Dubai can offer you much more than luxurious hotels, breathtaking skyscrapers and extravagant shopping malls. Here are six activities far removed from the usual tourist hotspots.
Linda Krockenberger is the boss of the first training center for camel riding. In a gentle desert landscape, away from the glittering metropolis, the German teaches her guests how to handle and ride the long-legged exotic animals. On request, you can book a relaxed ride out into the desert and review what you have learned over a picnic in the dunes. For the particularly adventurous, there's long-distance trekking: Over the course of several days, the camels ride more than 20 kilometers a day through the desert. It's an unforgettable experience, like something out of 1001 nights.
Web: adcrc.me
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Sisters Arca and Farida Ahmed grew up in Dubai and now share their passion for the city's culinary diversity with Frying Pan Tours. On two to four-hour walks, they guide guests through shady alleyways to their favorite cafés, authentic restaurants and the most unusual souks. While dining among the locals, the sisters provide exciting insights into the city's culinary past.
Bringing elegance from the city to the dunes: Stephanie Reichenbach, head of the desert camp Sonara, organizes unique dinners every evening. Her team mesmerizes guests with falcon shows, fire breathers, belly dancers and acrobatics, while the camp's design makes Instagram dreams come true. The finest canapés are served at sunset, along with mini tuna tacos and smoked salmon with lemon sour cream. Bartenders mix the perfect sundowner.
Web: www.nara.ae
On the site of a former marble factory, one of the region's most influential artists' districts has emerged in recent years. The old warehouses on Alserkal Avenue are now home to extravagant events, gastronomy, art and fashion. One of the first on site was the gallery Carbon 12 by Austrian Nadine Knotzer. In her showroom, she is exhibiting works by artists such as Olaf Breuning, Bernhard Buhmann and Sarah Almehari. A new addition is one of the leading event organizers in the MENA region: TMV@TheFridge regularly hosts unique live music evenings.
Web: alserkal.online
Danijela Tesic was recognized by the Michelin Guide as “Beste Sommelière” excellent. If you would like to enjoy her truly extraordinary expertise, it is best to reserve a table in the elegant Stay by Yannick Alleno at One&Only The Palm. The elegant restaurant was also recently awarded a Michelin star. Tesic is currently head sommelier here and enchants guests with the perfect wine accompaniment to fine French cuisine.
The Raw Coffee Company is one of the first specialty roasting companies in the emirate: Two New Zealanders founded the company 15 years ago and have been known for their certified organic coffee beans and boutique coffees ever since. Their enthusiasm for good coffee is palpable and infectious. At the Al Quoz location, coffee tastings and a talent workshop for budding baristas are available on request. If you like, you can take a few of your favorite beans home with you - they stay fresh for at least up to six weeks.
Web: rawcoffeecompany.com
The 5-star resort One&Only The Palm verzaubert Besucher mit einem exzellent geschulten Team und romantischer Architektur. Seine geschwungenen, spanischen Bögen entlang der weitläufigen Fassade erinnern an die maurischen Paläste Andalusiens. Den besten Blick auf dieses wunderschöne Exterieur genießt man mit einem exzellenten Cocktail in der Hand aus dem 850 Quadratmeter großen Infinitypool. Auch der Wellness-Bereich sticht heraus: Hier lockt das einzige Guerlain Spa of the United Arab Emirates for the finest treatments.
One&Only The Palm
West Crescent, Palm-Jumeirah, Dubai – Vereinigte Arabische Emirate
Tel.: +971 4 440 1010
Web: oneandonlyresorts.com
Price: Double room from € 358,-
In the middle of the picturesque desert, around 30 minutes' drive from the Burj Khalifa, The Nest recently opened: Here you sleep in beautiful Berber tents, which are a mixture of tent and luxury hotel room. Each of the 14 nests is beautifully styled, has its own bedroom, bathroom and a mini-bar with a bottle of pre-cooled Laurent-Perrier. As if The Nest's team knew that the champagne would come in handy when you're counting the shooting stars by the private campfire in the evening.
The Nest by Sonara
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971 50 336 7909
Web: nara.ae
Price: Nest from € 586
La Ville Hotel & Suites focuses on sustainability with initiatives to save energy and water, waste management and staff training. The newcomer to the hotel scene was awarded the Gold Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp last year. For guests, this means a clear conscience while enjoying the best view of the skyline with a screwdriver in the rooftop pool.
La Ville Hotel & Suites
Al Multaqa St, Al Wasl, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel. +971 4 403 3111
Web: livelaville.com
Price: Doubles from € 151
The flight ticket for Emirates Airlines comes with 35 kg free baggage allowance in Economy, 40 kg in Business and 50 kg in First Class. There are nine direct flights a day from Germany, three times a day from Frankfurt and twice a day from Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. You can also get to the desert metropolis from Vienna and Zurich without changing planes. The flight time is around 6 hours and on board you can just relax. Emirates Airlines has just been named the best airline for the Middle East, as well as for its excellent in-flight entertainment. Business and First Class guests receive a free chauffeur service of up to 80 kilometers to and from the airport in Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and, of course, at their destination.
Web: emirates.com
