Things to Do in Dubai Beyond the Tourist Attractions

Live Like a Local, Even on Day One

Thinking about relocating to Dubai and want to see the city the way residents do? This guide is for ambitious people who value culture, nature, and everyday neighborhoods just as much as skyline views. We spotlight quieter places and meaningful experiences so you can picture real life in Dubai, not just a weekend of attractions. Use it to plan scouting trips, weekends, or your first weeks in the city with confidence.

Neighborhoods, Nature and Night Skies

Start with Al Fahidi’s backstreets, where restored wind-tower houses, coral-stone textures, and shaded alleys create a pocket of old Dubai. Step into small museums, artist studios, and café courtyards that blend heritage with a growing creative scene. Across town, Al Satwa and parts of older Jumeirah show daily rhythms in low-rise streets, tailoring shops, budget eateries, and family cafés. Walk respectfully, dress modestly, and let the city’s lived-in cadence set the pace.

When you need sea air without the crowds, head to Al Sufouh’s Secret Beach. Its open views of Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab come without loud beach clubs or day-pass fees. Nearby, Jumeirah Fishing Village reveals the maritime roots that shaped Dubai long before modern marinas. For nature with a skyline backdrop, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary offers peaceful bird hides and seasonal flamingos at the head of Dubai Creek - a rare urban wetland focused on conservation and education.

If food is your compass, join an Old Dubai tour in Deira and historic districts. You will sample South Asian, Iranian, and Arab dishes in long-running eateries that locals love, learning how migration has shaped the city’s flavors. For a full reset, plan a day in Hatta, about 90 minutes from central Dubai, to kayak the dam, hike rugged Hajar trails, and visit a heritage village surrounded by mountain scenery and cooler air.

Prefer thoughtful evenings over adrenaline? Choose desert camps centered on hospitality, stories, falconry demonstrations, bread-making, and star-filled skies, with smaller groups and lower noise. If you are drawn to stark beauty and reflection, the Al Madam ghost village - partly reclaimed by dunes - offers cinematic, sand-filled rooms that hint at the region’s rapid change. Round it out with lesser-known parks, oases, and guided night treks around the city’s edges, and consider a local-led “hidden gems” tour to shortcut your research while gaining context from residents.

How ARK Removes the Friction

Relocating should feel exciting, not overwhelming. ARK is a Dubai-based team that helps you move your business and life with clarity and care. We advise on the right business licence, free zone versus mainland structures, residence visas, family sponsorships, banking pathways, health insurance, and housing. We manage timelines and paperwork so you stay compliant and focused on your goals. Our local insight also helps you choose neighborhoods, schools, and routines that match how you want to live.

Next Steps

1. Book a free discovery call with ARK to map your goals and timeline.
2. Share your business concept so we can advise on the best licence and zone.
3. Prepare key documents (passports, proof of address, company details) for review.
4. Plan a short scouting trip using this guide to experience target neighborhoods.
5. Finalize your setup plan, submit applications, and schedule your UAE entry.
6. Arrange residence visas, Emirates ID, and health insurance with ARK’s support.
7. Open your bank account, secure housing, and begin school or nursery research.

Quick Facts That Make Settling Easier

Dubai balances fast growth with pockets of heritage and nature. The best outdoor season runs from October to April, with cooler evenings for walking tours and wildlife viewing. Public transport includes the Metro, tram, and plentiful taxis; ride-hailing apps are widely used. Modest dress is appreciated in traditional areas and mosques, while beachwear fits beach zones. Prepaid SIM cards are simple to buy at the airport, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Grocery delivery, clinic networks, and bilingual schools streamline daily life, and weekend days are Saturday and Sunday. Plan early for schooling, build a monthly budget that accounts for housing and insurance, and give yourself time to explore neighborhoods before you commit.