Hidden Gems in Dubai: Secret Spots You Probably Didn’t Know About

Dubai – the futuristic Middle Eastern wonder of a city, has more to offer than meets the eye. Beyond the tallest skyscraper in the world – the Burj Khalifa, or the largest floral garden in the world, the place also offers a host of unique and rare experiences that can likely never be found elsewhere – a selection of secret spots for the niche traveller.

The interesting part is that while most of the iconic landmarks of the city are packed with tourists year-round, some of these hidden places in Dubai remain untouched and more appealing for the introverted wanderlust. What’s more, each of these select attractions offers wholesome experiences that will feed your soul, not just your thirst for adventure.

Here we dive deeper into some of the most spectacular hidden gems of Dubai that you must visit in your next trip.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a stunning 225-square-kilometre natural reserve that was built to protect and conserve the natural inland ecosystem of Dubai. Here, Sand Sherpa, the city’s leading eco-adventure company offers a host of activities as part of their sustainable exploration initiatives. At the reserve, you can indulge in dune buggy rides, camel trekking, sandboarding, fat bike riding, and many more fun adventures, including a chance to get up close with a falcon. 

Interestingly Sand Sherpa is the only authorized operator that is permitted access to DDCR’s wilderness reserve as well, for some of its camps. 

Look for unique Dubai tour packages to experience this hidden gem of Dubai.

Also Read: Essential Guide to Planning Your Dubai Trip Itinerary

Dubai Coffee Museum

Coffee is known to be an integral part of Arab culture. An explorative trip to Dubai inevitably demands a deeper dive into the history and diversity of the beverage. The best place to do that is the Dubai Coffee Museum – one of the most culturally enriching hidden places in Dubai. Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the museum is nestled among a whole array of interesting treasures in the old district making it a more wholesome experience. At the museum, you can learn more about the history of coffee, taste a variety of coffee recipes at the cafe, buy unique coffee concoctions, history books, and manuals on ways to roast coffee beans, and more. Suffice it to say, that the museum offers a one-of-a-kind unmissable indulgence into the world of coffee. 

Moon Island

Moon Island is a spectacular crescent-shaped wonder that promises a world of unique experiences. Located off the coast of Dubai, the place offers exciting water activities and adventures including snorkelling, diving, private boat trips, deep-sea fishing tours, and more. You can also choose to camp out under the stars at Moon Island making for an exotic tropical island experience right in the middle of the desert country. 

Don’t forget to take panoramic lenses and drones to capture the beauty of the island wholesomely when enjoying the experience.

Choose carefully curated Dubai tour packages to visit this hidden gem of Dubai.

XVA Art Hotel

The XVA Art Hotel is what you would call an art lover’s paradise. Tucked away in the Al Fahidi district, this masterpiece of a hotel, unlike many others in fancy Dubai, has only 14 rooms, each of which is beautifully and thoughtfully designed. The property, which was formerly a residence also has a tasteful cafe that serves Middle Eastern vegetarian delicacies. In addition, you will find various galleries, design shops, and an award-winning restaurant to explore within the hotel, which makes the experience more enriching. To top it off, it has a rooftop garden, perfect to spend a peaceful evening. It is not always that you find hidden places in Dubai that check all the boxes.

Also Read: Top Things to Do in Dubai for the Ultimate Holiday Experience

Hatta Dome Park And Secret Pool

Hatta Dome Park offers an exceptional glamping experience – one that lets you soak in the magnificent mountain views of the region. The park features 15 amenity-rich tents, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a fancy washroom, a TV, and a mini-fridge. In addition to the comfort-inducing aspect of these tents, you also get to enjoy sweeping views of the mountains through the colossal windows, and a private outdoor terrace.

The Secret Pool, on the other hand, is a secluded haven of tranquility for those looking to disconnect from the world and unwind.
Together, the Hatta Park and Secret Pool are two hidden gems of Dubai worth exploring to satisfy your wanderlust.

Al Qudra Lake

Al Qudra Lake is a spectacular desert oasis that stands as a refreshing scenic escape from the bustling futuristic city. It is perfect for travellers seeking solace to de-compress while also craving luxury. Being one of the few nature-oriented hidden places in Dubai, it is perfect for picnics, birdwatching adventures, breathtaking sunsets, and peaceful getaways. An excellent way to enjoy this experience would be to book your stay at one of the best hotels in Dubai and go on a road trip over the weekend to Al Qudra Lake. Enjoy a weekend picnic and get back to the big city for the rest of your Dubai itinerary.

Also Read: 6 Best Hotels in Bur Dubai for a Luxurious Staycation

Wrapping Up: The Best Hidden Gems of Dubai

From an exotic coffee museum to a unique crescent moon-shaped island hosting exciting water sports, Dubai is home to a variety of interesting hidden places that not many know of. These secret spots will not only make your Dubai tour more enriching and worthwhile but also make it an unforgettable experience of which you will be telling stories to your friends and family for the rest of your life.

Choose thoughtfully curated Dubai tour packages and cheap flights to Dubai well in advance to experience these hidden gems of Dubai comfortably.

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FAQs

What to do in Dubai’s hidden gems?

There are a variety of things you can do at the hidden gems of Dubai. Some of them are:

• Go sandboarding at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Take a camel safari at the DDCR
• Taste the local speciality coffee at the Dubai Coffee Museum
• Go snorkelling or deep-sea fishing at the Moon Island
• Scroll through mesmerising Indigenous art and have dinner at an award-winning restaurant at the XVA Art Hotel
• Experience glamping at the Hatta Dome Park and Secret Pool
• Go on a weekend road trip and picnic at Al Qudra Lake

What is the name of the fake market in Dubai?

The Karam Market or Karama Market in Dubai is known as the fake market as it is home to several shops selling high-quality copies of luxury brands. Tourists typically purchase copies of branded items at reasonable prices at the Karam Market.

What is Dubai best known for?

Dubai, often nicknamed the futuristic city, is best known for its luxury shopping experiences, modern architecture, cultural richness, and world-class entertainment. 

Is the Dubai Fountain Show free of charge?

Yes, the Dubai Fountain Show is completely free of charge. It is a stunning display of lights, water, and music that runs every half an hour every evening, typically between 6 pm and 11 pm.

Where can I apply for Dubai visa online?

You can apply for Dubai visa with select travel partners who provide online visa services for 180+ countries. Many travel agencies offer quick and efficient visa services at best prices.

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