Insider's Guide to Dubai: Local Tips from Lightfoot's Team

The standard of hotels in Dubai is exceptional, and there is an abundance of options. We continuously choose these hotels for their setting, atmosphere and service – whether creekside, on the coast or out in the dunes. 

Along the coast, Jumeirah’s Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr are timeless favourites. They evoke old Arabian allure with winding canals, peaceful courtyards, fountains, turrets, and archways opening onto the sea. Add the picture-perfect view of the Burj Al Arab, and you can’t help but feel on holiday the moment you arrive. It still feels like pure magic every time we go! 

One&Only Royal Mirage  is another classic – elegant, low-rise, and quietly luxurious, it feels a world away from the city’s buzz. Park Hyatt Dubai sits on the Creek away from the hustle and bustle. Opened in 2005, it certainly isn’t the newest, but it’s beautiful and serene: think whitewashed, Andalusian-inspired lines, lush gardens and Creek views. A haven of peace in the city. It’s also home to a wonderful spa and the most elegant seafood brunch at Noepe, which overlooks Dubai Creek. Lovely in winter when the air is cooler. 

Then there’s The Dubai EDITION in Downtown – stylish and intimate, with one of our favourite lobbies in the city and a clutch of excellent bars and restaurants. For something more low-key, XVA Art Hotel in Old Dubai is a little hidden gem. It reveals a slower, more unpolished side of the city, with a tiny gallery and a leafy courtyard where you can sip coffee under creeping vines. It’s tucked into the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, with Al Seef and its museums, souks, and Creekside dhow rides a short stroll away. Nearby, Al Seef Heritage Hotel by Hilton is another good option if you want a taste of old-world Dubai with a touch more luxury. 

When you want to swap skyline for sand, Bab Al Shams  is perfect for a dose of desert glamour. Just 45 minutes from town, its design is inspired by a desert village, with winding pathways, courtyards and traditional falaj water channels that give it a wonderfully authentic feel. The pool is a highlight – perfect for a day soaking up the desert sun. Evenings are atmospheric: lanterns flickering in the sand, dinners with live entertainment, and traditional red cushions to sink into. Bab Al Shams is also great for desert activities – camel or horse rides, or even dune bashing. Like many hotels in the city, Bab Al Shams offers pool day passes, so you can escape for a few hours with a friend. Even if you’re just coming for supper, Nader advises arriving an hour before sunset – the dunes glow and the whole place feels cinematic. 

Dubai’s food scene is absolutely booming right now, but these are the places we love, trust, and return to.

Kinoya is a home-grown, female-run gem that’s so good it made its way to Harrods in London. Start with the comforting ramen, and don’t skip the tempura.

From secret supper club to a moody, red-hued restaurant with cool art and an Asian hawker-inspired menu, Hawker Boi is great for date night or a chic catch up with friends. The drunken noodles and Asian greens are Romy’s go-to, while Camille loves the Peking duck and gyozas.

3Fils is a humble harbour setting with serious credentials – recognised by the Michelin Guide and World’s 50 Best. Despite this, it feels intimate and unfussy. If you can, sit on the outdoor upstairs terrace – the skyline views are incredible, especially with the contrast of the sleepy harbour below.

For something fancy, La Petite Maison in DIFC is a favourite, recommended by Camille, who knows the menu inside out. It’s been around for years and it’s always buzzy, with a vibrant atmosphere and unmistakable Provençal flair. They serve some of the finest French–Mediterranean food in an elegant setting, and at weekends the jazz bands lift the room, making it one of the most joyful restaurants in town.

If money’s no object, Mimi Kakushi is your spot. Think 1920s Osaka with sultry interiors, an excellent à la carte menu and an omakase experience that’s mind-bogglingly good. They also have a Saturday brunch, which is somewhat more affordable. Michelin Guide-approved and ranked in the World’s Top 50, Mimi is undoubtedly one of the city’s best.

Imported from London, SUSHISAMBA is one of Dubai’s most iconic dining rooms, with 360° views across The Palm. It works at any time of day – party brunch, business lunch, or our favourite: sundowners that stretch into dinner.

Moajanat Al Khalili is a must-do for anyone visiting Dubai. It’s our favourite no-frills shawarma spot next to a mosque (always a good sign), with the friendliest staff and homemade falafel. Beyond their falafel wraps and shawarmas, the manakeesh is pillowy perfection – and the halloumi and za’atar is another must. Ask for extra pickles and a fresh orange juice on the side.

Dibba Oysters is a tucked-away shack in a fishing harbour where the oysters are local, simple, and perfect. There’s also a licensed JBR branch if you fancy a glass of champagne alongside.

A Dubai institution since 1978, Ravi Restaurant is a Pakistani favourite with branches in Satwa and Al Karama, serving authentic dishes with zero fuss. Go for lunch before the parathas sell out.

Much of Dubai’s coast is now privatised, but Nessnass Beach remains a rare holdout. It’s wonderfully simple – no rows upon rows of loungers, just kite surfers and locals pulling out fold-up chairs. There’s a mutual appreciation among those who go: an unspoken understanding that this is one of the last “real” beaches in Dubai. From here, you get brilliant views of the Downtown skyline – the perfect contrast: city glitz in the background, simplicity in the foreground. It’s also where you’ll find Romy on early runs, finishing with a dip and a coffee on the sand.

When you want something calm and genuinely enriching, paddleboarding in The Palm’s lagoon offshoots is one of our favourite escapes. Head to Ignite Water Sports and glide through the still, lagoon-like waters between the fronds. It’s equal parts workout, skyline-gazing, sun-soaking and dream-house window shopping.

When you want to float above it all, head to AURA Skypool– set on the 50th floor, it is home to the world’s highest 360° infinity pool. If you’re in the mood to do something lavish, it’s worth it. Get a day pass and be sure to book well in advance, as the beds get snapped up. There are countless pool and beach clubs in the city – this just feels like the most unique.