Travel UAE

Tag: cafe

  • Kalba Waterfront mall

    Kalba Waterfront mall

    After a light hike, it’s absolutely necessary to grab a bite and enjoy the magical winter weather in the UAE.

    We were here once before, last June, when you step outside and immediately start sweating. A small shopping mall with a few cafés/restaurants and a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

    But now, you soak up the endless sunshine to warm up a bit, even though you’re standing there in shorts and a t-shirt, with the breeze and shade keeping you cool.

    In such a small country, desert landscapes blend seamlessly with these man-made, cozy, and numerous little oases.

    Kalba Waterfront Mall

    GPS: 25.003819, 56.352296
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Buhais Geology Museum

    Buhais Geology Museum

    We visited the Buhais Geological Museum in Sharjah. There are two highlights of this place:

    1. The Theater: Animated visuals explain the unique features of the location and why the museum was built there. After the presentation, the screen slides away to reveal a panoramic window with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
    2. The Walking Trail: A nearly 1-kilometer-long trail through the foothills where you can try to spot ancient fossilized marine organisms or shells. The trail is far from civilization, allowing you to admire colorful rocks and the unique mountain formations of the local ridge.

    The museum displays stones and many fossilized shells of ancient creatures that lived in the ocean depths millions of years ago.

    After exploring and walking, you can enjoy a coffee at the museum’s café and later indulge in an outdoor dinner under the stars.

    GPS: 25.019605, 55.796832
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    Photos

  • Winter City

    Winter City

    Winter City is the winter event at Dubai Expo City. Every December Dubai Expo City is transformed into a magical land with a traditional chalet-style Christmas market, pine trees and fun fairground games, with a towering tree and a letter-to-Santa station. 

    GPS: 24.960379, 55.150772
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Al Seef

    Al Seef

    The Al Seef Historical District stretches for 1.8 km along the shoreline of Dubai Creek, blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovations right in the heart of Dubai. It features numerous shops in authentic historical interiors, offering a glimpse into the past. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of unique restaurants to explore.

    The “old” town transitions into a modern waterfront area at a certain point. With its traditional architecture, the historical section gradually merges into contemporary spaces, creating a fascinating contrast.

    What to Expect:

    • Perfect for evening walks: The atmosphere becomes magical as the city lights up with millions of lights.
    • Daytime comfort: Shaded areas provide a cool retreat from the sun.
    • Convenience: Beneath the entire area lies a massive, free underground parking lot, making it easily accessible.

    Al Seef is a delightful spot for a stroll, combining history and modernity in one place.

    GPS: 25.264615, 55.301732
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    Photos

  • Global Village

    Global Village

    Global Village, a massive entertainment park in Dubai, offers a unique combination of cultural exploration, performances, and amusement rides. It’s divided into two main areas:

    1. Cultural Pavilions: Half of the park is dedicated to various national pavilions, each showcasing architecture and traditions unique to their respective countries. Here, you can explore local crafts, cuisines, and products from all over the world. However, despite the abundance of food stalls, seating is scarce, making it inconvenient to enjoy a meal comfortably.
    2. Entertainment and Rides:
      • The park features two large stages hosting theatrical and cultural performances, including a dedicated stage for children’s shows.
      • The rides section is vast, catering to all ages. The variety is impressive, from gentle rides for young children to adrenaline-pumping options for adults. However, the mix of attractions can be overwhelming—for example, a child on a gentle water ride might be startled by a loud adult ride passing nearby.
      • An open-air ice rink adds a unique touch to the experience.

    Unfortunately, personal scooters like your child’s are prohibited inside the park. Although rental mobility options are available, the sheer volume of visitors makes them hard to navigate or enjoy.

    Key Tips:

    • Plan your visit: The park opens in the evening (around 4–5 PM; check the schedule), with peak crowds arriving after 6 PM. Arriving early can help you avoid the worst of the crowds.
    • Tickets: Buy tickets online for a discount.
    • Be prepared for crowds: The park is extremely popular, and managing the sheer number of visitors can be challenging, especially if you’re with children.

    Overall, Global Village offers a unique cultural and entertainment experience, but the overwhelming crowds can detract from the enjoyment.

    GPS: 25.071815, 55.308498
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  • Dibba Al-Hisn

    Dibba Al-Hisn

    Dibba Al-Hisn is the northernmost of the three exclaves of the Emirate of Sharjah, located on the eastern coast of the UAE in a fertile valley at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. Named after its fort (hisn), it is the central area of the three Dibba districts. Dibba Muhallab to the south belongs to the Emirate of Fujairah, while the northernmost Dibba Bayah is part of the Sultanate of Oman.

    From the sea, one city split in half, with the border between Oman and the UAE running through it. While the border is not visible, you know its presence. From the sea—specifically from an artificial island—you can walk along the well-developed waterfront or stop at the seemingly only building there, Wave Cafe. The second floor offers a wonderfully atmospheric spot with stunning sea views. Standing on the promenade, you can look out at the city, the mountains, and the coastline of another country. If you venture into the city, though, you’ll encounter a fence and a checkpoint, as the northern enclave belongs to Oman, characterized by its mountainous and sparsely populated landscape.

    I visited the promenade, which is still being developed. One notable feature is the massive flag at Emirates Flagpole Square, next to the beautiful Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque. Nearby, in the local “port,” you’ll find diving and fishing centers.

    Overall, it’s a pleasant place for a couple of hours of walking, especially if you stick to the promenade without exploring the city further.

    GPS: 25.621362, 56.281728
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    Photos

  • Resistance Monument

    Resistance Monument

    Resistance Monument — a structure located in the city of Khor Fakkan. The monument is positioned atop a hill overlooking Khor Fakkan Square and is dedicated to those who resisted the Portuguese invasion in 1507. Remnants of the Portuguese era can still be seen in Khor Fakkan, and the pathway surrounding the memorial provides a perfect spot to take in views of the city and reflect on its history.

    Inside, there’s a café where visitors can sit outdoors, basking in the rays of the setting sun while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

    GPS: 25.320787, 56.340341
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  • Al Suhub Rest Area

    Al Suhub Rest Area

    At the peak of one of the mountains towering over the city of Khorfakkan, a leisure area called Al Suhub has been created. It features a restaurant, observation decks, a children’s play area, and, of course, parking. The location is accessible via a winding serpentine road that takes 5–10 minutes to drive. The peak sits approximately 500 meters above sea level, with the sea at the base, seemingly within arm’s reach.

    From there, breathtaking views of Khorfakkan, its bay, the surrounding mountains, the Gulf of Oman, and about 100 cargo ships anchored far off the shore unfold before you. With its large panoramic windows (or the terrace encircling it), the restaurant offers a spot to grab a bite. If you dine at the restaurant, your parking fee is waived for the first two hours (after that, standard rates apply).

    A little before reaching the peak, there’s another rest area with parking. Here, you’ll find food trucks (one of them is called Rajab Cafeteria), numerous tables for picnics and gatherings, and a playground. You can grab a very affordable meal at the food trucks, which is perfect for those who don’t want to spend much at the restaurant. The views here are also quite decent, though slightly less stunning than those from the top.

    GPS: 25.360842, 56.323809
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    Photos