhi says that Bur Dubai is a place where cultures come together and it gives her inspiration when she needs a boost or wants to base her restaurant and recipe ideas on the UAE’s history. Breakfasts include dosas and vadas at Sangeetha. Or Sudanese beany stew at Foul Abu Al Abbas. “Bur Dubai, where people have built their homes and businesses, is where you will find Indian restaurants, Filipino bakery, Persian Kebab shops, and stores selling saffron and spices. She says that they’re major influences on Emirati food.
Art and culture architecture and design
Sharjah, a short drive from Dubai, is a popular cultural destination. It is a great place to go for an art and architecture stroll in the morning. Al Awadhi enjoys visiting the Museum of Islamic CivilizationThe museum is housed in an old market, and contains manuscripts, ceramics, astrolabes and a gold embroidered embroidered robe. KiswaThe cloth covering the Kaaba at Makkah. She says, “Look up to see a dome that is covered with mosaics of constellations.” Sharjah Art Foundation galleries are made of traditional coral stone and host diverse and thought-provoking exhibits. Al Awadhi stops in whenever she is near. Bait Elowal, a century-old house transformed into an art-filled café, restaurant and boutique, and the Al Omani Sweet Factory near the Rain Room, an immersive art installation featuring a constant downpour.
