IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

The places in Dubai where you'll get a real sense of the city.

- 

AL QUOZ

On the surface, the industrial Al Quoz—all warehouses and dusty car parks—is one of Dubai's least alluring neighbourhoods. But there's more here than meets the eye. Since 2008, Alserkal Avenue has drawn an artistic crowd with an ever-growing number of galleries, but it's also grown into a community hub.

Days here start with Vinyasa or barre at the yoga studio Shimis or indoor cycling at Crank, followed by a cold brew at Nightjar, a Mexican breakfast at Lila Molino + Cafe, or a shakshuka paratha at Not (So) Guilty, before browsing contemporary South Asian art at the Ishara Art Foundation or thought-provoking photography at Gulf Photo Plus. The avenue is home to Dubai's first art-house movie theatre, Cinema Akil, where programming includes festivals like Reel Palestine and Arab Cinema Week.

Across the road, in the flower- and palm-filled Courtyard, you can browse hand-painted Birkenstock sandals and velvet abayas at Caravana, and ethically sourced homewares at Tribe, then stop for lunch at Cassette, where Parisian bistro favourites are served to curated playlists that change monthly. There's plenty for families to do, including experiential play at OliOli, trampolining at Bounce, theatre workshops at Courtyard Playhouse, and chocolate factory visits at Mirzam.