Thank you Jo. Yes I have successfully avoided all the brunches, and I was in and out of Dubai mall as quickly as possible. I do think these cultural sides of the city are really interesting, but it has taken me a while to discover where they are and how to get there. This article was inspired by - what do I do with all these great photos :D I might need to have a photo feature on my newsletter from now on. I enjoy those everyday streetshots too much!
That's interesting Artemisia. I don't think I would have found these areas if I hadn't ended up here for a few years for work and been desperately searching for culture. They are kind of known but not known at the same time. I think AlSerkal - the main area I visited on this wander - was only first opened in 2007/8, so it probably was even more under the radar when you were here. I do know that Dubai Culture are really interested in making Dubai a more attractive place for creatives and so I do think this side of the city is expanding.
I find this very encouraging and was thinking that perhaps you had a chance to discover the softer local culture because you live there at the moment. I used to go there for family reasons and actually stopped because of feeling (and often being made to feel) uncomfortable in public places, although admittedly that was mainly in Sharjah. Long story, maybe for a private conversation! I would like to go back again some day. Places change, times change (we change!) x
Hmm interesting. I would love to know more about that some time - I think I might have a similar story from Egypt. Sharjah is a bit more traditional in my experience, so I wonder if that was a factor. Dubai is such a mix of cultures and I have felt super safe and left alone in the streets.
I always find my experience of a place is a mix of why I ended up there and what I made of it. I hated Dubai when I first arrived, mainly because it felt quite soul-less and only about work. But gradually I have found these parts I enjoy like culture districts and quiet neighbourhoods or coffee shops. I do think when I lost my job my enjoyment of the place increased because I felt I could get to know it, without the 8 - 5 office hustle which was v draining. But of course, that means I am likely leaving soon.
Always love a wander.
Also not sure if you saw this from fellow substacker Una earlier in the year, but an interesting take on "outsiders" in Dubai coming together - https://open.substack.com/pub/styledbyuna/p/dinner-with-five-strangers?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2380rr
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining me on this wander in Dubai! No I haven't seen this article from Una - I will check it out.
Links to places I visited:
https://www.instagram.com/tribedubai/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/bostonlane.dubai/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/caravana_conceptstore/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/courtyarduae/?hl=en
It’s lovely to hear about this other side of Dubai. I’ve never been and what I’ve mostly heard about is the flashy, moneyed side of it.
Lush photos as always. 🩶
Thank you Jo. Yes I have successfully avoided all the brunches, and I was in and out of Dubai mall as quickly as possible. I do think these cultural sides of the city are really interesting, but it has taken me a while to discover where they are and how to get there. This article was inspired by - what do I do with all these great photos :D I might need to have a photo feature on my newsletter from now on. I enjoy those everyday streetshots too much!
I love this piece. Definitely not my experience of Dubai 12 years ago - it's wonderful to hear about a softer, 'parallel' side to materialism etc
That's interesting Artemisia. I don't think I would have found these areas if I hadn't ended up here for a few years for work and been desperately searching for culture. They are kind of known but not known at the same time. I think AlSerkal - the main area I visited on this wander - was only first opened in 2007/8, so it probably was even more under the radar when you were here. I do know that Dubai Culture are really interested in making Dubai a more attractive place for creatives and so I do think this side of the city is expanding.
I find this very encouraging and was thinking that perhaps you had a chance to discover the softer local culture because you live there at the moment. I used to go there for family reasons and actually stopped because of feeling (and often being made to feel) uncomfortable in public places, although admittedly that was mainly in Sharjah. Long story, maybe for a private conversation! I would like to go back again some day. Places change, times change (we change!) x
Hmm interesting. I would love to know more about that some time - I think I might have a similar story from Egypt. Sharjah is a bit more traditional in my experience, so I wonder if that was a factor. Dubai is such a mix of cultures and I have felt super safe and left alone in the streets.
I always find my experience of a place is a mix of why I ended up there and what I made of it. I hated Dubai when I first arrived, mainly because it felt quite soul-less and only about work. But gradually I have found these parts I enjoy like culture districts and quiet neighbourhoods or coffee shops. I do think when I lost my job my enjoyment of the place increased because I felt I could get to know it, without the 8 - 5 office hustle which was v draining. But of course, that means I am likely leaving soon.
To be fair, I never felt unsafe, just uncomfortable - I will DM you later today